Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury is in Hanbury, Staffordshire, Churches in Staffordshire.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Most of the church is 13th Century of a 12th Century core.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Sir John de Hanbury died 1303, in the east of the south aisle of alabaster. A recumbent effigy clasping sword and with crossed legs and dog; possibly a later attempt by the Hanbury family to add credibility to their lineage; otherwise this would be the earliest alabaster in England.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. The church tower from the 14th Century with clock. A niche was set in the south side first stage of 1842 containing a statue of Saint Werburgh.
Saint Werburgh: he was born to King Wulfhere of Mercia at Stone, Staffordshire [Map]. On 3rd February 700 Saint Werburgh died at Trentham, Staffordshire.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Early medieval grave slab to unknown persons.
Brass under chancel steps at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map], Sir John Cheyne, Rector, 1363-91. Much worn figure with cassock, surplice, almace and cope.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Glass in south aisle and south-east window, medieval remains.
Chancel of St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Large alabaster chest tomb to Ralph Adderley and his two wives, Margaret Bagot and Felicia Milward (age 71), and their numerous children represented on the sides.
Margaret Bagot: Around 1532 she was born to Thomas Bagot. In or before 1557 Ralph Adderley and she were married. Around 1558 Margaret Bagot died.
Felicia Milward: Around 1st January 1535 she was born at Doveridge, Derbyshire. After 1558 Ralph Adderley and she were married. On 9th June 1607 she died.
On 30th April 1614 Thomas Villiers died. Memorial at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map].
In 1624 Charles Egerton of Knockfergus died. Monument in the Chancel of St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. His ancestry is taken from The visitation of Cheshire in the year 1580.
Charles Egerton of Knockfergus: he was born to John Egerton of Willoughby. In or before 1624 he was appointed Constable of Carrickfergus Castle.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Puritan busts in the Chancel to Dorothy Villiers, died 1658, and Katherine Agard, died 1620, and her daughter, Ann Woollocke, both with ruffs and steeple hats.
1660. St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Donation to the church by various people.
In 1662 John Egerton (age 75) died. Monument at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map].
John Egerton: In 1587 he was born to Charles Egerton of Knockfergus.
Interior of St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map] looking towards the chancel. The roof constructed in 1686.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Near to this place lieth the body of George Timbrill the Edler who dyed the 3rd day of January 1703.
On 14th July 1741 Bowyer Adderley (age 36) and Lettice Adderley were married at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. They were third cousin once removed.
On 3rd November 1751 Ralph Adderley (age 76) died. Lettice Adderley inherited Coton Hall, Staffordshire [Map]. He was buried at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]
Ralph Adderley: Around 1675 he was born to Ralph Adderley.
Lettice Adderley: she was born to Ralph Adderley. On 14th July 1741 Bowyer Adderley and she were married at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. They were third cousin once removed. In 1784 Lettice Adderley died. Ralph Adderley inherited Coton Hall, Staffordshire [Map].
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Grave slab of William Trevanion, Captain of the Derbyshire Militia who died at Hollybush in the parish of Hanbury 26th January 1823 aged 43.
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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After January 1834 George Dudley Ryder (age 23) was appointed Vicar of St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map].
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Memorials to Captain Arthur Harper who died at New Lodge, Hanbury [Map] on 1st September 1838 aged twenty-nine. And to Samuel Harper who died at Ackyab in the East Indies 19th June 1831 aged twenty-four, and to Robert John Harper who died on the March 8th, 1846.
Note. Arthur Harper was born on the 7th January 1810. He was appointed Ensign, 9th Foot on the 17th January 1828, Lieutenant, 22nd October 1830; Captain, 17th October 1837; abd retired 28th August 1838.
After 1839. St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Font of coloured local alabaster and imported marble; square on 4 extended columns and built over the carved Norman font, still discernible within the present composition.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Monument to John Wilson, died 25th March 1839, leaving a widow and five infant daughters. Sculpted by Peter Hollins (age 38).
Memorial at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map] to John Henry Bott who, with two of his schoolfellows, drowned while bathing at Seaforth near Liverpool on 26th August 1840, and to 2nd Lieutenant Charles Edward Bott, died after an illness at Toronto, Canada, 30th January 1849. Both children of John and Susanna Maria Bott who resided at Coton Hall, Hanley. Also to their two children Frederick and Frances who died young.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Sacred to the memory of Mary, widow of Thomas Chawner, Gent, late of Denstone Hall, Staffordshire [Map], in this country, who died in the Lord, Jany 14th 1842: aged 85 years.
This tablet is erected by her two surviving children, Thomas Chawner, and Mary Williams, relict of that devoted and enterprising missionary [John Williams (age 43)] to the South Sea Islands, who was massacred by the natives of Erromango whilse hazarding this life for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ Novr 20th 1839.
Note. Mary Chawner married the missionary John Williams who was killed, and reportedly eaten, by the inhabitants of the Island of Erromango in the Vanuatu archipelago.
Gifts and benefactions at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map].
In 1850 the six clerestory windows at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map] were 'restored and embellished with stained glass' by the friends of George Edward Anson.
Before 1851. John Buckler (age 80). Font in St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map] showing a round bowl resting on a cluster of stunted pillars, upon round steps.
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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Memorial at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map] to Susanna Maria, died 17th March 1859, aged 57, at Coton Hall, Staffordshire [Map]. Wife of John Bott, daughter of Major Arden of Longcroft Hall, Staffordshire. She is buried in the chuchyard.
