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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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire is in Calwich, Staffordshire, Abbeys in England.
In 1130 Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] was founded as satellite cell of Kenilworth Priory and was dedicated to St Margaret.
In 1349 Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] became independent from Kenilworth with the right to elect its own prior. It was always a small and relatively poor establishment. After the death of the prior in 1530 only one canon remained in residence and in 1532 the house was suppressed and handed over to Rocester Abbey for disposal.
Around 1543 John Fleetwood (age 26) purchased Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] following its dissolution. The resulting transformation was described by the contemporary historian Erdeswick: "the chancel had been made into a parlour, the church into a hall and the steeple into a kitchen".
In 1586 the tower at St Peter's Church, Ellastone was constructed with the inscription "Know Thyself" placed above the north door from Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map].
Before 1775 Bernard Granville (age 75) purchased Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] from Thomas Fleetwood 6th Baronet. He demolished the priory house and built a new house nearer the stream which he turned into a lake.
On 2nd July 1775 Bernard Granville (age 76) died without issue at Calwich, Staffordshire. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone. His nephew Reverend John D'Ewes aka Granville (age 31) inherited Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] and changed his surname from D'Ewes to Granville.
Bernard Granville: On or before 25th April 1699, the date he was baptised, he was born to Bernard Granvile. Before 1775 Bernard Granville purchased Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] from Thomas Fleetwood 6th Baronet. He demolished the priory house and built a new house nearer the stream which he turned into a lake.
Reverend John D'Ewes aka Granville: In 1744 he was born to John D'Ewes and Anne Granville. In 1779 Reverend John D'Ewes aka Granville and Harriet de la Bere were married.
On 7th July 1800 Captain John Granville (age 21) died of rapid consumption at Hot Wells, Bristol. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone on 19th July 1800. His nephew Court D'Ewes aka Granville (age 21) inherited Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] and changed his surname from D'Ewes to Granville.
Underneath this Stone In the Family Vault Lies Interred the Body of John Granville, only son of John and Harriett Granville of Calwich and late Captain in the Staffordshire Regiment of Militia who was suddenly cut off in the Prime of his Life, to the inexpressible Grief of his Parents and Sorrow of All who knew him July the 7th 1800 in the 21st Year of his Age. In the same vault are deposited the remains of their infant daughter. Also the remains of the above named Harriet Joan Granville Died at Calwich 25th March 1825, aged 71.
Captain John Granville: Around 1779 he was born to Reverend John D'Ewes aka Granville and Harriet de la Bere.
Court D'Ewes aka Granville: In 1779 he was born to Bernard D'Ewes. In 1848 Court D'Ewes aka Granville died.
St Peter's Church, Ellastone. Keepers of Kenilworth Priory. Keepers of Calwich [Map]. Priors of Calwich.
On 3rd November 1822 Abel John Ram of Clonattin, County Wexford (age 46) died at Calwich Hall [Map]. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Abel John Ram of Clonattin, County Wexford: Around 1776 he was born to Abel Ram. On 11th August 1803 Abel John Ram of Clonattin, County Wexford and Frances Anne Port were married.
On 3rd August 1829 Mathewana Onslow (age 21) died from childbirth at Calwich Hall [Map] three months after giving birth to a daughter. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Mathewana Onslow: Around 1808 she was born to Matthew Richard Onslow. On 28th June 1828 Bernard Granville and she were married.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Around 1840 Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] was purchased by the Duncombe family.
In 1927 Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] was demolished except for the stables and some small buildings.A fishing temple, built next to the river, survives.