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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Census is in General Things.
1841. 1841 Census Yorkshire Beeston. Beeston, Leeds.
John Francis Oxley (age 23). 20. Flax Mill.
Isabella Richardson (age 21). 20.
Isabella Richardson: On or before 30th May 1819 she was born to William Richardson. She was baptised on 30th May 1819 at Beeston, Leeds. On 23rd March 1840 John Francis Oxley and she were married. He a Cloth-dresser. Both resident at Woodhouse. His father's name Henry Oxley. He a Cloth-dresser. Her father's name William Richardson.
1841 Census Derbyshire Glossop Hayfield Ollerset Page 1
1841. 1841 Census Derbyshire Glossop Hayfield Ollerset Page 1. Ollerset [Map].
Charles Hadfield (age 22). 22. Bleacher.
1841. 1841 Census Derbyshire New Mills District 15 Whittle. Household 12 Staffords Row.
Johnathan Hadfield. Head. 70. Cotton Manufacturer.
Mary m Hadfield (age 70). 70.
Thomas Hadfield. 20. Cotton Manufacturer.
Martha Hadfield. 20.
William Hafield. 13.
Alice Hadfield. 3.
Elizabeth Hadfield. 4 Months. Shown as separate household.
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1841. 1841 Census Surrey Lingfield District 12. Wells Bottom.
James Wood (age 75). 75. Agricultural Labourer.
William Wood (age 33). 30. Note. This age appears incorrect? Should be 33? Agricultural Labourer.
James Wood: Around 1766 he was born.
William Wood: Around 1808 he was born to James Wood at Lingfield, Surrey. Before 1855 he and Eliza m Wood were married.
1841. 1841 Census Derbyshire Marple Page 11. Barnesfold.
John Hadfield (age 62). 60.
Ann Olerenshaw (age 65). 65.
Joseph Hadfield. 15.
Nanny Ollerenshaw. Daughter. 45.
Ann Olerenshaw: Around 1776 she was born to Robert Olerenshaw. On 3rd August 1800 John Hadfield and she were married. On or before 28th July 1846 she died. On 28th July 1846 Ann Olerenshaw was buried at All Saints Church, Marple.
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1851. 1851 Census Derbyshire Marple Page 26. Barnesfold.
John Hadfield (age 72). Head. 73.
Nanny Ollendore. Daughter. 57. Housekeeper.
Joseph Hadfield. Grandson. 27. Labourer.
Samuel Gaskill. Hatter. 28.
30th March 1851. 1851 Census Derbyshire Mellor Page 21. Cobden Edge [Map].
Charles Hadfield (age 32). Head. 33. Farmer 38 Acres.
Ann Hadfield. Wife. 32.
Anne Hadfield (age 5). Daughter. 4. Cotton Factory Worker.
William Hadfield (age 2). Son. 2.
Jane Goodwin. Niece. 13. Servant.
William Goodwin. Nephew. 2.
Anne Hadfield: Around 1846 she was born to Charles Hadfield and Ann Goodwin.
William Hadfield: Around 1849 he was born to Charles Hadfield and Ann Goodwin. He must have died young since he doesn't appear on the 1861 census.
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1851. 1851 Census Derbyshire Hadfield Page 36. Lower Barn Hadfield, Derbyshire [Map].
Azariah Chadwick (age 39). Head. 41.
George Chadwick (age 11). Son. 12.
1851. C1851 Surrey Southwark Kent Road Page 12. 8 Kent Road.
Charles Crooke Siddall (age 50). Head. 50.
Charles Robert Siddall (age 23). Son. 24.
Elizabeth Siddal (age 21). Daughter. 21.
Charles Crooke Siddall: Around 1801 he was born.
30th March 1851. 1851 Census Yorkshire Leeds St Saviours Ellerby Street. 10 Ellerby Street.
John Francis Oxley (age 33). Head. 33.
Isabella Richardson (age 31). Wife. 32.
William Oxley (age 8). Son. 8.
Martha Elizabeth Oxley (age 5). Daughter. 5.
John Oxley (age 3). Son. 3.
Isabella Richardson: On or before 30th May 1819 she was born to William Richardson. She was baptised on 30th May 1819 at Beeston, Leeds. On 23rd March 1840 John Francis Oxley and she were married. He a Cloth-dresser. Both resident at Woodhouse. His father's name Henry Oxley. He a Cloth-dresser. Her father's name William Richardson.
William Oxley: Around 1843 he was born to John Francis Oxley and Isabella Richardson.
Martha Elizabeth Oxley: Around 1846 she was born to John Francis Oxley and Isabella Richardson.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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30th March 1851. 1851 Census Sowerby. 116 Heath Street, Sowerby Bridge.
Sarah Whitworth (age 39). Head. Widow. 40. Burler. Soyland, Yorkshire?
