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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St Peter's Church, Ellastone is in Ellastone, Staffordshire.
St Peter's Church, Ellastone. Memorial to Reverend John D'Ewes aka Granville, his wife Harriet de la Bere, their daughter Harriet, died young, and their son Captain John Granville.
Reverend John D'Ewes aka Granville: In 1744 he was born to John D'Ewes and Anne Granville. In 1779 Reverend John D'Ewes aka Granville and Harriet de la Bere were married.
Harriet de la Bere: In 1754 she was born. On 25th March 1825 she died. She was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Captain John Granville: Around 1779 he was born to Reverend John D'Ewes aka Granville and Harriet de la Bere.
1163. A list of properties of Kenilworth Priory confirmed by King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England [aged 29] includes St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
On 27th October 1400 Ralph Longford was born to Nicholas IV Longford [aged 27] and Sarah Harrington at Colwich, Staffordshire [Map]. He was baptised at St Peter's Church, Ellastone. He married Margaret Melton and had issue.
In 1586 the tower at St Peter's Church, Ellastone was constructed with the inscription "Know Thyself" placed above the north door from Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map].
Between 6th October 1590, when he made his will, and 13th October 1590, when he was buried, John Fleetwood [aged 73] died. He had intended to be buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone where he had a tomb prepared but died in Lancashire and was buried there. The tomb is believed to contain the remains of his son Thomas Fleetwood [aged 30]. His son Thomas Fleetwood inherited Wootton Lodge, Staffordshire [Map].
Thomas Fleetwood: Around 1560 he was born to John Fleetwood. In 1603 he died. His son Richard Fleetwood 1st Baronet inherited Wootton Lodge, Staffordshire [Map].
On 19th June 1598 Archbishop Gilbert Sheldon was born to Robert Sheldon at Stanton Wyvill, Staffordshire. He was baptised at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
On 23rd December 1735 Rowland Fleetwood [aged 95] died. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Rowland Fleetwood: Around 1640 he was born to Thomas Fleetwood 2nd Baronet.
On 2nd July 1775 Bernard Granville [aged 76] died without issue at Calwich, Staffordshire. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone. His nephew Reverend John D'Ewes aka Granville [aged 31] inherited Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] and changed his surname from D'Ewes to Granville.
Bernard Granville: On or before 25th April 1699, the date he was baptised, he was born to Bernard Granvile. Before 1775 Bernard Granville purchased Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] from Thomas Fleetwood 6th Baronet. He demolished the priory house and built a new house nearer the stream which he turned into a lake.
On 29th April 1776 James Unwin [aged 59] died. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
James Unwin: Around 1717 he was born.
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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On 7th July 1800 Captain John Granville [aged 21] died of rapid consumption at Hot Wells, Bristol. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone on 19th July 1800. His nephew Court D'Ewes aka Granville [aged 21] inherited Calwich Abbey, Staffordshire [Map] and changed his surname from D'Ewes to Granville.
Underneath this Stone In the Family Vault Lies Interred the Body of John Granville, only son of John and Harriett Granville of Calwich and late Captain in the Staffordshire Regiment of Militia who was suddenly cut off in the Prime of his Life, to the inexpressible Grief of his Parents and Sorrow of All who knew him July the 7th 1800 in the 21st Year of his Age. In the same vault are deposited the remains of their infant daughter. Also the remains of the above named Harriet Joan Granville Died at Calwich 25th March 1825, aged 71.
Court D'Ewes aka Granville: In 1779 he was born to Bernard D'Ewes. In 1848 Court D'Ewes aka Granville died.
