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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Earl of Northampton is in Earldoms of England Alphabetically.
There have been four creations of Earl of Northampton:
1st. 1065. Waltheof Northumbria 1st Earl of Northampton 1st Earl Huntingdon. Extinct. 6th June 1237.
2nd. January 1337. William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton. Extinct. 16th January 1373.
3rd. 13th March 1604. Henry Howard 1st Earl of Northampton. Extinct. 15th June 1614.
4th. 1618. William Compton 1st Earl of Northampton. Extant.
Earl of Northampton is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Succeeded Countesses of England, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1065. Waltheof Northumbria 1st Earl of Northampton 1st Earl Huntingdon created.
31st May 1076. Daughter Maud Queen Consort Scotland [aged 2] succeeded. See Revolt of the Earls.
1131. Son Henry Dunkeld 3rd Earl Huntingdon 1st Earl of Northumbria [aged 17] succeeded.
12th June 1152. Half Brother Simon Senlis 4th Earl Huntingdon 4th Earl of Northampton [aged 54] succeeded.
1157. Nephew King Malcolm IV of Scotland [aged 15] granted.
December 1174. Half First Cousin Simon Senlis 7th Earl Huntingdon 6th Earl of Northampton [aged 36] succeeded. See Treaty of Falaise.
1184. Half First Cousin David Dunkeld 8th Earl Huntingdon [aged 32] succeeded.
17th June 1219. Son John Dunkeld 9th Earl Huntingdon 7th Earl Chester 8th Earl Northampton [aged 12] succeeded.
6th June 1237. Elen ferch Llewellyn Aberffraw Countess Huntingdon and Mar [aged 19] extinct.
In 1065 Waltheof Northumbria 1st Earl of Northampton 1st Earl Huntingdon was created 1st Earl of Northampton.
On 31st May 1076 Waltheof Northumbria 1st Earl of Northampton 1st Earl Huntingdon was beheaded at St Gile's Hill, Winchester. His daughter Maud [aged 2] succeeded 2nd Countess Huntingdon, 2nd Countess of Northampton.
In 1131 Maud Queen Consort Scotland [aged 57] died. Her son Henry [aged 17] succeeded 3rd Earl Huntingdon, 3rd Earl of Northampton. Ada Warenne Countess Huntingdon and Northumbria [aged 11] by marriage Countess Huntingdon.
In or before 1138 Simon Senlis 4th Earl Huntingdon 4th Earl of Northampton [aged 39] and Isabel Beaumont Countess Huntingdon and Northampton were married. She by marriage Countess Huntingdon, Countess of Northampton. She the daughter of Robert Beaumont 2nd Earl of Leicester [aged 33] and Amice Gael Countess Leicester. He the son of Simon Senlis 1st Earl of Northampton, Earl of Huntingdon and Maud Queen Consort Scotland. They were half fifth cousin once removed.
On 12th June 1152 Henry Dunkeld 3rd Earl Huntingdon 1st Earl of Northumbria [aged 38] died. His half brother Simon [aged 54] succeeded 4th Earl Huntingdon, 4th Earl of Northampton. His son Malcolm [aged 11] succeeded 2nd Earl of Northumbria.
In 1157 brothers King Malcolm IV of Scotland [aged 15] and King William I of Scotland [aged 14] paid homage to King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England [aged 23] at Peverell Castle, Derbyshire [Map].
King Malcolm IV of Scotland was deprived of his lands in Cumbria and titles by King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. Earl of Northumbria forfeit.
King Malcolm IV of Scotland was granted 5th Earl Huntingdon, 5th Earl of Northampton.
King William I of Scotland was deprived of the Earldom of Northumbria.
In December 1174 King William I of Scotland [aged 31], imprisoned at Falaise Castle [Map], signed the Treaty of Falaise by which he agreed King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England [aged 41] was overlord of Scotland. He also agreed to marry a bride of Henry's choosing. He married Ermengarde Beaumont Sarthe Queen Consort Scotland [aged 4] twelve years later.
Simon Senlis 7th Earl Huntingdon 6th Earl of Northampton [aged 36] succeeded 7th Earl Huntingdon, 6th Earl of Northampton.
In 1184 Simon Senlis 7th Earl Huntingdon 6th Earl of Northampton [aged 46] died. His half first cousin David [aged 32] succeeded 8th Earl Huntingdon, 7th Earl of Northampton.
On 17th June 1219 David Dunkeld 8th Earl Huntingdon [aged 67] died. His son John [aged 12] succeeded 9th Earl Huntingdon, 8th Earl of Northampton. Elen ferch Llewellyn Aberffraw Countess Huntingdon and Mar [aged 1] by marriage Countess Huntingdon, Countess of Northampton.
On 6th June 1237 John Dunkeld 9th Earl Huntingdon 7th Earl Chester 8th Earl Northampton [aged 30] died. Matthew Paris suggests he was poisoned by his wife Elen ferch Llewellyn Aberffraw Countess Huntingdon and Mar [aged 19]. Earl Huntingdon, Earl of Northampton extinct. Earl Chester merged with the Crown.
