Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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Constable of Dover Castle is in Constables of Castles. See Dover Castle [Map].
Before 1202 Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent (age 31) was appointed Count Mortain Mortagne, and as Constable of Dover Castle, Constable of Windsor Castle, Constable of Chinon Castle.
In 1246 Nicholas Moels (age 51) was appointed Constable of Dover Castle.
In 1324 Henry Cobham 1st Baron Cobham (age 64) was appointed Constable of Dover Castle.
After October 1336 Bartholomew "The Elder" Burghesh 1st Baron Burghesh (age 49) was appointed Warden of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle which offices he held, with occassional interruption, to his death.
In 1370 Richard Pembridge (age 50) was appointed Constable of Dover Castle.
In 1373 William Latimer 4th Baron Latimer of Corby (age 42) was appointed Constable of Dover Castle.
In 1380 Robert Assheton was appointed Constable of Dover Castle and Warden of the Cinque Ports.
In 1384 Simon Burley (age 44) was appointed Constable of Dover Castle.
Patent Rolls. 3rd January 1388. Appointment, during pleasure, of John Devereux (age 51), knight, to be constable of Dover castle and warden of the Cinque Ports, receiving therefor for the maintenance of himself and the chaplains, servants, watchmen and one carpenter abiding therein, £300. a year, viz. from, wards belonging to the castle £146., from the issues of the customs in the port of Sandwich 100 marks and the residue at the Exchequer, without rendering account, as Simon de Bureley (age 48), knight, late constable and warden, saving to the king chattels of felons and fugitives, fines, ransoms, amercements, etc. from the said ports belonging to the king, for which he is to render account at the Exchequer; provided that he stay in person upon the custody as is reasonably needful and as necessity demands. By K. & C. Mandate in pursuance to the said Simon to deliver the castle to him. Mandate de intendendo in pursuance to the barons, bailiffs, good men and whole commonalty of the liberty of the Cinque Ports.
On 12th March 1388 John Devereux 1st Baron Devereux (age 51) was appointed Constable of Dover Castle.
Patent Rolls. 12th March 1388. Grant, for life, to John Devereux (age 51), one of the king's bannerets, of the offices of constable of Dover castle and warden of the Cinque Ports, as held by Simon de Burleye (age 48). By p.s. Vacated because otherwise below.
In 1392 John Beaumont 4th Baron Beaumont (age 31) was appointed Constable of Dover Castle.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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In February 1397 John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset (age 24) was appointed Admiral of the Irish Fleet, Constable of Dover Castle and Warden of the Cinque Ports.
Around 1400 Thomas Fitzalan 10th Earl of Surrey 5th or 12th Earl of Arundel (age 18) was appointed Constable of Dover Castle.
Patent Rolls. 7th May 1461. Middleham Castle [Map]. Grant for life to the king's kinsman Richard (age 32), Earl of Warwick, of the office of constable of the king's castle of Dover, and al rents and services called 'castelwarde', and herbage and advowsons pertaining to the same, and the wardenship of the Cinque Ports and all forfeitures, 'shares', wreck of sea and other profits; and also 300l yearly for the sustenances of himself and priests, servants, watchmen, and other officers there, in the same manner as Humphey, late Duke of Gloucester, viz 146l frin the wards pertaining to the castle and 154l from the fee farm of the town of Southampton. By other latters patent.
Richard Grey was appointed Constable of Dover Castle.