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.
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On 26th April 1859 [her father] William Morris (age 25) and [her mother] Jane Morris nee Burden (age 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 [her father] William Morris (age 28) and [her mother] Jane Morris nee Burden (age 22) at the Red House. She was baptised 30th May 1862 at Christ Church, Bexleyheath.
1871. The census records [her father] William Morris (age 36), [her mother] Jane Morris nee Burden (age 31), Elizabeth Burden, sister-in-law, Jane Alicia Morris (age 9), Mary "May" Morris (age 8) and three servants living at 21 Queen Square, Bloomsbury.
1872. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 43). Portrait of Mary "May" Morris (age 9).
1873. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 44). "La Ghirlandata" aka "The Garlanded Woman" aka "The Lady of the Wreath". Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 26). Mary "May" Morris (age 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 (age 46). The Blessed Damozel. Models centre Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 28), probably left-hand angel Mary "May" Morris (age 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 (age 48). Photograph of Mary "May" Morris (age 24).
On 14th June 1890 Henry Halliday Sparling (age 30) and Mary "May" Morris (age 28) were married at Fulham Register Office. She the daughter of William Morris (age 56) and Jane Morris nee Burden (age 50).
On 3rd October 1896 [her father] William Morris (age 62) died after several months of "general organic degeneration", at Kelmscott House, Hammersmith. He died, Mackail says, 'quietly and without visible suffering' (II, 335)'
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 (age 56) and daughter Mary "May" Morris (age 34) attended. The funeral is described by William Fredeman here.
In 1898 Henry Halliday Sparling (age 38) and Mary "May" Morris (age 35) were divorced.
In 1906 Wilfrid Scawen Blunt (age 65) and Anne King-Noel 15th Baroness Wentworth (age 68) were legally separated as a consequence of the numerous mistresses he had taken which included Jane Morris nee Burden (age 66), Catherine Walters aka "Skittles", his cousin Mary Wyndham (age 43) and, possibly, her mother Madeline Caroline Frances Eden Campbell.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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3rd November 1909. Unknown Photographer. Photograph of Mary "May" Morris (age 47).
On 26th January 1914 [her mother] Jane Morris nee Burden (age 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 (age 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 (age 64) died.
On 17th October 1938 Mary "May" Morris (age 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