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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In May 1501 [her future husband] Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford [aged 13] and Mary Grey Baroness Ferrers Chartley [aged 10] were married. She the daughter of Thomas Grey 1st Marquess Dorset [aged 46] and Cecily Bonville Marchioness Dorset [aged 40]. They were second cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
Around 1520Margaret Garneys Viscountess Hereford was born to [her father] Robert Garneys [aged 42].
Before 1536 [her future husband] William Willoughby 1st Baron Willoughby of Parham [aged 20] and Elizabeth Heneage Baroness Willoughby of Parham [aged 17] were married.
In 1539 or 1541 Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford [aged 51] and Margaret Garneys Viscountess Hereford [aged 19] were married. She by marriage Baroness Ferrers of Chartley. The difference in their ages was 32 years.
Around 1544 [her son] Edward Devereux 1st Baronet was born to [her husband] Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford [aged 56] and Margaret Garneys Viscountess Hereford [aged 24]. He married before 1566 Catherine Arden Baroness Devereux and had issue.
After 20th February 1547 [her step-son] Richard Devereux [deceased] died.
In 1550 [her husband] Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford [aged 62] was created 1st Viscount Hereford. Margaret Garneys Viscountess Hereford [aged 30] by marriage Viscountess Hereford.
Around 12th November 1554 [her step-son] William Devereux of Merevale [aged 29] and Jane Scudamore [aged 29] were married.
On 3rd August 1556 [her father] Robert Garneys [aged 78] died.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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On 17th September 1558 [her husband] Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford [aged 70] died. His grandson Walter [aged 17] succeeded 2nd Viscount Hereford, 11th Baron Ferrers of Chartley.
On 20th August 1559 William Willoughby 1st Baron Willoughby of Parham [aged 44] and Margaret Garneys Viscountess Hereford [aged 39] were married. She by marriage Baroness Willoughby Parham.
On 1st January 1562 the New Years Gift Giving was held. Those who gave gifts provide an interesting who's who of the Elizabethan Court soon after Elizabeth I's Coronation. Queen Elizabeth [aged 28] was present since a number are described as "With the Qene her Majestie."
For 'dimy' read 'demi' ie half-sovereigns.
Neweeyeur's Gyftes gevon to the Quene her Majestie by those Parsons whose Names hereafter ensue, the first of January, the Yere above wrytten.
By the Lady Margaret Strainge [aged 22], a little round mounte of golde to conteyne a pomaunder in it. With the Qene her Majestie. Note. Lady Margaret Strange married Henry Stanley Lord Strange [aged 30] on 07 Feb 1555. In 1561 he had not succeeded to Earldom of Derby and was known by the courtesy title Lord Strange. She is listed first since she was one of the few remaining direct descendants of Henry VII, being a great-granddaughter by his daughter Mary Tudor. Margaret Clifford was first in line to succeed in 1568 but died in 1596 before Elizabeth I.
Dukes, Marquises and Earls.
By the Duke of Norfolke [aged 25], in a purse of purple silke and golde knit, in sundry coynes of golde £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Winchester [aged 79], High Threasourer of Englande, in a purse of crymsen satten, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Northampton [aged 50], in a purse of crymsen silke and gold knit, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Arundell [aged 49], Lord Steward, in a paper, in angels, £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Shrewesburye [aged 34], in a red silke purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Darbye [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen satten, embraudered with golde, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Pembroke [aged 61], in a purse of black silk and silver knit, in new angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Bedforde [aged 35], in a purse of black silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Rutlande [aged 35], in a purse of red silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraigns and angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Huntingdon, in a red silk purse, in angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Westmerlande [aged 37], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Oxforde [aged 46], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Northumberlande [aged 34], in a purse of black silke and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d. With the Quene her Highness.
By the Earle of Warwike [aged 32], a smocke wrought with black silk, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke. Delivered to the Baroness Cobham [aged 23].
By the Viscounte Mountague [aged 33], in a purse of cloth of golde, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Bishops. The list of Bishops ends with "With her said Majestie"; unclear whether this refers to all the Bishops listed.
By the Archbusshop of Caunterbury [aged 57], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £40 0s 0d.
By the Archbusshop of York [aged 61], in soveraigns £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Duresme [aged 42], in a purse of crymson silk and gold knytt, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Ely [aged 69], in a red vellat purse, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Wynchester [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt and set with pearles, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of London [aged 43], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Salisbury [aged 39], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Worcester [aged 43], in a black vellat purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lyncoln [aged 42], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chychester [aged 64], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Norwich [aged 50], in a blew silk purse £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Hereforde [aged 52], in a green silk purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lychfield and Coventry [aged 48], in a red satten purse, in angells £13 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Rochester [aged 48], in a red purse, in gold £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Saint Davies [aged 55], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Bathe, in a purse of red silk, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Exetour, in a blew silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Peterborowe, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chester, in a red purse, in angells and soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Duchesses and Countesses.
