Westminster Chronicle of King Richard II, 1381-1394
The Westminster Chronicle is one of the most vivid and important narrative sources for the reign of Richard II. Written by an anonymous chronicler closely connected with Westminster Abbey, it covers the years 1381 to 1394, from the Peasants’ Revolt to the political tensions, court ceremonies, diplomatic negotiations, royal progresses, and public crises of Richard’s later reign. Rich in detail the chronicle records major events such as the conflicts between the King and Lords Appellant, King and the City of London, negotiations with France and Scotland, the death and funeral of Queen Anne of Bohemia, the illness of Charles VI of France, and the changing fortunes of leading nobles including John of Gaunt, Thomas of Gloucester, Robert de Vere, and the Earl of Arundel. The Chronicle offers readers a remarkable window into late fourteenth-century England, combining political observation, courtly spectacle, urban drama, ecclesiastical affairs, and moral judgement. It is an essential source for anyone interested in medieval monarchy, London, Westminster, and the troubled reign of Richard II.
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In 1547 Nicholas Hilliard was born in Exeter, Devon [Map].
In 1571 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 24] produced "a booke of portraitures" for Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester [aged 38].
In 1572 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 25] painted the "Phoenix Portrait" of Elizabeth I [aged 38].
Research in 2010 found the painting used wood from the same tree used for the Pelican Portrait.
1572. Nicholas Hilliard [aged 25]. Portrait probably of Levina Bening aka Teerlinc [aged 57].
In 1572 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 25] painted the "Pelican Portrait" of Elizabeth I [aged 38].
The Pelican being the pendant hung from her necklace of pearls; pearls a symbol of virginity. Pelicans traditionally used as sign of self-sacrifice since the Pelican was believed to peck at her own breast to feed her young; the symbolism meaning Elizabeth had sacrificed herself for England.
Other details include the highly decorated armlet above her elbow and many jewels over her red velvet gown and headress. The two cherries tucked into her right ear possibly refer to her virginity; possibly an over-interpretation of the modern use of cherry.
Research in 2010 found the painting used wood from the same tree used for the Phoenix Portrait.
In 1572 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 25] became portrait painter to Elizabeth I [aged 38].
Around 1574 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 27] invested in a gold mine in Scotland. The venture failed. Hilliard's life was beset with money issues.
1576. Nicholas Hilliard [aged 29]. Miniature Portrait of Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham [aged 40].
In 1576. After Nicholas Hilliard [aged 29]. Portrait of Mary Queen of Scots [aged 33].
Westminster Chronicle of King Richard II, 1381-1394
The Westminster Chronicle is one of the most vivid and important narrative sources for the reign of Richard II. Written by an anonymous chronicler closely connected with Westminster Abbey, it covers the years 1381 to 1394, from the Peasants’ Revolt to the political tensions, court ceremonies, diplomatic negotiations, royal progresses, and public crises of Richard’s later reign. Rich in detail the chronicle records major events such as the conflicts between the King and Lords Appellant, King and the City of London, negotiations with France and Scotland, the death and funeral of Queen Anne of Bohemia, the illness of Charles VI of France, and the changing fortunes of leading nobles including John of Gaunt, Thomas of Gloucester, Robert de Vere, and the Earl of Arundel. The Chronicle offers readers a remarkable window into late fourteenth-century England, combining political observation, courtly spectacle, urban drama, ecclesiastical affairs, and moral judgement. It is an essential source for anyone interested in medieval monarchy, London, Westminster, and the troubled reign of Richard II.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1576 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 29] travelled to France where he stayed with the English Ambassdor to France Amyas Paulett.
In 1576 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 29], whilst in France, painted a portrait of Francis Bacon 1st Viscount St Alban [aged 14] who was attached to the English Embassy at the time.
On 5th May 1576 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 29] was given the monopoly on producing miniatures and engravings of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland [aged 9] by the King.
Around 1577 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 30] painted a portrait of Amyas Paulett.
In 1577 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 30] was provided with a stipend of 200 livres by Francis Valois Duke Anjou [aged 21], a suitor of Elizabeth I [aged 43].
Around 1585. Nicholas Hilliard [aged 38]. Miniature Portrait of Anthony Mildmay [aged 35]. Hilliard represents Mildmay standing in a luxurious tent filled with beautiful furniture preparing for a tournament surrounded by objects that allow the artist to feature a variety of rich textures including red velvet, blue ostrich feathers, and gleaming metal.
Around 1590 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 43]. Portrait of George Clifford 3rd Earl of Cumberland [aged 31].
Around 1590 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 43]. Portrait of Mary Sidney Countess Pembroke [aged 28].
Mary Sidney Countess Pembroke: On 27th October 1561 she was born to Henry Sidney and Mary Dudley. On 21st April 1577 Henry Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke and she were married. She by marriage Countess Pembroke. The difference in their ages was 23 years. He the son of William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke and Anne Parr Countess Pembroke. They were sixth cousins. On 25th September 1621 Mary Sidney Countess Pembroke died of smallpox at Herbert Townhouse Aldersgate Street. Her funeral was held at St Paul's Cathedral [Map]. She was buried at Salisbury Cathedral [Map].
In 1591 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 44] painted a portrait of Francis Drake [aged 51].
In 1591 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 44] painted a portrait of Walter Raleigh [aged 37].
Around 1592 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 45] painted a portrait of Lettice Knollys Countess Essex and Leicester [aged 48].
In 1597 the John Donne [aged 24] praised Nicholas Hilliard [aged 50] in his poem "The Storm": A hand or an eye, By Hilliard drawn is worth an history, By a worse painter made.
In 1599 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 52] secured an annual allowance from Elizabeth I [aged 65] of £40.
Around 1600 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 53] painted the portrait of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland [aged 33].
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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Around 1600 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 53] wrote his treaty on painting called "The Art of Limning".
In July 1601 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 54] wrote to Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury [aged 38], asking permission to retire from London and live more cheaply in the countryside. He explained that he had trained apprentices who now competed with him in the private painting market. Hilliard asked that Cecil employ his son as a clerk, because he could not keep him in his own trade.
In 1617 Elizabeth I gave Nicholas Hilliard [aged 70] £400 for having made a second Great Seal.
In 1617 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 70] was briefly imprisoned in Ludgate Prison after standing surety for the debt of another, and being unable to produce the amount.
On 3rd January 1619 Nicholas Hilliard [aged 72] died.
On 7th January 1619 Nicholas Hilliard [deceased] was buried in St Martin's in the Fields [Map]. In his will he left twenty shillings to the poor of the parish, thirty between his two sisters, some goods to his maidservant, and all the rest of his effects to his son, Lawrence Hilliard, his sole executor.