Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
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St James' Church, Piccadilly is in St James'.
John Evelyn's Diary. 7th December 1684. I went to see the new church at St. James's, elegantly built; the altar was especialy adorn'd, the white marble inclosure curiously and richly carved, the flowers and garlands about the walls by Mr. Gibbons [aged 36] in wood; a pelican with her young at her breast, just over the altar in the carv'd compartment and border, invironing the purple velvet fring'd with I. H. S. richly embroider'd, and most noble plate, were given by Sr R. Geere, to the value (as was said) of £200. There was no altar any where in England, nor has there ben any abroad, more handsomely adorn'd.
John Evelyn's Diary. 17th April 1685. Good Friday. Dr. Tenison [aged 48] preached at the new church at St. James's, on 1 Cor. 16, 22, upon the infinite love of God to us, which he illustrated in many instances. The holy Sacrament followed, at which I participated. The Lord make me thankfull. In the after noone Dr. Sprat, Bp. of Rochester [aged 50], preached in Whitehall Chapell, the auditory very full of Lords, the two Archbishops, and many others, now drawne to towne upon the occasion of the Coronation and ensuing Parliament. I supp'd with the Countesse of Sunderland [aged 39] and Lord Godolphin [aged 39], and return'd home.
On 16th February 1687 Charles Cotton [aged 56] died. He was buried at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
In 1693 Archbishop William Wake [aged 35] was appointed Rector of St James' Church, Piccadilly.
Before 8th October 1699, the date she was buried at St James' Church, Piccadilly under the communion table, Mary Beale aka Cradock [aged 66] died at her house in Pall Mall [Map].
On 20th June 1701 John Aubrey 3rd Baronet [aged 21] and Mary Steally Lady Aubrey were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She by marriage Lady Aubrey of Llantrithyd in Glamorganshire. She his mother's maid who was pregnant at the time of the wedding.
On 26th March 1703 Charles Knollys 5th Earl Banbury was born to Charles Knollys 4th Earl Banbury [aged 40] and Mary Woods [aged 19]. He was baptised on 14th April 1703 at St James' Church, Piccadilly. He married 28th December 1725 Martha Hughes and had issue.
On or after 21st March 1704, the date of the licence, Nicholas Morice 2nd Baronet [aged 23] and Catherine Herbert Lady Morice were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She by marriage Lady Morice of Werrington in Devon. They has one sons and two daughters. She the daughter of Thomas Herbert 8th Earl Pembroke 5th Earl Montgomery [aged 48] and Margaret Sawyer Countess Pembroke and Montgomery.
On 12th November 1705 Mary Boscawen was born to Hugh Boscawen 1st Viscount Falmouth [aged 25] and Charlotte Godfrey Viscountess Falmouth. She was baptised on 21st November 1705 at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She married 17th August 1732 her first cousin John Evelyn 2nd Baronet, son of John Evelyn 1st Baronet and Anne Boscawen Lady Evelyn, and had issue.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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On 12th April 1707 Edward Montagu Viscount Hinchingbrooke [aged 14] and Elizabeth Popham Viscountess Hinchingbrooke [aged 14] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She brought £12000. He the son of Edward Montagu 3rd Earl Sandwich [aged 37] and Elizabeth Wilmot Countess Sandwich [aged 32]. They were fourth cousin once removed.
On 22nd July 1713 Grace Carteret Countess Dysart was baptised at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
Vesta Monumenta. Plate 1.3: Engraving of the Baptismal Font at St. James's, Piccadilly.
Plate 1.3 of Vetusta Monumenta depicts a marble baptismal font at St. James's Church, Piccadilly, presumed to be carved by Grinling Gibbons [aged 69] in 1685. Engraving by George Vertue [aged 34] after Charles Woodfield. 457 x 283 mm. Published by the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1718. Current location: St. James's Church, Piccadilly, London, UK.
On 21st December 1718 Bishop Joseph Butler [aged 26] was ordained a Priest by William Talbot [aged 60], Bishop of Salisbury, at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
On 21st June 1721 John Reade 5th Baronet was born to Thomas Reade 4th Baronet [aged 38] and Jane Mary Dutton Lady Reade at Golden Square Soho. He was baptised 27th June 1721 at St James' Church, Piccadilly. He married 18th October 1759 Harriet Barker and had issue.
On 23rd March 1724 Thomas Alston 5th Baronet was born to Rowland Alston 4th Baronet [aged 44] and Elizabeth Raynes Lady Alston. He was baptised on 22nd April 1724 at St James' Church, Piccadilly. He married 1750 Catherine Davie Bovey.