Charles Bottomley (age 15). Son. 16. Wool Sorter Assistant. Sowerby Bridge [Map].
Jeremiah Bottomley (age 15). Son. 14. Errand Boy. Sowerby Bridge [Map].
John Bottomley (age 10). Son. 11. Cotton?. Ditto.
Frederick Bottomley (age 4). Son. Unmarried. 5. Scholar. Ditto.
Mary Hannah Bottomley (age 1). Daughter. 1. Ditto.
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1851. 1851 Census Cheshire Mottram. Back Lane, Mottram.
William Smith (age 38). Head. 38. Butcher.
Martha m William Smith. Wife. 34. Housekeeper.
Sophia Smith (age 7). Daughter. 8.
1871. 1871 Census Derbyshire Mellor Page 10. Cobden Edge [Map].
Charles Hadfield (age 52). Head. 53. Farmer of 38 Acres.
Ann Hadfield. Wife. 56. Farmer's wife.
Thomas Hadfield (age 14). 13. Calico Print Worker.
John Hadfield (age 11). 11. Scholar.
2nd April 1871. 1871 Census Yorkshire Sowerby Bridge. Rayburn Cottage, Norland, Sowerby Bridge.
Frederick Bottomley (age 24). Son-in-law. 32.
Mary Hannah Bottomley (age 21). Wife. 21. Weaver.
Henry Oxley (age 18). Boarder. 21. Schoolmaster.
Frederick Bottomley: Around 1847 he was born to John Bottomley and Sarah Whitworth at Sowerby Bridge [Map].
1871. 1871 Census Thornsett Rowarth. Rowarth, Derbyshire [Map]. Cottage.
Mary Ann m Hyde (age 43). Wife. 42.
James Hyde (age 18). Son. 17.
Samuel Hyde (age 16). Son. 15.
Anne Hyde (age 10). Daughter. 10.
John Hyde (age 8). Son. 8.
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1881. 1881 Census Derbyshire Rowarth. Rowarth, Derbyshire [Map]. Cottage.
Joseph Hyde (age 53). Head. 52. Carter.
Mary Ann m Hyde (age 53). Wife. 52.
Robert Hyde (age 22). Son. 22.
John Hyde (age 18). Son. 18.
John Johnson (age 26). Son-in-law.
Anne Hyde (age 20) Daughter-in-law. 20. Note. Listed as daughter-in-law but more likely his daughter who married the above John Johnson.
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1881. 1881 Census Derbyshire Mellor District 6b Page 11. Cheetham Hill [Map].
James Redford Farmer (age 57). Head. 57. Farmer of 29 acres.
Dinah m Redford (age 52). Wife. 52. Farmer's wife. Born at Gnat Hole [Map].
Mary Ellen Redford. Daughter. 23. Cotton Corder at Cotton Mill.
Hannah Redford (age 21). Daughter. 21. Cotton Corder at Cotton Mill.
Esther Redford. Daughter. 14. Cotton Reeler.
1881. 1881 Census Derbyshire Mellor Page 3. Cobden Edge [Map].
Charles Hadfield (age 62). Head. 62. Farmer of 38 Acres.
Ann Goodwin (age 61). Wife. 61. Farmer's wife.
Thomas Hadfield (age 24). 23. Slurry? Cotton Print Works.
John Hadfield (age 21). 21. Carter Cotton Print Works.
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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1881. 1881 Census Derbyshire New Mills. Spring Bank [Map].
William Waterhouse (age 37). Head. Married. 36. Block Printer of Calico. New Mills, Derbyshire [Map].
Matilda Graham (age 34). Wife. Married. 34. Ditto.
Elizabeth Waterhouse (age 12). Daughter. 12. Scholar. Ditto.
Maria Waterhouse (age 10). Daughter. 10. Scholar. Ditto.
Thomas Waterhouse (age 7). Son. 7. Scholar. Ditto.
Catherine Waterhouse (age 5). Daughter. 5. Scholar. Ditto.
Richard Waterhouse (age 3). Son. 3.
Ann Waterhouse (age 11). Eight months.
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1881. 1881 Census Yorkshire Leeds Holbeck Woolwich Street. 5 Woolwich Street.
John Oxley (age 33). Head. 33. Machine Smith.
Caroline m Oxley (age 33). Wife. 33.
Henry Scott Oxley (age 9). Son. 9.
Francis Percy Oxley (age 2). Son. 2.
Caroline m Oxley: Around 1848 she was born. In or before 1872 John Oxley and she were married.
Henry Scott Oxley: Around 1872 he was born to John Oxley and Caroline m Oxley.
Francis Percy Oxley: Around 1879 he was born to John Oxley and Caroline m Oxley.
1881. 1881 Census Lancashire St Anns Springfield Street. 5 Springfield Street, Lancaster.
