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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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Constable of the Tower of London is in Constables of Castles. See Tower of London [Map].
In 1220 Stephen Segrave (age 49) was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
On 23rd June 1267 Alan Zouche (age 64) was appointed Warden of London and Constable of the Tower of London which offices he held until September.
In October 1335 Nicholas de la Beche was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1337 Bartholomew "The Elder" Burghesh 1st Baron Burghesh (age 50) was appointed Admiral of the Fleet from the mouth of the Thames westward, Constable of the Tower of London, Lord Chamberlain of the Household and Seneschal of Ponthieu.
In 1345 John Darcy 1st Baron Darcy of Knayth (age 65) was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1361 Richard Vache was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
On 7th October 1399 Thomas Rempston was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
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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In 1413 John Abrichecourt was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1420 John Holland 2nd Duke Exeter (age 24) was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1433 Richard Woodville (age 48) was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
Patent Rolls. 2nd December 1461. Westminster Palace [Map]. Grant for life to the king's (age 19) kinsman John, Earl of Worcester (age 34), of the office of the constable of the Tower of London, with the accustomed fees.
On 17th July 1483 Robert Brackenbury was appointed Constable of the Tower of London for life. As Constable he was in direct care of The Princes in the Tower: King Edward V of England (age 12) and his brother Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York (age 9).
Close Rolls Edward IV Edward V Richard III 1476-1485. 9th March 1484 King Richard III of England (age 31). Westminster Palace [Map]. Grant for life to the king's servant Robert Brackenbury of the office of Constable of the Tower of London and £100 yearly for his wages from the issues of the manors or lordships of Wrottell, Haveryng, Boyton, Hadlegh, Raylegh and Rocheford, co Essex, and Tunbrich, Penshurste, Middleton and Merdon and the hundred of Middleton, co Kent, with arrears from 17 July last, in lieu of a grant to him by letters patent of that date surrendered. By p.s.
On 28th May 1524 William Kingston (age 48) was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 2nd May 1536. ... and the same daie, about five of the clocke at nighta, Anne Bolleine (age 35) was brought to the Towre of London by my Lord Chauncelor (age 48)b, the Duke of Norfolke (age 63), Mr. Secretarie (age 51),c and Sir William Kingston (age 60), Constable of the Tower; and when she came to the court gate,d entring in, she fell downe on her knees before the said lordes, beseeching God to helpe her as she was not giltie of her accusement,e and also desired the said lordes to beseech the Kinges grace to be good unto her, and so they left her their prisoner.f
Note a. "In the afternoon." — Stow.
Note b. Sir Thomas Audley.
Note c. Sir Thomas Cromwell, afterwards Earl of Essex.
Note d. "Towergate" in Stow.
Note e. On her arrest she was informed of the accusation of adultery.
Note f. Anne's prison-chamber was that in which she had slept the night before her coronation.
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In 1540 John Gage (age 60) was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1557 Robert Oxenbridge (age 49) was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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In 1685 George Legge 1st Baron Dartmouth (age 38) was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
Geoffrey Mandeville was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
William Mandeville was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.