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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Cobden Edge is in Mellor, Cheshire [Map].
30th March 1851. 1851 Census Derbyshire Mellor Page 21. Cobden Edge [Map].
Charles Hadfield (age 32). Head. 33. Farmer 38 Acres.
Ann Hadfield. Wife. 32.
Anne Hadfield (age 5). Daughter. 4. Cotton Factory Worker.
William Hadfield (age 2). Son. 2.
Jane Goodwin. Niece. 13. Servant.
William Goodwin. Nephew. 2.
Anne Hadfield: Around 1846 she was born to Charles Hadfield and Ann Goodwin.
William Hadfield: Around 1849 he was born to Charles Hadfield and Ann Goodwin. He must have died young since he doesn't appear on the 1861 census.
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1861. 1861 Census Derbyshire Mellor Cobden Edge Page 10. Cobden Edge [Map].
Charles Hadfield (age 42). Head. 43. Farmer 38 Acres.
Ann Hadfield. Wife. 42.
Anne Hadfield (age 15). Daughter. 14. Cotton Factory Worker.
John Hadfield (age 1). Son. 1
Thomas Hadfield (age 4). Son. 4.
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1871. 1871 Census Derbyshire Mellor Page 10. Cobden Edge [Map].
Charles Hadfield (age 52). Head. 53. Farmer of 38 Acres.
Ann Hadfield. Wife. 56. Farmer's wife.
Thomas Hadfield (age 14). 13. Calico Print Worker.
John Hadfield (age 11). 11. Scholar.
1881. 1881 Census Derbyshire Mellor Page 3. Cobden Edge [Map].
Charles Hadfield (age 62). Head. 62. Farmer of 38 Acres.
Ann Goodwin (age 61). Wife. 61. Farmer's wife.
Thomas Hadfield (age 24). 23. Slurry? Cotton Print Works.
John Hadfield (age 21). 21. Carter Cotton Print Works.
On 18th December 1882 Charles Hadfield (age 64) died at Cobden Edge [Map]. His will was probated 31st January 1882.
1891. 1891 Census Derbyshire Mellor 28 Cobden Edge. Cobden [Map].
Thomas Hadfield (age 34). Head. 34. Farmer and General Labourer.
1901. 1901 Census Derbyshire 37 Cobden Edge. Cobden Edge [Map].
Thomas Hadfield (age 44). Head. 45. Railway Labourer.
Elizabeth Oakes (age 49). Wife. 49.
Charles Hadfield (age 14). Son. 14. Calico Printer Works Labourer.
William Hadfield. Son. 12.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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Before 8th January 1903 Elizabeth Oakes (age 51) died. She was living at Cobden Edge [Map]. She was buried on 8th January 1890 at Mellor, Cheshire [Map].