Text this colour links to Pages. Text this colour links to Family Trees. Place the mouse over images to see a larger image. Click on paintings to see the painter's Biography Page. Mouse over links for a preview. Move the mouse off the painting or link to close the popup.

All About History Books

The 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.

Biography of Sarah Eliza Hackett 1832-

In 1832 Sarah Eliza Hackett was born. Daughter of a farmer in Diseworth, Leicestershire, where she spent her formative years.

Around 1851 in an undated letter, Charles Allston Collins (age 22) wrote to Holman Hunt: "I have been very much occupied lately having taken the trouble of persuading a young lady [Sarah Eliza Hackett] to sit, who struck both Millais and myself as having possessed a very beautiful head – she was a friend of a friend of mine so after some trouble I managed to secure her, but I have been obliged to hurry very much as her time was limited. I had to pursue her to her own house and take sittings there, getting up very early for this purpose."

In 1851 Sarah Eliza Hackett is recorded in the census as residing in Lambeth as a visitor. Her uncle, Dr. John Thompson, lived in the Marylebone district and he was not only the family doctor to the Collins household for over twenty years but he and his family were also close friends of the Collins family.

On 15th January 1851 Millais wrote to Mrs. Combe: "I saw Carlo last night, who has been very lucky in persuading a very beautiful young lady [Sarah Eliza Hackett] to sit for the head of 'The Nun'. She was at his house when I called, and I also endeavoured to obtain a sitting, but was unfortunate, as she leaves London next Saturday."

In or after June 1851. Charles Allston Collins (age 23). "Convent Thoughts". The passion flower symbolising the Passion of Christ. The missal in her left hand shows the Annunciation and Crucifixion. The model probably Sarah Eliza Hackett. The artist had borrowed the same costume fot the nun that William Holman Hunt (age 24) has used for Claudio and Isabella. The flowers were all painted from nature in the garden of Thomas Combe's home in the quadrangle of the Clarendon Press in Oxford.

All About History Books

The Deeds of King Henry V, or in Latin Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.

Available at Amazon as eBook or Paperback.

In or after 1852 Reverend Frederick Nash and Sarah Eliza Hackett were married.