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: Delves
Before 4th October 1652 [his father] Thomas Delves 3rd Baronet [aged 22] and [his mother] Elizabeth Ravenscroft [aged 23] were married.
On 4th October 1652 Thomas Delves 4th Baronet was born to [his father] Thomas Delves 3rd Baronet [aged 22] and [his mother] Elizabeth Ravenscroft [aged 23].
On 2nd December 1654 [his mother] Elizabeth Ravenscroft [aged 25] died.
On 23rd May 1663 [his grandfather] Henry Delves 2nd Baronet [aged 65] died. His son [his father] Thomas [aged 32] succeeded 3rd Baronet Delves of Dodington in Cheshire.
On 13th August 1674 Thomas Delves 4th Baronet [aged 21] and Jane Knightley [aged 21] were married.
On 4th October 1678 [his daughter] Elizabeth Delves was born to Thomas Delves 4th Baronet [aged 26] and [his wife] Jane Knightley [aged 25]. She married 10th February 1710 Brian Broughton 3rd Baronet, son of Thomas Broughton 2nd Baronet and Rhoda Amcotts Lady Broughton, and had issue.
Roger Whitley's Diary. 8th June 1690. Sonday, (Whitsonday) his Majesty [aged 39] went from Peele to Chester; (Portland [aged 40], Scarborough [aged 40] & Warrington [aged 38] in the coach with him interl); I, Bidolph & one of his servants followed the Guards, &c.( the Mayor, Aldermen met him at Boughton, the Livery & Bearers in the streete interl); he went directly to the Cathedral [Map], sate in the Bishops seate; the Bishop [aged 57] attended him as Clarke of the Closet; then preached; after sermon took coach immediately at the church doore, soe to dinner at Geaton, &c. I had 2 pockets picked in the church & severall others besides myselfe; the Mayor invited me but I refused him; I, Bidolph & G.Mainwaring [aged 47] dined with Streete; severall came here to us; Bellot & I went thence to visit Sir Thomas Delves [aged 37], &c. I left Bellot there; went to Jacksons; there were Bidolph, Streete, G.Mainwaring, my 2 sons, Warburton, Wright, Governor (but he stayd not), Colonel Harman, another officer,&c. I and Bidolph & Roger left them past 7; came home neare 9; found Mr Offley there, he stayd all night.
Roger Whitley's Diary. 11th June 1690. Wednesday, a messenger came from Sir Thomas Delves [aged 37] to let us know his lady was not well, soe could not dine with us; but would call to morrow; Bidolph Offley & Roger dined with us; there came 2 men to speake with him about Boudlers money, stayd not, &c. after dinner came Kelsall; sayed Lord Warrington [aged 38] & Mainwaring would be here about 3; would eate a bitt of meate, &c. but he went away about 5; his Lordship staying late at Chester could not call; Mainwaring came past 8.
Roger Whitley's Diary. 12th June 1690. Thursday, Nat Boothe came about 9, went about 10; Sir Thomas Delves [aged 37], his lady, cosen Mainwaring, Foster, Forbes, Angell, Lee, &c. dined with us; after diner came Lady Crew, Mrs Offley, Mrs Aston, &c. these stayd till after supper; Delves,&c. went about 5, Angell soone after them; after supper came Sir Rowland Gwynne [aged 32], Mr LeLeck; Roe: Manley; G.Mainwaring [aged 47] stayd all night, soe did Offley & Nat. Lee.
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 24th December 1692 [his wife] Jane Knightley [aged 39] died.
In or before 1697 Thomas Delves 4th Baronet [aged 44] and Elizabeth Booth [aged 23] were married. The difference in their ages was 20 years. She the daughter of Henry Booth 1st Earl Warrington and Mary Langham Countess Warrington. They were half fourth cousin twice removed.
In 1697 [his wife] Elizabeth Booth [aged 24] died.
In or before 1700 Thomas Delves 4th Baronet [aged 47] and Elizabeth Barker were married.
In 1700 [his son] Henry Delves was born to Thomas Delves 4th Baronet [aged 47] and [his wife] Elizabeth Barker.
On 10th February 1710 [his son-in-law] Brian Broughton 3rd Baronet [aged 32] and [his daughter] Elizabeth Delves [aged 31] were married. She her father's heiress.
On 15th May 1713 [his father] Thomas Delves 3rd Baronet [aged 82] died. His son Thomas [aged 60] succeeded 4th Baronet Delves of Dodington in Cheshire.
In 1725 [his son] Henry Delves [aged 25] died.
On 12th September 1727 Thomas Delves 4th Baronet [aged 74] died. Baronet Delves of Dodington in Cheshire extinct.
Kings Wessex: Great x 20 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 23 Grand Son of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 25 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 23 Grand Son of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Kings England: Great x 15 Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 19 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 27 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 21 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 25 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Delves 
9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Delves 10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Delves 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Delves 1st Baronet 12 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
GrandFather: Henry Delves 2nd Baronet 13 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Father: Thomas Delves 3rd Baronet 14 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Wilbraham
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Wilbraham
Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Egerton 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Helena Egerton
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Wilbraham
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Grosvenor 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Grosvenor
Great x 2 Grandmother: Dorothy Grosvenor
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Cotton
Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Cotton
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Brereton
GrandMother: Mary Wilbraham
Thomas Delves 4th Baronet 15 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Ravenscroft
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Ravenscroft of Bretton
Great x 2 Grandfather: Peter Ravenscroft
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Ravenscroft
GrandFather: Hall Ravenscroft
Mother: Elizabeth Ravenscroft