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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Around 1505 William Bill was born.
In 1551 William Bill (age 46) was appointed Master of Trinity College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1558 William Bill (age 53) was appointed Masterof Trinity College, Cambridge University [Map].
In 1558 William Bill (age 53) was appointed Almoner to Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 24).
Henry Machyn's Diary. 20th November 1558. The xx day of November dyd pryche at Powlles crosse doctur Bylle (age 53), quen Elsabeth('s) chaplen, and mad a godly sermon.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 27th March 1559. The xxvij day of Marche dyd pryche at sant Mare Spyttyl doctur Bylle (age 54) the quen('s) (age 25) amner [almoner].
Henry Machyn's Diary. 9th April 1559. The ix day of Aprell dyd pryche at Powlles crosse [Map] doctur Bylle (age 54) the quen('s) (age 25) awmer, and declaryd warfor the byshopes whent to the Towre.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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Henry Machyn's Diary. 23rd June 1559. The xxiij day of June was electyd vj nuw byshopes, com from beyond the see, master Parker (age 54) bysshope of Canturbere, master Gryndall (age 40) bysshope of London, docthur Score (age 49) bysshope of Harfford, Barlow (age 61) Chechastur, doctur Bylle of Salysbere [Note. Possibly a reference to William Bill (age 54) although he wasn't Bishop of Salisbury, doctur Cokes (age 66) (of) Norwyche [Note. He was elected but the Queen changed her mind and appointed him to Ely].
Henry Machyn's Diary. 6th March 1560. The vj of Marche dyd pryche at the court doctur Byll (age 55) dene of Westmynster that day in the quen('s) chapell, the crosse and ij candylles bornyng and the tabulles standyng auter-wyse.
On 30th June 1560 William Bill (age 55) was appointed Dean of St Paul's Cathedral.
On 15th July 1561 William Bill (age 56) died. He was buried in the Chapel of St Benedict, Westminster Abbey [Map].
Henry Machyn's Diary. 20th July 1561. The xx day of July was bered in Westmynster abbay [Map] master Bylle (deceased) dene of Westmynster abbay and master of Etton and master (of sant John's) college in Cambryge, and cheyffe amner [almoner] to the quen('s) (age 27) grace.
Note. P. 264. Burial of [William] Bill, dean of Westminster. His sepulchral brass remains in the abbey, and has been engraved, as also a portrait derived from it, for the series of portraits of the deans of Westminster which accompany their lives in Neale and Brayley's History of Westminster Abbey. See also an engraving in Dart, i. 101.