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.
On 26th April 1859 [her father] William Morris [aged 25] and [her mother] Jane Morris nee Burden [aged 19] were married at St Michael at the Northgate Church, Oxford after which they moved to the Red House.
On 25th March 1862 Mary "May" Morris was born to William Morris [aged 28] and Jane Morris nee Burden [aged 22] at the Red House. She was baptised 30th May 1862 at Christ Church, Bexleyheath.
1871. The census records [her father] William Morris [aged 36], [her mother] Jane Morris nee Burden [aged 31], Elizabeth Burden, sister-in-law, Jane Alicia Morris [aged 9], Mary "May" Morris [aged 8] and three servants living at 21 Queen Square, Bloomsbury.
1872. Dante Gabriel Rossetti [aged 43]. Portrait of Mary "May" Morris [aged 9].
1873. Dante Gabriel Rossetti [aged 44]. "La Ghirlandata" aka "The Garlanded Woman" aka "The Lady of the Wreath". Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding [aged 26]. Mary "May" Morris [aged 10] modelled for the heads in the corners. A woman playing a harp as two angels surround her, enclosed by vivid flowers – including honeysuckle and roses – and luscious green foliage which melds into the green of her dress.
Between 1875 and 1878. Dante Gabriel Rossetti [aged 46]. The Blessed Damozel. Models centre Alice aka Alexa Wilding [aged 28], probably left-hand angel Mary "May" Morris [aged 12]. The first four verses of his poem The Blessed Damozel are written on the frame. In the collection of the Lady Lever Art Gallery [Map].
Around 1887. Frederick Hollyer [aged 48]. Photograph of Mary "May" Morris [aged 24].
On 14th June 1890 Henry Halliday Sparling [aged 30] and Mary "May" Morris [aged 28] were married at Fulham Register Office. She the daughter of William Morris [aged 56] and Jane Morris nee Burden [aged 50].
On 3rd October 1896 [her father] William Morris [aged 62] died after several months of "general organic degeneration", at Kelmscott House, Hammersmith. He died, Mackail says, 'quietly and without visible suffering' (II, 335)'
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 6th October 1896 [her father] William Morris [deceased] was buried at St George's Church, Kelmscott [Map]. His gravestone was designed by his friend Philip Webb. His wife [her mother] Jane Morris nee Burden [aged 56] and daughter Mary "May" Morris [aged 34] attended. The funeral is described by William Fredeman here.
In 1898 Henry Halliday Sparling [aged 38] and Mary "May" Morris [aged 35] were divorced.
In 1906 Wilfrid Scawen Blunt [aged 65] and Anne King-Noel 15th Baroness Wentworth [aged 68] were legally separated as a consequence of the numerous mistresses he had taken which included Jane Morris nee Burden [aged 66], Catherine Walters aka "Skittles", his cousin Mary Wyndham [aged 43] and, possibly, her mother Madeline Caroline Frances Eden Campbell.
3rd November 1909. Unknown Photographer. Photograph of Mary "May" Morris [aged 47].
On 26th January 1914 [her mother] Jane Morris nee Burden [aged 74] died at 5 Brock Street, Bath. On 29th January 1914 she was buried at St George's Church, Kelmscott [Map] in the same grave as her husband [her father] William Morris. Her body was driven in a 'motor' from Bath to the manor house just before the service. Her coffin was 17th century style and in oak with brass furniture and a simple inscription of her name and date of death, and was carried into the church by six village men. The church was well attended by the villagers as well as familiar names from the world of art and literature including Marie Stillman [aged 69] whose wreath was noted in the papers. The hymn 'Now the labourer's task is o'er' was sung and the organist played the Dead March as the coffin was carried out to where William was already buried.
On 9th September 1924 [her former husband] Henry Halliday Sparling [aged 64] died.
On 17th October 1938 Mary "May" Morris [aged 76] died at Kelmscott Manor, Oxfordshire. She was buried in the same grave as her father and mother at St George's Church, Kelmscott [Map].
Great x 1 Grandfather: Unamed Morris
GrandFather: William Morris
Great x 2 Grandfather: Charles Stanley
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stanley
Father: William Morris
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Shelton
Great x 1 Grandfather: Joseph Shelton
GrandMother: Emma Shelton