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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Winchester College, Winchester is in Winchester, Hampshire [Map].
In 1382 Bishop William of Wykeham [aged 62] founded Winchester College, Winchester.
Around 1500 Dean Henry Cole was born. He was educated at Winchester College, Winchester and New College, Oxford University.
In 1510 Bishop John White was born to Robert White at Farnham, Surrey [Map]. He was educated at Winchester College, Winchester and New College, Oxford University.
In 1516 John Philpot was born at Compton, Hampshire. He was educated at Winchester College, Winchester and New College, Oxford University.
On 28th December 1581 Bishop Arthur Lake [aged 12] educated at Winchester College, Winchester.
In 1716 James Hamilton 5th Duke Hamilton 2nd Duke Brandon [aged 13] educated at Winchester College, Winchester.
On 3rd August 1718 John Wallop Viscount Lymington was born to John Wallop 1st Earl Portsmouth [aged 28] and Bridget Bennet Viscountess Lymington [aged 21]. He was educated at Winchester College, Winchester from 1731 to 1734, and Christ Church College, Oxford University from 1739 to 1740. He married 8th July 1740 Catherine Conduit and had issue.
Around 1758 James Harris 1st Earl Malmesbury [aged 11] was educated at Winchester College, Winchester.
Around 1761 Richard Worsley 7th Baronet [aged 9] was educated at Winchester College, Winchester.
Around 1771 Anthony Ashley-Cooper 5th Earl Shaftesbury [aged 9] educated at Winchester College, Winchester.
Around 1777 Thomas Thynne 2nd Marquess of Bath [aged 11] educated at Winchester College, Winchester.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Around 1777 George Grey 6th Earl Stamford 2nd Earl Warrington [aged 11] educated at Winchester College, Winchester.
On 29th March 1804 John Parkinson [aged 16] died at Winchester College, Winchester. Monument at St James' Church, Kinnersley [Map]
John Parkinson: Around 1788 he was born to Leonard Parkinson at Jamaica.
On 21st December 1810 Thomas Neville Abdy 1st Baronet was born to Captain Anthony Abdy [aged 30] and Grace Rich [aged 18]. He was educated at Winchester College, Winchester. He was baptised at St Mary Abbots Church, Kensington on 14th December 1811. He married 19th October 1841 Harriet Alston and had issue.
On 16th March 1828 Bishop George Ridding was born at Winchester College, Winchester where his father was vicar.
Around 1876 Walter Shirley 11th Earl Ferrers [aged 11] educated at Winchester College, Winchester.
Ataúlfo Alejandro Orléans Galliera educated at Winchester College, Winchester.
John White was born to Robert White at Farnham, Surrey [Map]. He was educated at Winchester College, Winchester and New College, Oxford University. He married (1) before 1558 Sybil White (2) 1558 Catherine Soday.
Alonso María Orléans Galliera educated at Winchester College, Winchester.
Alvaro Antonio Orléans Galliera educated at Winchester College, Winchester.