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 John the Baptist's Church, Staveley is in Staveley, Derbyshire [Map], Churches in Derbyshire.
On 22nd May 1653 unamed child was born to Charles Paulet 1st Duke Bolton [aged 23] and Christian Freschville [aged 19]. She died in childbirth. The child died seven days later on 29th May 1653. Both were buried at the St John the Baptist's Church, Staveley [Map]. Monument erected by her husband Charles Paulet 1st Duke Bolton the future Duke Bolton. Reclining figure with Chrisom Child.
Armorials...
Top Middle 
Paulet Arms differenced with a label argent three points impaled 
Freschville Arms.
Top Left: His Arms, in sixths 1 Paulet Arms 2 Possibly 
Seymour Arms although wings should be Or 3 Unknown Arms 4 Unknown Arms 5 Unknown Arms 6 
St John Arms with a label argent three points to reflect his status as son of the current owner of the Arms.
Top Right: Her Arms, in sixths 1 Freschville Arms 2 Unknown Arms 3 Unknown Arms 4 Unknown Arms 5 Unknown Arms 6 
Harrington Arms.
Christian Freschville: On 13th December 1633 she was born to John Freschville 1st Baron Frescheville and Sarah Harrington. On 28th February 1652 Charles Paulet 1st Duke Bolton and she were married. He the son of John Paulet 5th Marquess Winchester and Jane Savage Marchioness Winchester.
On 31st March 1682 John Freschville 1st Baron Frescheville [aged 74] died. Baron Frescheville of Staveley extinct. The last of the male line of Freschville. He was buried in St John the Baptist's Church, Staveley [Map] where his third wife Anna Charlotte De Vic commissioned a monument. Sarcophagus with seated putti.
Anna Charlotte De Vic: she was born to Henry de Vic. In December 1666 John Freschville 1st Baron Frescheville and she were married. On 12th November 1717 she died.
