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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Biography of William Beechey 1753-1839

William Beechey is in Painters.

On 12th December 1753 William Beechey was born.

1789. William Beechey (age 35). Portrait of Paul Sandby (age 58).

Before 1790. William Beechey (age 36). Portrait of George Brudenell aka Montagu 1st Duke Montagu (age 77) in the Windsor Uniform.

In 1797. William Beechey (age 43). Portrait of Princess Amelia Hanover (age 13).

Princess Amelia Hanover: On 7th August 1783 she was born to King George III of Great Britain and Ireland and Charlotte Mecklenburg Strelitz Queen Consort England. On 2nd November 1810 Princess Amelia Hanover died. Before September 1823 Elizabeth Boughton Baroness Templetown was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Princess Amelia Hanover.

Around 1800. William Beechey (age 46). Portrait of King George III of Great Britain and Ireland (age 61).

1800. William Beechey (age 46). Self-Portrait.

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.'

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1803. William Beechey (age 49). Portrait of Henry Addington 1st Viscount Sidmouth (age 45).

Around 1815. William Beechey (age 61). Portrait of Harriet Mellon Duchess St Albans (age 37).

1818. William Beechey (age 64). Portrait of Princess Augusta Hesse-Kassel Duchess Cambridge (age 20).

1826. William Beechey (age 72). Portrait of Thomas Assheton-Smith of Ashley in Cheshire (age 74).

Around 1830. William Beechey (age 76). Portrait of King William IV of the United Kingdom (age 64).

Before 1835 . William Beechey (age 81). Portrait of Joseph Nollekens. An autographed replica by Beechey of the work which now hangs in the Tate Britain, London

Before 28th January 1839. William Beechey (age 85). Portrait of Charles Brudenell 1st Marquess Ailesbury (age 65).

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 28th January 1839 William Beechey (age 85) died.