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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Biography of William Soame 1st Baronet 1645-1686

Paternal Family Tree: Soame

Around 1645 William Soame 1st Baronet was born to [his father] Stephen Soame.

In 1672 William Soame 1st Baronet (age 27) was appointed High Sheriff of Suffolk.

In 1684 William Soame 1st Baronet (age 39) was appointed Ambassador to Constantinople.

On 5th February 1685 William Soame 1st Baronet (age 40) was created 1st Baronet Soame of Thurlow in Suffolk with a special reminder, failing issue male of his body, to his father's first cousin Peter Soame 2nd Baronet (age 51).

John Evelyn's Diary. 6th September 1685. I din'd at Lord Sunderland's (age 44), with (amongst others) Sr Wm Soames (age 40), design'd Ambass. to Constantinople.

Before June 1686 William Soame 1st Baronet (age 41) and Beata Pope were married. She the daughter of Thomas Pope 3rd Earl Downe and Beatrix Poole.

In June 1686 William Soame 1st Baronet (age 41) died in Malta. His first cousin once removed Peter (age 52) succeeded 2nd Baronet Soame of Thurlow in Suffolk.