Earl of Northampton is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
January 1337. William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton [aged 27] created. See 1337 Creation of Earls.
16th September 1360. Son Humphrey Bohun 7th Earl Hereford 6th Earl Essex 2nd Earl of Northampton [aged 19] succeeded.
16th January 1373. Humphrey Bohun 7th Earl Hereford 6th Earl Essex 2nd Earl of Northampton extinct.
In January 1337 King Edward III of England [aged 24] created a number of new Earldom's probably in preparation for his forthcoming war against France...
William Montagu 1st Earl Salisbury [aged 36] was created 1st Earl Salisbury. Catherine Grandison Countess of Salisbury [aged 33] by marriage Countess Salisbury.
William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton [aged 27] was created 1st Earl of Northampton. Elizabeth Badlesmere Countess Northampton [aged 24] by marriage Countess of Northampton.
Hugh Audley 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 46] was created 1st Earl Gloucester probably as compensation for his daughter Margaret Audley Countess Stafford [aged 19] having been abducted by Ralph Stafford 1st Earl Stafford [aged 35].
Robert Ufford 1st Earl Suffolk [aged 38] was created 1st Earl Suffolk. Margaret Norwich Countess Suffolk [aged 51] by marriage Countess Suffolk.
On 16th September 1360 William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton [aged 50] died. He was buried either in the Courtenay Chantry Chapel at Exeter Cathedral [Map] or at Waldon Priory and Abbey [Map]. His son Humphrey [aged 19] succeeded 2nd Earl of Northampton. Joan Fitzalan Countess Essex, Hereford and Northampton [aged 13] by marriage Countess of Northampton.
On 16th January 1373 Humphrey Bohun 7th Earl Hereford 6th Earl Essex 2nd Earl of Northampton [aged 31] died. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey [Map]. Earl Hereford, Earl Essex, Earl of Northampton extinct. His estates were divided between his two daughters Eleanor Bohun Duchess Gloucester [aged 7], wife of Thomas of Woodstock 1st Duke of Gloucester [aged 18] and Mary Bohun [aged 5], wife of Henry of Bolingbroke [aged 5], the future Henry IV, although the title and estates should have been inherited Gilbert Bohun who was a grandson of Humphrey Bohun 2nd Earl Hereford 1st Earl Essex.
Earl of Northampton is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
13th March 1604. Henry Howard 1st Earl of Northampton [aged 64] created.
15th June 1614. Henry Howard 1st Earl of Northampton extinct.
On 13th March 1604 Henry Howard 1st Earl of Northampton [aged 64] was created 1st Earl of Northampton.
On 15th June 1614 Henry Howard 1st Earl of Northampton [aged 74] died unmarried. He was buried at Chapel Dover Castle. Earl of Northampton extinct.
Earl of Northampton is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extant Earldoms of England.
Summary
1618. William Compton 1st Earl of Northampton created.
24th June 1630. Son Spencer Compton 2nd Earl of Northampton [aged 29] succeeded.
19th March 1643. Son James Compton 3rd Earl of Northampton [aged 20] succeeded. See Battle of Hopton Heath.
15th December 1681. Son George Compton 4th Earl of Northampton [aged 17] succeeded.
15th April 1727. Son James Compton 5th Earl of Northampton [aged 39] succeeded.
3rd October 1754. Brother George Compton 6th Earl of Northampton [aged 62] succeeded.
6th December 1758. Nephew Charles Compton 7th Earl of Northampton [aged 21] succeeded.
18th October 1763. Brother Spencer Compton 8th Earl of Northampton [aged 25] succeeded.
7th April 1796. Son Charles Compton 1st Marquess Northampton [aged 36] succeeded.
24th May 1828. Son Spencer Compton 2nd Marquess Northampton [aged 38] succeeded.
17th January 1851. Son Charles Compton 3rd Marquess Northampton [aged 35] succeeded.
3rd March 1877. Brother William Compton 4th Marquess Northampton [aged 59] succeeded.
1897. Son William George Spencer Scott Compton 5th Marquess Northampton [aged 45] succeeded.
15th June 1913. Son William Bingham Compton 6th Marquess Northampton [aged 27] succeeded.
30th January 1978. Son Spencer Compton 7th Marquess of Northampton [aged 31] succeeded.
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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In 1618 William Compton 1st Earl of Northampton was created 1st Earl of Northampton. Elizabeth Spencer Countess Northampton [aged 42] by marriage Countess of Northampton.
On 24th June 1630 William Compton 1st Earl of Northampton died. His son Spencer [aged 29] succeeded 2nd Earl of Northampton, 3rd Baron Compton of Compton in Warwickshire. Mary Beaumont Countess of Northampton [aged 26] by marriage Countess of Northampton.
