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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Church of St Mary, Beaminster, Dorset, South-West England, British Isles [Map]

Church of St Mary, Beaminster is in Beaminster, Dorset, Churches in Dorset.

Church of St Mary, Beaminster [Map]. General monuments.

Church of St Mary, Beaminster [Map]. External.

On 4th February 1698 Thomas Strode of Parnham (age 70) died. Monument in Church of St Mary, Beaminster [Map]. William and Mary. Marble with standing figure in wig, gown, side pilasters support cornice. Possibly by John Nost.

To God, the Best and Greatest. Here lie the mortal remains of THOMAS STRODE, Serjeant-at-Law, who peacefully fell asleep in Christ on February 4th, 1698, in the 70th year of his age. A man consecrated to immortal memory, renowned for jurisprudence, piety, and wisdom; of integrity no less than gentleness of character; always faithful to God, to his sovereign, and to his friends. He was the son of Sir John Strode, Knight, of Parnham in the county of Dorset. He chose for himself a most beloved wife, Mary Adams, widow of Parkinson Odber, Esquire, by whom he had one daughter, still surviving. She, most sorrowfully and with tears, set up this monument of final devotion.

D.O.M.P.Q. Mortalitatis Exuvias hic deposuit THOMAS STRODE Serviens ad Legem; Qui in Christo placidè obdormivit Feb: 4o. 1698. Ætat.: suae 70. Vir Immortali Memoriæ sacratus; Jurisprudentiâ, pietate, & Consilio, Insignis; Moribus Integris Juxta ac Suavissimis: Deo, Principi & amicis semper fidus: Patre JOHANE STRODE Equite Aurato de Parnham in Comitatu Dorset oriundus; Charissmam sibi adscîvit Conjugem MARIAM ADAMS relic: de PARKINSON ODBER Armigero; Ex quâ filiam suscepit unicam adhue superstitem. Quæ hoc supræmu: pietatis Monument:, Mœsstissima & cum lacrymis gemens, L.M.D.P.Q. To God the Greatest and Best and to Posterity

Thomas Strode of Parnham: In 1628 he was born to John Strode of Parnham and Anne Wyndham. On 1st July 1642 he matriculated Oxford University. On 1st February 1665 Thomas Strode of Parnham and Mary Adams were married. In 1677 he was appointed Serjeant at Law.

On 30th June 1753 George Strode of Parnham died. On 14th September 1746 Catherine Brodrepp died. Monument in Church of St Mary, Beaminster [Map]. Classical Period.

Probably by Peter Scheemakers (age 62), erected by Thomas Strode, brother of George, with reclining figures of a man and woman on a sarcophagus and on either side standing allegorical figures one with a cornucopia the other an anchor, above is an achievement-of-arms.

George Strode of Parnham: George Strode of Parnham and Catherine Brodrepp were married. he was born to Thomas Strode of Parnham.

Catherine Brodrepp: she was born to Richard Brodrepp of Maperton.

Thomas Strdode of Parnham: he was born to Thomas Strode of Parnham.