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.
Paternal Family Tree: Biddulph
In 1654 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet was born to [his father] Theophilus Biddulph 1st Baronet (age 42).
On 2nd November 1664 [his father] Theophilus Biddulph 1st Baronet (age 52) was created 1st Baronet Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent being named for his home Westcommbe Manor Greenwich.
On 31st December 1673 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 19) and Henrietta Maria Whitley (age 20) were married at Westminster Abbey [Map].
In 1678 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 24) stood for MP Lichfield but was defeated.
In 1679 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 25) was elected MP Lichfield.
In April 1683 [his father] Theophilus Biddulph 1st Baronet (age 71) died at Greenwich, Kent [Map]. On 14th April 1683 he was buried at Stow Church Lichfield. His son Michael (age 29) succeeded 2nd Baronet Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent.
Around 1685 [his son] Theophilus Biddulph 3rd Baronet was born to Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 31) and [his wife] Henrietta Maria Whitley (age 32).
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.
Around September 1689 [his wife] Henrietta Maria Whitley (age 36) died. On 15th September 1689 she was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].
Roger Whitley's Diary. 3rd May 1690. Satorday, I went to Chester, visited Scranmore & Anderson & Angell; dined with G.Mainwaring (age 47) there was Crew, Sir William Russell, Palmer, 2 other Captaines Morgan, Bedisford & Minshall, &c. after dinner came Scranmore, then Angell; I left them past 4; visited Booth; went to Jacksons, discoursed Hunt awhile in the streete; Hall Bingley, Salisbury, came after me to Jacksons, dranck a glasse of wine, left us; then came Minshall, Richard Wright, Farington, Lloyd, Hardware, &c. I left them before 7, Morgan went home with me. I found Sir Michael Bidolph (age 36) at Peele.
In 1695 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 41) was elected MP Lichfield.
On 25th November 1696 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 42) and Richard Dowdeswell of Pull Court, Bushley, Worcestershire (age 43) voted for the attainder of John Fenwick 3rd Baronet (age 51).
On 7th March 1697 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 43) and Elizabeth D'Oyly were married.
In 1702 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 48) was elected MP Lichfield despite his being in prison at the time for debts.
On 20th April 1718 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet (age 64) died. He was buried at Greenwich, Kent [Map] on 1st May 1718. His son Theophilus (age 33) succeeded 3rd Baronet Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent.
In April 1740 [his former wife] Elizabeth D'Oyly died.