Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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Paternal Family Tree: Badlesmete
Maternal Family Tree: Emmeline Riddlesford 1223-1276
In 1303 Gilbert Umfraville and [her mother] Margaret Clare Baroness Badlesmere (age 15) were married. He the son of Gilbert Umfraville 7th Earl Angus (age 58) and Elisabetha Comyn. They were third cousin once removed. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
On 30th June 1308 [her father] Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere (age 32) and [her mother] Margaret Clare Baroness Badlesmere (age 21) were married.
After 30th June 1308 Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford was born to [her father] Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere (age 32) and [her mother] Margaret Clare Baroness Badlesmere (age 21) at Castle Badlesmere [Map]. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
In 1309 [her father] Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere (age 33) was created 1st Baron Badlesmere. [her mother] Margaret Clare Baroness Badlesmere (age 21) by marriage Baroness Badlesmere.
In 1312 [her father] Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere (age 36) was appointed Constable of Leeds Castle.
On 27th June 1316 [her brother-in-law] Edmund Mortimer (age 13) and [her sister] Elizabeth Badlesmere Countess Northampton (age 3) were married at Kinlet, Cleobury Mortimer [Map]. He the son of Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March (age 29) and Joan Geneville Baroness Mortimer 2nd Baroness Geneville (age 30). They were fourth cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King John of England. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
On 25th July 1316 Robert Fitzpayn 3rd Baron Fitzpayn (age 16) and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 8) were married.
Before 25th November 1316 [her brother-in-law] William Ros 2nd Baron Ros Helmsley (age 31) and [her sister] Margery Badlesmere Baroness Ros of Helmsley (age 8) were married. She by marriage Baroness Ros Helmsley. The difference in their ages was 23 years.
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.
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On 27th May 1320 Bishop Henry Burghesh (age 28) was appointed Bishop of Lincoln due to the influence of his uncle [her father] Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere (age 44) despite the chapter having already elected a new bishop.
On 13th October 1321 Isabella of France Queen Consort England (age 26) was returning from Canterbury, Kent [Map] to London. She sought accommodation at Leeds Castle, Kent [Map] which was under the protection of [her mother] Margaret Clare Baroness Badlesmere (age 34) the wife of [her father] Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere (age 46). Margaret Clare Baroness Badlesmere refused entry to the Queen killing around six of her retinue when they tried to force entry. King Edward II of England (age 37) commenced the Siege of Leeds Castle. Once King Edward II of England gained possession of the castle, he had the garrison hanged from the battlements. His wife Margaret Clare Baroness Badlesmere, her five children ([her sister] Margery Badlesmere Baroness Ros of Helmsley (age 13), Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 13), Elizabeth Badlesmere Countess Northampton (age 8), Giles Badlesmere 2nd Baron Badlesmere (age 6) and Margaret Badlesmere Baroness Tibetot (age 6)), and her nephew Bartholomew "The Elder" Burghesh 1st Baron Burghesh (age 34), were imprisoned in the Tower of London [Map].
Around 1322 [her father-in-law] Robert Fitzpayn 2nd Baron Fitzpayn (age 37) died. Possibly 14th October 1322 at the Rout of Byland Abbey. His son [her husband] Robert (age 22) succeeded 3rd Baron Fitzpayn.
On 16th March 1322 the rebel army led by Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 44) attempted to cross the bridge over the River Ure (between Ripon and York) at Boroughbridge Bridge [Map]. Their path was blocked by forces loyal to the King led by Andrew Harclay 1st Earl Carlisle (age 52). [her father] Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere (age 46), Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March (age 34), John Botetort 1st Baron Botetort (age 57) and John Maltravers 1st Baron Maltravers (age 32) fought for the rebels. Roger Clifford 2nd Baron Clifford (age 22), Nicholas Longford (age 37), Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln, John Mowbray 2nd Baron Mowbray (age 35) were captured.
Warin Lisle (age 51) was hanged after the battle at Pontefract [Map].
Following the battle Hugh Audley 1st Earl Gloucester (age 31) and his wife Margaret Clare Countess Gloucester were both imprisoned. He in Nottingham Castle [Map] and she in Sempringham Priory [Map].
John Clinton 2nd Baron Clinton (age 22), Ralph Greystoke 1st Baron Greystoke (age 22), William Latimer 2nd Baron Latimer of Corby (age 46), Robert Lisle 1st Baron Lisle (age 34), Domhnall Mar II Earl of Mar (age 29) and Peter Saltmarsh (age 42) fought for the King.
Adam Everingham 1st Baron Everingham of Laxton (age 43) was captured.
Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex (age 46) was killed. His son John (age 15) succeeded 5th Earl Hereford, 4th Earl Essex.
Piers Grandison 2nd Baron Grandison (age 31) fough for the rebels, and was captured.
Hugh Audley 1st Baron Audley of Stratton Audley (age 55) surrendered before the battle and was imprisoned in Wallingford Castle [Map] for the rest of his life
John Giffard 2nd Baron Giffard Brimpsfield (age 34) was captured.
Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March was imprisoned at Tower of London [Map].
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On 14th April 1322 [her father] Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere (age 46) was tried by Henry Cobham 1st Baron Cobham (age 62) at Canterbury, Kent [Map].
Sentenced to death Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere was drawn for three miles behind a horse to Blean, Canterbury, where he held property, where he was beheaded. His head was displayed on the Burgh Gate, Canterbury and the rest of his body left hanging at Blean, Canterbury. He was buried at Whitefriars. His nephew Henry Burghesh's (age 30) lands were also seized. These were restored around 1326.
Around 1322 [her husband] Robert Fitzpayn 3rd Baron Fitzpayn (age 23) died. His nephew John succeeded 4th Baron Fitzpayn.
Around 1328 [her brother] Giles Badlesmere 2nd Baron Badlesmere (age 13) and [her sister-in-law] Elizabeth Montagu Baroness Badlesmere and Despencer (age 4) were married. She the daughter of William Montagu 1st Earl Salisbury (age 27) and Catherine Grandison Countess of Salisbury (age 24).
In 1328 [her brother] Giles Badlesmere 2nd Baron Badlesmere (age 13) attainder reversed 2nd Baron Badlesmere. [her sister-in-law] Elizabeth Montagu Baroness Badlesmere and Despencer (age 4) by marriage Baroness Badlesmere.
On 17th April 1331 Robert de Vere 6th Earl of Oxford (age 73) died. His nephew [her future husband] John (age 19) succeeded 7th Earl of Oxford.
On 22nd October 1333 [her mother] Margaret Clare Baroness Badlesmere (age 46) died.
In 1335 [her brother-in-law] William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton (age 25) and [her sister] Elizabeth Badlesmere Countess Northampton (age 22) were married. He the son of Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex and Princess Elizabeth of Rhuddlan Countess Essex, Hereford and Holland. They were fourth cousins. He a grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
In 1336 John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford (age 23) and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 27) were married. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. They were third cousin twice removed. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
Around 1336 [her son] Thomas de Vere 8th Earl of Oxford was born to [her husband] John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford (age 23) and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 27). He married before 16th January 1362 his half fifth cousin once removed Maud Ufford Countess of Oxford, daughter of Ralph Ufford and Maud Plantagenet Countess Ulster, and had issue.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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Around 1338 [her son] Aubrey de Vere 10th Earl of Oxford was born to [her husband] John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford (age 25) and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 29). He married before 15th August 1385 his second cousin once removed Alice Fitzwalter Countess of Oxford, daughter of John Fitzwalter 3rd Baron Fitzwalter and Eleanor Percy Baroness Fitzwalter, and had issue.
On 7th June 1338 [her brother] Giles Badlesmere 2nd Baron Badlesmere (age 23) died. Baron Badlesmere abeyant between his sisters Margery Badlesmere Baroness Ros of Helmsley (age 29), Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 29), Elizabeth Badlesmere Countess Northampton (age 25) and Margaret Badlesmere Baroness Tibetot (age 23).
Calendar Inquitisitions Port Mortem Volume 8 Edward III 185. 185. [her brother] Giles De Badelesmere (deceased), Knight.
Writ to Henry Darcy, mayor of the city of London, and king's escheator there, 16 July [1338], 12 Edward III.
London.
Inq. Friday before St. Bartholomew, 12 Edward III.
Alegate. A tenement, 17 shops, and a garden adjacent, within Alegate, worth when let 9l.; out of which there are paid yearly to the lords of that fee for quit rent, 56s. 4d., and for repairs, 40s.
Lymstret lane. A tenement and a garden, worth 40s., out of which are paid yearly for repair of houses and walls and for enclosing of the said tenement and garden, 20s.
All held of the king in chief, as the whole of the city of London is.
Margery (age 30) the wife of Sir William de Ros (age 53), Maud (age 30) the wife of the earl of Oxford (age 26), Elizabeth (age 25) the wife of the earl of Northampton (age 28), and Margery (age 23) (sic) the wife of Sir John Tipetoft (age 24), are his sisters and co-heirs, and of full age.
John Tiptoft 2nd Baron Tibetot.
Continues.
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On 3rd September 1341 [her son-in-law] Hugh Courtenay (age 14) and Elizabeth de Vere were married. She the daughter of John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford (age 29) and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 33). He the son of Hugh Courtenay 2nd or 10th Earl Devon (age 38) and Margaret Bohun Countess Devon (age 30). They were third cousin once removed. He a great grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
Before 1350 John de Vere and Elizabeth Courtenay were married. She the daughter of Hugh Courtenay 2nd or 10th Earl Devon (age 46) and Margaret Bohun Countess Devon (age 38). He the son of John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford (age 37) and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 41). They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. She a great granddaughter of King Edward I of England.