In 1811 Reverend Walter Davenport of Wootton Hall, Staffordshire [aged 23] became Vicar of St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
On 13th December 1813 Lieutenant-Colonel James William Edward Wheeler Unwin [aged 50] died at Marseilles, France. His brother Reverend Edward Unwin [aged 46] inherited Wootton Lodge, Staffordshire [Map]. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Ellastone: "Much and deservedly lamented, most of all by those who knowing most of him, best knew how to appreciate his worth, his integrity of heart, humane and benevolent disposition which flowing from Christian principles, ennobled a character justly held in professional esteem and constitutes its best memorial. This tribute of sincere esteem and affection is paid by his nearest surviving relations who find, in the record, a consolation for their loss."
Lieutenant-Colonel James William Edward Wheeler Unwin: Around 1763 he was born to James Unwin and Frances Wheeler.
Reverend Edward Unwin: In 1767 he was born to James Unwin and Frances Wheeler. On 22nd November 1847 he died.
On 18th January 1814 Frances Wheeler [aged 88] died. She was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Frances Wheeler: Around 1726 she was born.
On 3rd November 1822 Abel John Ram of Clonattin, County Wexford [aged 46] died at Calwich Hall [Map]. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Abel John Ram of Clonattin, County Wexford: Around 1776 he was born to Abel Ram. On 11th August 1803 Abel John Ram of Clonattin, County Wexford and Frances Anne Port were married.
On 25th March 1825 Harriet de la Bere [aged 71] died. She was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
On 14th November 1826 Reverend John D'Ewes aka Granville [aged 82] died. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
On 3rd August 1829 Mathewana Onslow [aged 21] died from childbirth at Calwich Hall [Map] three months after giving birth to a daughter. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Mathewana Onslow: Around 1808 she was born to Matthew Richard Onslow. On 28th June 1828 Bernard Granville and she were married.
In 1830 the north aisle of St Peter's Church, Ellastone was added.
In 1830 Reverend Walter Davenport of Wootton Hall, Staffordshire [aged 42] resigned as Vicar of St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
On 20th June 1843 James Wheeler Unwin [aged 29] died from a fall from a horse at Brimington Hall Chesterfield [Map]. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
James Wheeler Unwin: Around 1814 he was born to Reverend Edward Unwin.
In 1848 Reverend Christopher Robert Lighton 6th Baronet [aged 28] was appointed Vicar of St Peter's Church, Ellastone which office he served for twenty-seven years.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 4th November 1860 Frances Anne Port [aged 77] died. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Frances Anne Port: Around 1783 she was born to John Port of Ilam Hall, Staffordshire and Mary Pauline D'Ewes.
St Peter's Church, Ellastone. 1862. Memorial to Reverend Walter Davenport Bromley of Wooton Hall [Map] and Baginton Hall, Warwickshire.
On 12th April 1875 Reverend Christopher Robert Lighton 6th Baronet [aged 55] died. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Reverend Christopher Robert Lighton 6th Baronet: On 28th May 1819 he was born. On 2nd June 1843 he and Mary Anne Elizabeth Ram were married. In 1848 he was appointed Vicar of St Peter's Church, Ellastone which office he served for twenty-seven years.
1903. St Peter's Church, Ellastone. Memorial Window to Joseph Bagshaw, died 1903.
Private A. Collis. Royal Fusiliers. 21st September 1918. Aged 24. He was injured in a gas attack in 1917. Buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
193110 2nd Airman P. G. Rowlinson. Royal Air Force. 21st June 1920. Aged 19. Born in Ashbourne. Died of tuberculosis. Buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
1932. Vicars of St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
St Mary's Church, Uttoxeter [Map]. Memorial to George Henry Tortoishell. Headmaster of England Boys School for 41 years. Died 10th September 1938. Buried at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
War Memorials at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
On 19th April 1950 Captain Edward Unwin [aged 85] died. Memorial at St Peter's Church, Ellastone.
Captain Edward Unwin: On 20th April 1864 he was born to Edward Wilberforce Unwin. In 1922 Mary Unwin died. Captain Edward Unwin inherited Wootton Lodge, Staffordshire [Map]. He then sold it to Brigadier-General Smith Hill Child 2nd Baronet.
