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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Paternal Family Tree: Bridgeman
On 9th December 1649 Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet was born to [his father] Bishop John Bridgeman (age 72).
On 11th November 1652 [his father] Bishop John Bridgeman (age 75) died at Moreton, Shropshire. He was buried at Kinnerley, Shropshire.
After 1661 Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet (age 11) educated at Westminster School [Map].
After 1663 Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet (age 13) educated at Magdalene College aka Buckingham, Cambridge University.
In 1669 Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet (age 19) was elected MP Horsham.
In 1669 Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet (age 19) educated at Inner Temple.
On 28th September 1670 Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet (age 20) and Mary Cave Lady Bridgeman (age 16) were married. He the son of Bishop John Bridgeman.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 1st October 1671 [his brother] Bishop Henry Bridgeman was consecrated as Bishop of Sodor and Man.
On 12th November 1673 Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet (age 23) was created 1st Baronet Bridgeman of Ridley in Cheshire. [his wife] Mary Cave Lady Bridgeman (age 19) by marriage Lady Bridgeman of Ridley in Cheshire.
On 27th April 1678 [his son] Orlando Bridgeman 2nd Baronet was born to Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet (age 28) and [his wife] Mary Cave Lady Bridgeman (age 24). He married 15th April 1702 Susanna Dashwood Lady Bridgeman, daughter of Francis Dashwood 1st Baronet and Mary Jennings.
On 15th May 1682 [his brother] Bishop Henry Bridgeman died.
In 1696 Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet (age 46) was elected Fellow of the Royal Society.
On 22nd July 1700 [his son-in-law] Thomas Newport 1st Baron Torrington (age 45) and [his daughter] Penelope Bridgeman were married at Chelsea. He the son of Francis Newport 1st Earl Bradford (age 80) and Diana Russell Countess Bradford.
On 20th April 1701 Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet (age 51) died. His son Orlando (age 22) succeeded 2nd Baronet Bridgeman of Ridley in Cheshire.
Around June 1701 [his former wife] Mary Cave Lady Bridgeman (age 47) died.
[his daughter] Penelope Bridgeman was born to Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet and Mary Cave Lady Bridgeman. She married 22nd July 1700 Thomas Newport 1st Baron Torrington, son of Francis Newport 1st Earl Bradford and Diana Russell Countess Bradford.
Great x 1 Grandfather: Edward Bridgeman 
GrandFather: Thomas Bridgeman
Father: Bishop John Bridgeman