Memorial at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map] to John Bott, died 21st April 1863 at Coton Hall, Staffordshire [Map].
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Chancel rebuilt late 19th Century. Various painted scenes.
The windows in the North wall at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map] 'were placed there in affectionate rememberance of John Richardson and Eliza Richardson by their three children Morris, Anne and John Henry in 1883'.
Lower part of tower walls at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map] covered in purpose-made glazed tiles of 1883 as a family memorial.
Porch at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Stained glass window dedicated to Saint Maria Cleophas, one of the 'three Marys'. She was present at the crucifixion at Calvary and later visited Jesus' tomb. Married to Saint Cleophas, who was Saint Joseph's brother, she was also the mother of Saint James the Less. Memorial to Maria Anson (age 39) who married Reverend Robert Digby Ram (age 44), died 1889. Posthumous daughter of George Edward Anson and Georgiana Mary Harbord (age 77). The window commissioned by Georgiana Mary Harbord and her second husband Charles Edward Boothby (age 68) as indicated by the word 'vitricus' i.e. stepfather.
Maria Anson: On 18th December 1849 she was born to George Edward Anson and Georgiana Mary Harbord two months after the death of her father George Edward Anson at Ludbury, Derbyshire. Before 17th May 1889 Reverend Robert Digby Ram and she were married. On 17th May 1889 Maria Anson died. She was buried at Teddington Cemetery on 21st May 1889.
Georgiana Mary Harbord: In or before 1812 she was born to Edward Harbord 3rd Baron Suffield and Georgiana Venables-Vernon Baroness Suffield. On 2nd October 1837 George Edward Anson and she were married. They were second cousins. On 24th October 1855 Charles Edward Boothby and she were married. They were half second cousins. On 13th November 1903 Georgiana Mary Harbord died.
Charles Edward Boothby: In 1821 he was born to Reverend Brooke Boothby and Louisa Henrietta-Venables-Vernon. In 1913 Charles Edward Boothby died.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. East and west window by Ward and Hughes of 1894 and south chancel windows.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Pulpit: in the style of Street in stone and alabaster; circular on clustered columns; trefoil-headed blind arcade on marble columns around sides.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Grave of M. E. Wells. Royal Pioneer Corps. Died 27th February 1919 aged twenty.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Memorial to Hugh Bailye, died 9th June 1933.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Stafford County Musical Association Shields. Top awarded to Mrs Julian Whitehouse for 'the best rendering of any song'.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. In memory of Eustace Frank Feilden Brace, killed in actoin 18th May 1940, aged twenty. He was buried at the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Maldegem, Arrondissement Eeklo, East Flanders, Belgium. He was sent out on a reconnaissance patrol south west from Wolvendaal (Vijlst) along Nieuwelaan. The 15/19 Hussars war diaries report the intent was to establish contact with the 5th Belgium Division who were supposed to be on the northern flank of the 15th/19th Hussars. While proceeding south west on Nieuwelaan 5th Troop came into contact with a German reconnaissance group heading north in the opposite direction near the small Sint Annakapel chapel. The German reconnaissance group consisted of several Sdkfz 234 armoured cars and motorcycles with side cars. Upon coming under fire 2nd Lt Brace had turned left off Nieuwelaan on to Vollickstraat toward Meyskens Farm. Brace then turned right after passing Meyskens farm house into an orchard and adjacent field. While the German armoured cars engaged the rest of 5th Troop on Nieuwelaan a German motorcycle and side car turn on to Vollickstraat in pursuit. It entered a field just south of Myskens farm house and moved parallel to Brace's carrier. Brace then passed through the orchard and attempted to enter an open adjacent field by traversing a small ditch. He failed to negotiate the ditch and came under MG fire from the motorcycle and side car. Brace and his crew were shot up. Brace although mortally wounded managed to abandon his carrier and make his way to a nearby tree where he collapsed. The Meyskens family recalls he asked for water and was bleeding from the lower body and that blood ran down the track for some metres. The rest of 5th Troop was shot up by the German Sdkfz 232s and according to 15/19 war diaries only one wounded survivor, Corporal Payne, managed to escape and report back. The Germans then arrived with a motor bike and side car and lifted Brace onto it. The bike was maneuvered steadily across the field on to Vollickstraat and toward Sint Annakapel. Brace died on route to Sint Annakapel.
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St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Grave of John Albert Bott 616651, attached to RAF Hednesford, who died in a railway accident 12th November 1940.
On 27th November 1944 at eleven minutes past eleven in the morning 4,000 tons of bombs stored 30m down in the old gypsum mines at RAF Fauld, Staffordshire, blew up making a crater 125m deep, and 1.2km wide. The exact death toll is uncertain; it is believed that about 70 people died in the explosion and resulting flood. The crater is still visible just south of Fauld, to the east of Hanbury, Staffordshire. It is now known as the Hanbury Crater [Map]. It was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history and the largest on UK soil.
Memorial at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map].
War Memorials at St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map].
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. In memory of Annie Isobel Brace of Coton Hall, Staffordshire [Map], died 30th July 1957.
1986. Rectors and Vicars of St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map].
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. The tower clock was restored in October 1987. The entrance hall and suite of rooms erected in 1986, and the heating installed in 2008.
St Werburgh's Church, Hanbury [Map]. Memorial to Reverend Leslie Rees, vicar of Hanbury 30th March 2009 to 15th June 2021.