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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St Andrew's Church, Denton, Lincolnshire, North-Central England, British Isles [Map]

St Andrew's Church, Denton is in Denton, Churches in Lincolnshire.

St Andrew's Church, Denton [Map]. Various. Monument to the Welby family including their wives.

St Andrew's Church, Denton [Map]. In ashlar. The latin raised letter inscription is set in an egg and dart surround, flanked by Ionic Pilasters and free standing Composite fluted columns, supporting a pediment containing a pair of naked female figures holding hour glasses leaning on a skull. The frieze is decorated with medallions. The reclining figure of the deceased, his prayer book in hand, lies on a half rolled up mattress on a tomb chest on which are portrayed his wife and six children, all named in raised letters.

On 5th April 1713 Richard Welby (age 55) died. Monument at St Andrew's Church, Denton [Map]. Sculpted by Thomas Green of Camberwell (age 54). The fully wigged standing life sized figure of the deceased stands in an arched surround flanked by fluted Pilasters with acanthus scrolls and broken segmental pediment contaning a cherub and putti leaning down from heaven holding a metal coronet, surmounted by an achievement. Beneath is he inscription panel and to either side putti holding memento mori, and mourning, one with tears.

The inscription reads:

M.S.

Here are deposited the Remains of

Richard Welby of Denton Esqr

Lord of the Mannours of Welby Streglethorp Saperton and

Swinsted and High Sheriff of the County of Lincoln 1705

A Gentleman of an ancient & Virtuous Family, a good Christian

a Loyal Subject, a true lover of the Church

a sincere Respector of its Clergy and

a daily Frequentor of its Worship

In His private Character, Modest, Humble and Courteous

of great Probity and universal Charity

The Poor lost in him a liberal and silent Benefactor

his Tenants, a forbearing Landlord;

his Servants, a kind and prudent master;

his Relations, an invaluable Friend;

his Children, a most indulgent Father and

his Mournfull Wife ye Best of Husbands.

He marry'd Mary Daughter & Sole Heiress of John Towers of

the Isle of Ely Esqr, by whom he had Issue;

Mary Interred here, Selina, William and John twins, Eleanor & Richard

After a tedious Sickness, which he bore with exemplary patience

and resignation, he dyed on Easter day 1713

In hopes of a Joyfull Resurrection; & lament his loss

the Righteous shall be had in everlasting Remembrance

MARY his once happy Wife now Sorrowfull Relict

??????? her own Affection

Erected this Monument Dec 10 1714.

Mary Welby

Ob June 8 1759

Ae 74

Richard Welby: In 1658 he was born. Before 1713 he and Mary Towers were married.

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