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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Paternal Family Tree: Pulteney
On 25th March 1624 William Pulteney was born to Michael Poultney of Bray in Berkshire.
On 23rd April 1655 William Pulteney [aged 31] and Grace Corbet were married.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 10th January 1660. Tuesday. Went out early, and in my way met with Greatorex [aged 35], and at an alehouse he showed me the first sphere of wire that ever he made, and indeed it was very pleasant; thence to Mr. Crew's [aged 62], and borrowed £10, and so to my office, and was able to pay my money. Thence into the Hall, and meeting the Quarter Master, Jenings, and Captain Rider, we four went to a cook's to dinner. Thence Jenings and I into London (it being through heat of the sun a great thaw and dirty) to show our bills of return, and coming back drank a pint of wine at the Star Tavern in Cheapside. So to Westminster, overtaking Captain Okeshott in his silk cloak, whose sword got hold of many people in walking. Thence to the Coffee-house [Map], where were a great confluence of gentlemen; viz. Mr. Harrington [aged 49], Poultny [aged 35], chairman, Gold, Dr. Petty [aged 36]; &c., where admirable discourse till at night. Thence with Doling to Mother Lams, who told me how this day Scott was made Intelligencer, and that the rest of the members that were objected against last night, their business was to be heard this day se'nnight. Thence I went home and wrote a letter, and went to Harper's, and staid there till Tom carried it to the postboy at Whitehall. So home to bed.
On 4th June 1660 William Pulteney [aged 36] was knighted.
On 25th November 1663 [his daughter] Anne Pulteney Duchess Southampton Duchess of Cleveland was born to William Pulteney [aged 39] and [his wife] Grace Corbet. She married 1694 Charles Fitzroy 1st Duke Southampton 2nd Duke Cleveland, son of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland and Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland, and had issue.
Before 1668 [his son] John Pulteney was born to William Pulteney [aged 43] and [his wife] Grace Corbet.
John Evelyn's Diary. 10th June 1669. Came my Lord Cornbury, Sir William Pulteney [aged 45], and others to visit me. I went this evening to London, to carry Mr. Pepys [aged 36] to my brother Richard [aged 46], now exceedingly afflicted with the stone, who had been successfully cut, and carried the stone as big as a tennis ball to show him, and encourage his resolution to go through the operation.
In January 1679 William Pulteney [aged 54] was elected MP Westminster which seat he held until his death in Sep 1691.
In February 1679 William Pulteney [aged 54] was elected MP Westminster which seat he held until Mar 1681.
On 6th September 1691 William Pulteney [aged 67] died.
In 1702 [his former wife] Grace Corbet died.
[his son] William Pulteney was born to William Pulteney and Grace Corbet.