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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In 1769 William Owen was born to Jeremiah Owen at 13 Broad Street, Ludlow. He was baptised at Ludlow Parish Church - probably St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].
Before 1797 William Owen [aged 27] was working as a studio assistant to John Hoppner [aged 38].
On 2nd December 1797 William Owen [aged 28] and Lener Leaf were married.
1810 to 1811. William Owen [aged 41]. Portrait of Charles Gould aka Morgan 2nd Baronet [aged 49].
1810 to 1811. William Owen [aged 41]. Portrait of Bishop Shute Barrington [aged 75].
On 23rd January 1810 John Hoppner [aged 51] died. William Owen [aged 41] succeeded as portrait painter to the Prince of Wales [aged 47].
Before 1812. William Owen [aged 42]. Portrait of John Scott 1st Earl Eldon [aged 60].
John Scott 1st Earl Eldon: On 4th June 1751 he was born. The London Gazette 15160. Whitehall, July 18, 1799. The King has been pleased to grant unto the Right Honorable Sir John Scott, Knight, late His Majesty's Attorney-General, and to the Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten, the Dignity of a Baron of the Kingdom of Great Britain, by the Name, Style, and Title of Baron Eldon, of Eldon, in the County Palatine of Durham. The London Gazette 17722. Whitehall, July 6, 1821. The King has been pleased to direct letters patent to be passed under the Great Seal, for granting the dignities of a Viscount and Earl of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, to John Baron Elton, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, and the heirs, male of his body lawfully begotten, by the names, stiles, and titles of Viscount Encombe of Encombe, in the county of Dorset, and Earl of Eldon, in the county palatine of Durham. On 13th January 1838 John Scott 1st Earl Eldon died. His grandson John succeeded 2nd Earl Eldon, 2nd Viscount Encoumbe of Encombe in Dorest, 2nd Baron Eldon of Eldon in County Durham. Louisa Duncombe Countess Eldon by marriage Countess Eldon.
In 1813 William Owen [aged 44] declined a knighthood.
1813. William Owen [aged 44]. Portrait of Amelia Sophia Hume [aged 24].
1815 to 1820. William Owen [aged 46]. Portrait of John Sparrow of Bishton Hall in Staffordshire [aged 78].
John Sparrow of Bishton Hall in Staffordshire: On or before 25th December 1736 he was born to Ambrose Sparrow. He was baptised 25th December 1736 at St Chad's Church, Wybunbury [Map]. On 26th May 1779 he and Elizabeth Moreton were married at St Margaret's Church Wolstanton, Staffordshire by Ralph Moreton clerk, in presence of Mary Moreton and R Moreton. On 8th December 1821 he died.
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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1815 to 1820. William Owen [aged 46]. Portrait of Hannah Maria Sparrow [aged 26].
Hannah Maria Sparrow: Around 1789 she was born to John Sparrow of Bishton Hall in Staffordshire at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire [Map] and Elizabeth Moreton. On 30th August 1804 George Chetwynd 2nd Baronet and she were married. In 1860 she died.
1815 to 1820. William Owen [aged 46]. Portrait of Elizabeth Moreton [aged 74].
1815 to 1820. William Owen [aged 46]. Portrait of Charlotte Sparrow [aged 29].
Charlotte Sparrow: Around 1786 she was born to John Sparrow of Bishton Hall in Staffordshire at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire [Map] and Elizabeth Moreton. On 25th May 1874 she died.
1816. William Owen [aged 47]. Portrait of Archibald Kennedy 1st Marquess of Ailsa [aged 45].
1816. William Owen [aged 47]. Portrait of Margaret Erskine Marchioness Ailsa [aged 44].
Margaret Erskine Marchioness Ailsa: Around 1772 she was born. On 1st June 1793 Archibald Kennedy 1st Marquess of Ailsa and she were married. He the son of Archibald Kennedy 11th Earl Cassilis. In 1831 Archibald Kennedy 1st Marquess of Ailsa was created 1st Marquess Ailsa. She by marriage Marchioness Ailsa. On 5th January 1848 she died.
1817. William Owen [aged 48]. Portrait of John William Egerton 7th Earl Bridgewater [aged 63].
John William Egerton 7th Earl Bridgewater: On 14th April 1753 he was born to Bishop John Egerton and Anne Sophia Grey. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.
1817. William Owen [aged 48]. Portrait of John Fitzwilliam 2nd Earl Fitzwilliam.
1818. William Owen [aged 49]. Portrait of Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet [aged 30].
Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet: On 29th March 1787 he was born to Thomas Dyke Acland 9th Baronet and Henrietta Anne Hoare. On 17th May 1794 Thomas Dyke Acland 9th Baronet died. His son Thomas succeeded 10th Baronet Acland of Columb John in Devon. In 1808 Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet and Elizabeth Hoare were married. They were third cousin once removed. On 22nd July 1871 Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet died. His son Thomas succeeded 11th Baronet Acland of Columb John in Devon.
Before 1825. William Owen [aged 55]. Portrait of George Keith Elphinstone 1st Viscount Keith.
Before 1825. William Owen [aged 55]. Portrait of Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley [aged 30].
Before 1825. William Owen [aged 55]. Portrait of Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley [aged 30].
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 1825. William Owen [aged 55]. Portrait of George Chetwynd 2nd Baronet [aged 41].
George Chetwynd 2nd Baronet: On 28th July 1783 he was born to George Chetwynd 1st Baronet. In 1824 George Chetwynd 1st Baronet died. His son George succeeded 2nd Baronet Chetwynd of Brocton Hall in Staffordshire. On 24th May 1850 George Chetwynd 2nd Baronet died at Grendon Hall, Northamptonshire. His son George succeeded 3rd Baronet Chetwynd of Brocton Hall in Staffordshire. Charlotte Augusta Hill Lady Chetwynd by marriage Lady Chetwynd of Brocton Hall in Staffordshire.
Before 13th March 1825 William Owen [aged 56] died after being accidentally poisoned by an overdose of 'Barclay's Drops' - a mixture of aniseed, camphor and opium. He had been ill and was taking medicines. His chemist labelled his medicines incorrectly wrongly and as a result Owen took a fatal dose of the 'Barclay's Drops', dying hours later.
On 13th March 1825 the inquest concluded "That the deceased, Mr. Wm. Owen [aged 56], Esq,. died from taking a large quantity of Barclays drops; the bottle containing that liquid having been negligently and incautiously labelled, by the person who prepared the medicine as an opening draught, such as the said Mr. Owen had been in the habit of taking and that we understand the above lamented mistake took place at the house of Mr. Smith, a chymist and druggist in the Haymarket."
On 19th March 1825 William Owen [deceased] was buried St Luke's Church Chelsea in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends, including Thomas Lawrence [aged 55], Richard Westmacott [aged 49], Thomas Phillips [aged 54] and 'Thompson' [probably Thomas Clement Thompson [aged 45]].