In 1350 [her daughter] Elizabeth de Vere died.
In 1350 [her son] John de Vere died.
On 18th June 1356 [her sister] Elizabeth Badlesmere Countess Northampton (age 43) died at Blackfriars Church Holborn.
On 24th January 1360 [her husband] John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford (age 47) died. He was buried at Colne Priory, Essex [Map]. His son Thomas (age 24) succeeded 8th Earl of Oxford.
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.
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Before 1361 [her son-in-law] Henry Beaumont 3rd Baron Beaumont (age 20) and Margaret Vere Baroness Devereux and Beaumont were married. She by marriage Baroness Beaumont. She the daughter of John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 52). He the son of John Beaumont 2nd Baron Beaumont and Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Arundel and Surrey (age 42). They were fourth cousin once removed. He a great x 2 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
Before 16th January 1362 Thomas de Vere 8th Earl of Oxford (age 26) and Maud Ufford Countess of Oxford (age 17) were married. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. She the daughter of Ralph Ufford and Maud Plantagenet Countess Ulster (age 52). He the son of John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 53). They were half fifth cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry III of England.
On 18th October 1363 [her sister] Margery Badlesmere Baroness Ros of Helmsley (age 55) died.
On 24th May 1366 Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 57) died.
[her son] Robert Vere was born to John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford.
[her daughter] Margaret Vere Baroness Devereux and Beaumont was born to John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford. She married (1) before 1361 her fourth cousin once removed Henry Beaumont 3rd Baron Beaumont, son of John Beaumont 2nd Baron Beaumont and Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Arundel and Surrey, and had issue (2) 1377 her fifth cousin John Devereux 1st Baron Devereux and had issue.
[her daughter] Elizabeth de Vere was born to John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford. She married 3rd September 1341 her third cousin once removed Hugh Courtenay, son of Hugh Courtenay 2nd or 10th Earl Devon and Margaret Bohun Countess Devon, and had issue.
[her son] John de Vere was born to John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford. He married before 1350 his third cousin once removed Elizabeth Courtenay, daughter of Hugh Courtenay 2nd or 10th Earl Devon and Margaret Bohun Countess Devon.
Kings Wessex: Great x 9 Grand Daughter of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 9 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 11 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 9 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Kings England: Great x 4 Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 8 Grand Daughter of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 10 Grand Daughter of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 14 Grand Daughter of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
GrandFather: Gunselin Badlesmere 
Father: Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere
GrandMother: Joan Fitzbernard
Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger Clare 2nd Earl Hertford 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Clare 3rd Earl Hertford
Great x 4 Grandmother: Maud St Hilary Countess Hertford
Great x 2 Grandfather: Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford 2 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Amice Fitzrobert Countess Hertford Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester 
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard de Clare 6th Earl Gloucester 5th Earl Hertford 3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Fitzgilbert 
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Marshal 1st Earl Pembroke
Great x 4 Grandmother: Sybil of Salisbury
Great x 2 Grandmother: Isabel Marshal Countess Cornwall, Gloucester and Hertford
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard "Strongbow" Clare 2nd Earl Pembroke
Great x 3 Grandmother: Isabel Clare Countess Pembroke
Great x 4 Grandmother: Aoife ni Diarmait Macmurrough Countess Pembroke and Buckingham
GrandFather: Thomas de Clare 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Fitzrichard 6th Baron Halton 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Roger Lacy 6th Baron Pontefract 7th Baron Halton
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Essex
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Lacy Earl Lincoln
Great x 3 Grandmother: Maud Clere Baroness Lacy Baroness Warkworth 
Great x 1 Grandmother: Maud Lacy Countess Gloucester and Hertford 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Saer Quincy 1st Earl Winchester
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Quincy Earl Lincoln
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Beaumont Countess Winchester
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Quincy 3rd Countess Lincoln and Pembroke 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh de Kevelioc Gernon 5th Earl Chester Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Hawise Gernon 2nd Countess Lincoln 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Bertrade Montfort Countess Chester
Mother: Margaret Clare Baroness Badlesmere 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Maurice Fitzgerald 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Gerald Fitzgerald 1st Lord Offaly
Great x 2 Grandfather: Maurice Fitzgerald 2nd Lord Offaly
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert de Bermingham 1st Baron of Athenry
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eve Bermingham
Great x 1 Grandfather: Maurice Fitzgerald 4th Lord Offaly
Great x 2 Grandmother: Juliana Granville Baroness Offaly 
GrandMother: Juliana Fitzgerald 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England 
Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Longespée Earl Salisbury Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Ida Tosny Countess Norfolk 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Stephen Longespée Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William of Salisbury 2nd Earl Salisbury
Great x 3 Grandmother: Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Vitre Countess of Salisbury
Great x 1 Grandmother: Emmeline Longespée Baroness Offaly Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Walter Riddlesford
Great x 3 Grandfather: Walter Riddlesford
Great x 2 Grandmother: Emmeline Riddlesford