Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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Around 1642 Winifred Wells was born to Gilbert Wells of Twyford in Hampshire.
Around 1662 Winifred Wells [aged 20] became a mistress of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 31].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th February 1663. By and by to my Lord's, and with him a good while talking upon his want of money, and ways of his borrowing some, &c., and then by other visitants, I withdrew and away, Creed and I and Captn. Ferrers to the Park, and there walked finely, seeing people slide [ice-skating], we talking all the while; and Captn. Ferrers telling me, among other Court passages, how about a month ago, at a ball at Court, a child was dropped by one of the ladies in dancing, but nobody knew who, it being taken up by somebody in their handkercher. The next morning all the Ladies of Honour appeared early at Court for their vindication, so that nobody could tell whose this mischance should be. But it seems Mrs. Wells [aged 21]1 fell sick that afternoon, and hath disappeared ever since, so that it is concluded that it was her.
Note 1. Winifred Wells, maid of honour to the Queen [aged 24], who figures in the "Grammont Memoirs". the King [aged 32] is supposed to have been father of the child. A similar adventure is told of Mary Kirke [aged 17] (afterwards married to Sir Thomas Vernon), who figures in the "Grammont Memoirs" as Miss Warmestre.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 23rd February 1663. By and by took coach, and to the Duke's house, where we saw it well acted, though the play hath little good in it, being most pleased to see the little girl dance in boy's apparel, she having very fine legs, only bends in the hams, as I perceive all women do. The play being done, we took coach and to Court, and there got good places, and saw "The Wilde Gallant", performed by the King's house, but it was ill acted, and the play so poor a thing as I never saw in my life almost, and so little answering the name, that from beginning to end, I could not, nor can at this time, tell certainly which was the Wild Gallant. The King [aged 32] did not seem pleased at all, all the whole play, nor any body else, though Mr. Clerke [aged 40] whom we met here did commend it to us. My Baroness Castlemaine's [aged 22] was all worth seeing tonight, and little Steward [aged 15]. Mrs. Wells [aged 21] do appear at Court again, and looks well; so that, it may be, the late report of laying the dropped child to her was not true.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 12th June 1666. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon to dinner, and then to White Hall in hopes of a meeting of Tangier about Yeabsly's business, but it could not be obtained, Sir G. Carteret [aged 56] nor Sir W. Coventry [aged 38] being able to be there, which still vexes [me] to see the poor man forced still to attend, as also being desirous to see what my profit is, and get it. Walking here in the galleries I find the Ladies of Honour dressed in their riding garbs, with coats and doublets with deep skirts, just for all the world like mine, and buttoned their doublets up the breast, with perriwigs and with hats; so that, only for a long petticoat dragging under their men's coats, nobody could take them for women in any point whatever; which was an odde sight, and a sight did not please me. It was Mrs. Wells [aged 24] and another fine lady that I saw thus.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 30th May 1669. Thence to White Hall, and dined alone with Mr. Chevins [aged 67] his sister: whither by and by come in Mr. Progers and Sir Thomas Allen [aged 36], and by and by fine Mrs. Wells [aged 27], who is a great beauty; and there I had my full gaze upon her, to my great content, she being a woman of pretty conversation.