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Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 21st March 1841 Keomi aka Keytumas Gray was born to [her father] Osery Gray at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire [Map]. The year of her birth complicated - the Census records are inconsistent. Her grave states "Died 19 Sep 1914 aged 73" which would make her birth year 1841.
1863. Retouched 1873. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 34). "Die Geliebte" aka "The Beloved" aka "The Bride". Models: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 16), Ellen Smith, Marie Ford Model, Fanny Entwhistle aka Eaton (age 27) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 21).
Two Biblical texts are inscribed on the frame below the painting.
My beloved is mine and I am his. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: For thy love is better than wine. [The Song of Songs by King Solomon]
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company, and shall be brought unto thee.
In 1863 [her illegitimate daughter] Ethel Gray was born illegitimately to Frederick Sandes (age 33) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 21).
1863. Frederick Sandes (age 33). "Vivien". The subject of the picture is Vivien, also known as the Lady of the Lake, the enchantress of Merlin from Alfred Tennyson's (age 53) poetic work Idylls of the King. The model was Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 21).
Around 1863. Frederick Sandes (age 33). "Cassandra". The model was Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 21).
Around 1864. Frederick Sandes (age 34). "Morgan-le-Fay". The enchantress of Arthurian legend also known as Morgana. Fay meaning Fairy. The model was Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 22).
In 1865 [her illegitimate son] Frederick Cyril Gray was born illegitimately to Frederick Sandes (age 35) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 23).
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
The Diary of George Price Boyce 1865. 5th December 1865. December 5. To Gabriel Rossetti (age 37)'s at Chelsea. He at home and Wm. and Fanny—Sandys (age 36) and his gipsy girl (Kiomi (age 24)) there also.
In 1867 [her illegitimate daughter] Madeline Gray was born illegitimately to Frederick Sandes (age 37) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 25).
1868. Frederick Sandes (age 38). "Medea". From Wikipeadia: In Greek mythology, Medea is the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, a niece of Circe and the granddaughter of the sun god Helios. Medea figures in the myth of Jason and the Argonauts, appearing in Hesiod's Theogony around 700 BC, but best known from Euripides's tragedy Medea and Apollonius of Rhodes' epic Argonautica. Medea is known in most stories as a sorceress and is often depicted as a priestess of the goddess Hecate. The model was Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 26).
In 1868 [her illegitimate son] Henry Herbert Gray was born illegitimately to Frederick Sandes (age 38) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 26).
On 24th September 1875 Charles Stewart Bonnett (age 22) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 34) were married at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk [Map].
After 24th September 1875 [her daughter] Nellie Bonnet was born to [her husband] Charles Stewart Bonnett (age 22) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 34).
After 24th September 1875 [her daughter] Rose Bonnet was born to [her husband] Charles Stewart Bonnett (age 22) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 34).
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
After 24th September 1875 [her daughter] Florence Bonnet was born to [her husband] Charles Stewart Bonnett (age 22) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 34).
On 19th September 1914 Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 73) died at Gorleston on Sea, Norfolk [Map]. She was buried at the Old Cemetery, Gorleston on Sea [Map].
Photos by Adam from Find a Grave.
On 16th June 1925 [her former husband] Charles Stewart Bonnett (age 72) died. He was buried at the Old Cemetery, Gorleston on Sea [Map].
