Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Paternal Family Tree: Blackett
In May 1621 William Blackett 1st Baronet was born at Gateshead, County Durham.
On 10th July 1645 William Blackett 1st Baronet (age 24) and Elizabeth Kirkley were married at Hamsterley, County Durham [Map].
On 25th October 1649 [his son] Edward Blackett 2nd Baronet was born to William Blackett 1st Baronet (age 28) and [his wife] Elizabeth Kirkley. He married (1) 1674 Mary Norton (2) 1676 Mary Yorke Lady Blackett and had issue (3) 1699 Diana Booth Lady Delaval and Blackett, daughter of George Booth 1st Baron Delamer and Elizabeth Grey Baroness Delamer.
On 14th June 1657 [his son] William Blackett 1st Baronet was born to William Blackett 1st Baronet (age 36) and [his wife] Elizabeth Kirkley. He married 22nd January 1685 Julia Conyers, daughter of Christopher Conyers 2nd Baronet and Julia Lumley, and had issue.
On 12th December 1673 William Blackett 1st Baronet (age 52) was created 1st Baronet Blackett of Newcastle in Northumberland.
In 1674 [his son] Edward Blackett 2nd Baronet (age 24) and [his daughter-in-law] Mary Norton were married.
On 7th April 1674 [his wife] Elizabeth Kirkley died. She was buried at Cathedral Church St Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne [Map].
After 7th April 1674 William Blackett 1st Baronet (age 52) and Lady Margaret Cock were married. She by marriage Lady Blackett of Newcastle in Northumberland.
In 1676 [his son] Edward Blackett 2nd Baronet (age 26) and [his daughter-in-law] Mary Yorke Lady Blackett (age 19) were married.
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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Before 16th May 1680. John Riley (age 34) and John Closterman (age 20). Portrait of William Blackett 1st Baronet (age 59).
On 16th May 1680 William Blackett 1st Baronet (age 59) died. His son Edward (age 30) succeeded 2nd Baronet Blackett of Newcastle in Northumberland. [his daughter-in-law] Mary Yorke Lady Blackett (age 23) by marriage Lady Blackett of Newcastle in Northumberland.