On 3rd October 1725 John St Aubyn 3rd Baronet [aged 29] and Catherine Morice Lady St Aubyn were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She brough £10,000 cash to the marriage, and the manor of Stoke-Damerel, including Devonport.
After 10th October 1730 Bishop William Talbot [deceased] was buried at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
On 1st June 1732 Charles Hanbury Williams [aged 22] and Frances Coningsby [aged 25] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She the daughter of Thomas Coningsby 1st Earl Coningsby and Frances Jones.
In July 1738 Mary Anastasia Grace Mordaunt 11th Baroness Mordaunt was christened at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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On 1st September 1738 Elizabeth Temple was born to Field Marshal Richard Temple 1st Viscount Cobham [aged 62] and Anne Halsey Viscountess Cobham. She was baptised at St James' Church, Piccadilly on 28th September 1738. She died aged three in 1742.
On or before 3rd November 1738, the date she was baptised at St James' Church, Piccadilly, Albinia Bertie Countess Buckinghamshire was born to Vere Bertie [aged 26] and Ann Casey. She married 16th May 1757 George Hobart 3rd Earl Buckinghamshire, son of John Hobart 1st Earl Buckinghamshire and Elizabeth Bristow Countess Buckinghamshire, and had issue.
On 19th January 1740 Topham Beauclerk was christened at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
On 27th October 1743 Michael Dahl [deceased] was buried in St James' Church, Piccadilly.
On 27th June 1748 Bennet Sherard 3rd Earl Harborough [aged 38] and Elizabeth Verney [aged 28] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She the daughter of Ralph Verney 1st Earl Verney [aged 65]. He the son of Philip Sherard 2nd Earl Harborough [aged 68] and Anne Pedley Countess Harborough [aged 73].
On 31st October 1749 William Byron was baptised at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
On 5th December 1754 Henry Nassau 1st Earl Grantham [aged 81] died without surviving male issue. Earl Grantham extinct. On 12th December 1754 Henry Nassau 1st Earl Grantham was buried at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
In May 1756 John St Aubyn 4th Baronet [aged 29] and Elizabeth Wingfield Lady St Aubyn were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She by marriage Lady St Aubyn of Clowance in Cornwall.
On 28th June 1768 George Baker 1st Baronet [aged 46] and Jane Morris were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
On 13th May 1772 Frederick Baker 2nd Baronet was born to George Baker 1st Baronet [aged 50] and Jane Morris at Jermyn Street. He was baptised on 17th June 1772 at St James' Church, Piccadilly. He married July 1814 Harriet Simeon Lady Baker, daughter of John Simeon 1st Baronet and Rebecca Cornwall, and had issue.
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.
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On 16 or 17th August 1776 Ambrose Goddard [aged 47] and Sarah Maria Williams [aged 27] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. They had three sons and seven daughters
On 23rd November 1782 Michael le Fleming 4th Baronet [aged 33] and Diana Howard Lady le Fleming [aged 32] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She by marriage Lady Fleming of Rydal in Cumbria. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 14th Earl Suffolk 7th Earl Berkshire [aged 61].
On 9th September 1790 John Eliot 1st Earl St Germans [aged 28] and Caroline Yorke Countess St Germans [aged 25] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
On 26th June 1796 Nigel Bowyer Gresley 7th Baronet [aged 43] and Maria Elizabeth Garway Lady Gresley were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She by marriage Lady Gresley of Drakelow in Derbyshire.
On 5th November 1797 Catherine Walpole was born to Horatio Walpole 2nd Earl Orford [aged 45] and Sophia Churchill [aged 41]. She was baptised on 23rd November 1797 at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She married 25th July 1822 Henry Lawes Long and had issue.
On 17th January 1800 Frances Vane Tempest Marchioness Londonderry was born to Henry Vane-Tempest 2nd Baronet [aged 28] at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She married 3rd April 1819 Charles William Vane 3rd Marquess Londonderry, son of Robert Stewart 1st Marquess Londonderry and Frances Pratt Marchioness Londonderry, and had issue.
On 15th June 1809 George Baker 1st Baronet [aged 87] died. He was buried at St James' Church, Piccadilly. His son Frederick [aged 37] succeeded 2nd Baronet Baker of Loventor in Totnes in Devon.
On 24th June 1810 George Fitzroy 2nd Baron Southampton [aged 48] died. He was buried at St James' Church, Piccadilly. His son Charles [aged 5] succeeded 3rd Baron Southampton.