On 19th March 1643 William Compton [aged 18] and James Compton 3rd Earl of Northampton [aged 20] fought for the Royalist army at Hopton Heath, Staffordshire.
Spencer Compton 2nd Earl of Northampton [aged 41] was killed. His son James succeeded 3rd Earl of Northampton, 4th Baron Compton of Compton in Warwickshire.
In 1647 James Compton 3rd Earl of Northampton [aged 24] and Isabella Sackville Countess Northampton [aged 24] were married. She by marriage Countess of Northampton. She the daughter of Richard Sackville 3rd Earl Dorset and Anne Clifford Countess Dorset and Pembroke [aged 56]. He the son of Spencer Compton 2nd Earl of Northampton and Mary Beaumont Countess of Northampton [aged 43]. They were half fourth cousins.
After 1647 James Compton 3rd Earl of Northampton [aged 24] and Mary Noel Countess Northampton were married. She by marriage Countess of Northampton. He the son of Spencer Compton 2nd Earl of Northampton and Mary Beaumont Countess of Northampton [aged 43].
On 15th December 1681 James Compton 3rd Earl of Northampton [aged 59] died. His son George [aged 17] succeeded 4th Earl of Northampton, 5th Baron Compton of Compton in Warwickshire.
On 3rd July 1726 George Compton 4th Earl of Northampton [aged 61] and Elizabeth Rushout Countess Northampton were married. She by marriage Countess of Northampton. He the son of James Compton 3rd Earl of Northampton and Mary Noel Countess Northampton.
On 15th April 1727 George Compton 4th Earl of Northampton [aged 62] died. His son James [aged 39] succeeded 5th Earl of Northampton. Elizabeth Shirley Countess Northampton [aged 32] by marriage Countess of Northampton.
On 3rd October 1754 James Compton 5th Earl of Northampton [aged 67] died. His brother George [aged 62] succeeded 6th Earl of Northampton. His daughter Charlotte succeeded 7th Baroness Compton of Compton in Warwickshire.
On 6th December 1758 George Compton 6th Earl of Northampton [aged 66] died. His nephew Charles [aged 21] succeeded 7th Earl of Northampton. Anne Somerset Countess Northampton [aged 17] by marriage Countess of Northampton.
On 18th October 1763 Charles Compton 7th Earl of Northampton [aged 26] died. His brother Spencer [aged 25] succeeded 8th Earl of Northampton. Jane Lawton Countess Northampton by marriage Countess of Northampton.
On 7th April 1796 Spencer Compton 8th Earl of Northampton [aged 57] died. His son Charles [aged 36] succeeded 9th Earl of Northampton. Maria Smith Marchioness Northampton [aged 30] by marriage Countess of Northampton.
On 24th May 1828 Charles Compton 1st Marquess Northampton [aged 68] died. His son Spencer [aged 38] succeeded 2nd Marquess Northampton, 10th Earl of Northampton, 2nd Earl Compton of Compton in Warwickshire, 2nd Baron Wilmington of Wilmington in Sussex. Margaret Douglas-Maclean-Clephane Marchioness Northampton [aged 36] by marriage Marchioness Northampton.
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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On 17th January 1851 Spencer Compton 2nd Marquess Northampton [aged 61] died. He was buried at Church of St Mary Magdalen, Castle Ashby [Map]. His son Charles [aged 35] succeeded 3rd Marquess Northampton, 11th Earl of Northampton, 3rd Earl Compton of Compton in Warwickshire, 3rd Baron Wilmington of Wilmington in Sussex.
On 3rd March 1877 Charles Compton 3rd Marquess Northampton [aged 61] died without issue. His brother William [aged 59] succeeded 4th Marquess Northampton, 12th Earl of Northampton, 4th Earl Compton of Compton in Warwickshire, 4th Baron Wilmington of Wilmington in Sussex. Eliza Harriet Elliot Marchioness Northampton [aged 57] by marriage Marchioness Northampton.
In 1897 William Compton 4th Marquess Northampton [aged 79] died. His son William [aged 45] succeeded 5th Marquess Northampton, 13th Earl of Northampton, 5th Earl Compton of Compton in Warwickshire, 5th Baron Wilmington of Wilmington in Sussex. Mary Florence Baring Marchioness Northampton [aged 36] by marriage Marchioness Northampton.
On 15th June 1913 William George Spencer Scott Compton 5th Marquess Northampton [aged 62] died in Acqui. His son William [aged 27] succeeded 6th Marquess Northampton, 14th Earl of Northampton, 6th Earl Compton of Compton in Warwickshire, 6th Baron Wilmington of Wilmington in Sussex.
On 30th January 1978 William Bingham Compton 6th Marquess Northampton [aged 92] died. His son Spencer [aged 31] succeeded 7th Marquess Northampton, 15th Earl of Northampton, 7th Earl Compton of Compton in Warwickshire, 7th Baron Wilmington of Wilmington in Sussex.