By the Duchess of Norfolke [aged 22], in a prse of crymsen silk and gold knyt, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Duchess of Somerset [aged 65], in a purse of silver and black silk, in royalls and ducketts £14 0s 0d. Probably the Dowager Duchess of Somerset since her husband Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset had been executed in 1552, and their children disinherited as a result.
By the Countess of Surrey, in a purse of tawny silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Dowager since her husband Henry Howard 1516-1547, by courtesy Earl Surrey, had been executed in 1547.
By the Countess of Pembroke [aged 38], in a cherry bag of crymsen satten, in new angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Bedford [aged 36], in a purse of crymsen silk and silver knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Darby [aged 51], in a purse of crymson sattin embrodred with gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Oxford [aged 36], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury, Dowager [aged 62], in a purse of black silk knytt, in dimy soveraignes £12 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury [aged 37], in a red silk purse knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon, Dowager [aged 51], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon [aged 24], in a red purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Northumberland [aged 24], in a purse of black silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Rutland [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
Viscountesses.
By the Vicountess Hereford, Dowager [aged 42], six hankercheffes edged with gold delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Vicountess Mountague [aged 23], in a purse of cloth of gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Lordes.
By the Lorde Keeper of the Great Seale, Bacon [aged 51], in a purse of silver knytt, in angells £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Pagett [aged 56], in a greene purse in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Clynton, Lord Admyrall [aged 50], in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Riche [aged 65], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde North [aged 66], in a purse of purple silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Lumley [aged 29], in a paper, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Hastings of Loughboro [aged 41], in a red silk purse, in French crowns £13 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Stafford [aged 60], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Windsor [aged 30], in a purse of crymsn silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
by Lorde John Graye [aged 38], a haunce pott of allabaster garnished with silver gilt. Delivered in charge to John Asteley, Esq Master and Threasourer of her Highnes Jewels and Plate. Lord John Grey assumed to be a courtesy title his father being Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset.
By the Lorde Barkeley [aged 27], in a red purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Mountejoye [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Abergavennye [aged 36], in a purse of red silke, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Scrowpe [aged 28], in a purse of blak silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Caree of Hundesdon [aged 35], in a purse of crymsen silk, in double ducketts £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Strainge, in a purse of red silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Lord Strange being the courtesy title for the Earldom of Derby. He wouldn't inherit until 1572.
By the Lorde Darcey of Chichey [aged 30], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes, £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shefild [aged 24], in a red silk purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shandowes [aged 40], in a blak silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Ladyes.
By the Baroness Howarde [aged 47], in a purse of crymsen silk and knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Clinton [aged 35], a peire of sleevis of gold, pulled out with lawne. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Baroness Genevillet, in gold £6 13s 4d.
By the Lady Barkeley [aged 24], Lord Barkeley's wife, in gold £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Mountejoye [aged 30], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Abergavenny, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Caree of Hundesdon [aged 33], in a blak purse knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Taylboyes, Sir Peter Carewe's [aged 48] wyfe, in a purse of blak silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Cobham, a partelett and a peire of sleeves of sypers wrought with silver and blak silke. Re-delivered to herself.
By the Lady Dakers [aged 21], a warming ball of gold, per oz. 3 oz. dim. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shefilde [aged 20], a paire of sleeves wrought with fringe of blak silk and lozeng of gold. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Margaret Baroness Scrope [aged 18], in a purse of blak silk and silver, in angells £7 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shandowes [aged 38], a peire of sleeves and a partlett of gold and silver knytt, cawle fashion. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Lady Knowlles [aged 38], a feyne carpett of needleworke, theverende frienged and buttoned with gold and silk. Delivered to John Torneworth, Groom of the Privy Chamber.
By the Lady Butler, in a little white purse, in French crowns £6 0s 0d. With her said Majestie. Unclear as to who Lady Butler refers to.
By the Lady Raclyef, a peire of sleeves of cameryk, all over sett with purle, and two sweet bags. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
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Before 1566 [her son] Edward Devereux 1st Baronet [aged 21] and [her daughter-in-law] Catherine Arden Baroness Devereux [aged 7] were married.
On 30th July 1570 [her husband] William Willoughby 1st Baron Willoughby of Parham [aged 55] died at Minting Park, East Lindsey. His son [her step-son] Charles [aged 33] succeeded 2nd Baron Willoughby Parham.
Before 21st July 1599 Margaret Garneys Viscountess Hereford [aged 79] died. On 21st July 1599 Margaret Garneys Viscountess Hereford was buried in St John the Baptist, Chartley Stowe.
[her daughter] Katherine Devereux was born to Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford and Margaret Garneys Viscountess Hereford.