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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MP Tavistock is in Member Parliament.
In 1547 Edward Rogers (age 49) was elected MP Tavistock.
In 1563 Richard Cooke (age 33) was elected MP Tavistock.
In 1586 John Glanville (age 44) was elected MP Tavistock.
In 1601 Henry Grey 8th Earl Kent (age 18) was elected MP Tavistock.
In 1621 Baptist Hicks 1st Viscount Campden (age 64) was elected MP Tavistock.
In 1624 Sampson Hele (age 42) was elected MP Tavistock.
In 1641 Colonel John Russell (age 21) was elected MP Tavistock in the Long Parliament.
In 1708 John Cope 6th Baronet (age 34) was elected MP Tavistock which seat he held in 1710, 1713, 1715 and 1722.
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 1715 Francis Drake 4th Baronet (age 21) was elected MP Tavistock. He was re-elected unopposed in 1722.
In 1727 John Cope 6th Baronet (age 53) was elected MP Tavistock and MP Hampshire choosing to sit for the latter.
In 1727 Francis Drake 4th Baronet (age 33) was elected MP Tavistock and MP Bere Alston. He chose to sit for Tavistock which seat he held until 1734.
In 1747 Thomas Brand (age 30) was elected MP Tavistock.
In December 1747 Richard Wrottesley 7th Baronet (age 26) was elected MP Tavistock which seat he held until 1754.
In 1852 George Byng 3rd Earl Strafford (age 21) was elected MP Tavistock.