On 16th October 1811 Du Pre Alexander 2nd Earl Caledon [aged 33] and Catherine Yorke Countess Caledon [aged 25] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She the daughter of Philip Yorke 3rd Earl of Hardwicke [aged 54] and Elizabeth Lindsay Countess Hardwicke [aged 48]. He the son of James Alexander 1st Earl Caledon.
On 6th January 1814 John Chandos Reade 7th Baronet [aged 28] and Louisa Murray Lady Reade were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She by marriage Lady Reade of Barton in Berkshire. They had five children of whom four predeceased him. One, Emily, described as an imbecile, died 23rd November 1897.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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On 3rd July 1815 William Vane 3rd Duke Cleveland [aged 23] and Grace Caroline Lowther Duchess of Cleveland were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She the daughter of William Lowther 1st Earl Lonsdale [aged 57] and Augusta Fane Countess Lonsdale [aged 53]. He the son of William Henry Vane 1st Duke Cleveland [aged 48] and Catharine Margaret Powlett Countess Darlington. They were half fifth cousins. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 13th February 1818 Richard Croft 6th Baronet [aged 56] shot himself as a consequence of the death of Princess Charlotte Augusta Hanover to whom he had been physician during her labour. A copy of Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost was found open with the passage (Act V, Scene II): "Fair Sir, God save you! Where is the Princess?". He was buried at St James' Church, Piccadilly.His son Thomas [aged 19] succeeded 7th Baronet Croft of Croft Castle in Herefordshire.
In 1821 Wilfrid Wybergh aka Lawson 1st Baronet [aged 25] and Caroline Graham Lady Lawson [aged 28] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. They had eight children.
On 2nd March 1824 John Thynne [aged 25] and Anne Constantia Beresford [aged 18] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. He the son of Thomas Thynne 2nd Marquess of Bath [aged 59] and Isabella Elizabeth Byng Marchioness Bath [aged 50].
On 2nd September 1824 Edward Granville Eliot 3rd Earl St Germans [aged 26] and Jemima Cornwallis Countess St Germans [aged 20] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She the daughter of Charles Cornwallis 2nd Marquess Cornwallis and Louisa Gordon Marchioness Cornwallis [aged 47]. He the son of William Eliot 2nd Earl St Germans [aged 57] and Georgiana Augusta Leveson-Gower.
On 27th September 1827 Henry Bourchier Wrey 9th Baronet [aged 30] and Ellen Maria Toke [aged 26] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. They were first cousins.
On 23rd April 1831 Leicester FitzGerald Charles Stanhope 5th Earl of Harrington [aged 46] and Elizabeth Green Countess Harrington [aged 22] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. The difference in their ages was 24 years. He the son of Charles Stanhope 3rd Earl of Harrington and Jane Fleming Countess Harrington.
On 10th June 1847 Walter Burrell 5th Baronet [aged 32] and Dorothea Jones Lady Burrell [aged 19] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. They had four daughters and two sons.
On 25th December 1850 Thomas Francis Dicksee [aged 31] and Eliza Bernard [aged 24] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. His address given as 23 Howland Street, Fitzroy Square, hers as 4 Church Place.
Eliza Bernard: Around 1826 she was born to John Bernard. He, John, a Turner and Dishing Tackle Manufacturer according to her marriage certificate. In 1879 she died.
On 23rd June 1863 James Walker 2nd Baronet [aged 33] and Louisa Susan Marlborough Heron-Maxwell [aged 22] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. They had nine children.
On 23rd December 1876 William Reginald Duncombe [aged 24] and Muriel Frances Louisa Chetwynd-Talbot [aged 16] were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She the daughter of Charles Chetwynd-Talbot 19th Earl of Shrewsbury 4th Earl Talbot [aged 46] and Anna Theresa Cockerell Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford [aged 40]. He the son of William Duncombe 1st Earl Feversham [aged 47] and Mabel Violet Graham Countess Feversham [aged 43].
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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On 4th July 1883 Edward Wheler 12th Baronet [aged 25] and Mary Leontine Wood Lady Wheler were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
On 23rd July 1887 Charles Robert Spencer 6th Earl Spencer [aged 29] and Margaret Baring Countess Spencer were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. He the son of Frederick Spencer 4th Earl Spencer and Adelaide Horatia Seymour-Conway Countess Spencer.
On 24th January 1891 George Bridges Rodney 7th Baron Rodney [aged 33] and Corisande Evelyn Vere Guest Baroness Rodney were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. She by marriage Baroness Rodney of Rodney Stoke in Somerset.