Henry Oxley (age 28). Head. 28. Certificated Schoolmaster. Leeds [Map].
Mary Hannah Bottomley (age 31). Wife. Sowerby Bridge [Map].
Ada Oxley. Daughter. 7. Scholar. Leeds [Map].
Edith Oxley. Daughter. 5. Scholar. Bedale.
Harry Oxley (age 3). 3. Son. Barthomley, Cheshire.
Frederick Oxley. 1. Son. Lancaster, Lancashire [Map].
Ada Oxley: Around 1884 she was born to Henry Oxley and Mary Hannah Bottomley.
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1881. 1881 Cheshire Tintwhistle. 5 New Road, Tintwhistle.
George Chadwick (age 41). Head. 41. General Labourer.
Sophia Smith (age 37). Wife. 38.
Harry Chadwick (age 4). Son. 5.
1891. 1891 Census Manchester Gorton Church Lane. 115 Church Lane, Gorton.
Henry Oxley (age 38). Head. 38. Schoolmaster.
Mary Hannah Bottomley (age 41). Wife. 39.
Ada Oxley (age 7). Daughter. 17.
Edith Oxley (age 5). Daughter. 15. Scholar.
Harry Oxley (age 13). Son. 13.
Frederick Oxley (age 10). Son. 11.
Florence Oxley (age 9). Daughter. 7.
Herbert Oxley (age 8). Son. 6
Sarah Oxley (age 5). Daughter. 3.
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1891. 1891 Census Derbyshire Mellor Page 1. Mellor Hall Farm [Map].
John Hadfield (age 31). Head. 30. Farmer.
Hannah Redford (age 31). Wife. 30.
Ellen Ann Hadfield (age 9). Daughter. 9.
Mary Hadfield (age 7). Daughter. 7.
Edith Hadfield (age 3). Daughter. 4.
Ann Goodwin (age 71). Mother. Widow. 72.
Ellen Ann Hadfield: Around 1882 she was born to John Hadfield and Hannah Redford.
Mary Hadfield: Around 1884 she was born to John Hadfield and Hannah Redford.
Edith Hadfield: Around 1888 she was born to John Hadfield and Hannah Redford.
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1891. 1891 Census Derbyshire Mellor 28 Cobden Edge. Cobden [Map].
Thomas Hadfield (age 34). Head. 34. Farmer and General Labourer.
1891. 1891 Census Derbyshire Fairfield Page 22. 34 New High Street [Map].
George Henry Moorcroft (age 34). Head. 35. Carter. His name is given as George Havercroft?
Caroline Wood. Wife. 35.
Ada Louise Moorcroft (age 7). Daughter. 6. Scholar.
Arthur Moorcroft (age 4). Son. 4.
Caroline Moorcroft (age 1). Daughter. 1.
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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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
1891.1891 Census Cheshire Hyde Newton District 1.Castle Street, Newton.
Martha m William Smith. Wife. 74.
Martha m William Smith: In or before 1839 William Smith and she were married.
1901. 1901 Census Derbyshire 37 Cobden Edge. Cobden Edge [Map].
Thomas Hadfield (age 44). Head. 45. Railway Labourer.
Elizabeth Oakes (age 49). Wife. 49.
Charles Hadfield (age 14). Son. 14. Calico Printer Works Labourer.
William Hadfield. Son. 12.
1901. 1901 Census Derbyshire 37 Mellor Hall Farm. Mellor Hall Farm [Map].
John Hadfield (age 41). Head. 41. Farmer Employer.
Hannah Redford (age 41). Wife. 41.
Ellen Ann Hadfield (age 19). Daughter. 19. Calico Weaver at Cotton Mill.
Mary Hadfield (age 17). Daughter. 17. Card Room Hand aat Cotton Mill.
Edith Hadfield (age 13). Daughter. 13. Cotton Mill Operative.
Ann Goodwin (age 81). Mother. Widow. 81.
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1901. 1901 Census Derbyshire Mellor District 15 Page 4. Lower Bradshaw Farm [Map].
Joseph Hinchliffe. Head. 39.
Sarah Hinchliffe. Wife. 34.
Ernest Hinchcliffe. Son. Possibly 1 month possibly one year.
Ada Louise Moorcroft (age 17). Servant. Single. 16.
1901. 1901 Census Derbyshire Hayfield Hayfield Road. 10 Hayfield Road [Map].
James Hyde (age 48). Head. 48. Stoker at Print Works.
Ellen m Hyde (age 49). Wife. 49.
Mary Hyde (age 20). Daughter. 20.
Elizabeth Ann Hyde (age 5). Daughter. 13.
Sarah Ellen Hyde (age 11). Daughter. 11.
Norah Hyde (age 4). Daughter. 4.
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1901. 1901 Census Lancashire South Manchester Chorlton cum Medlock. 11 Abbey Street, Chorlton on Medlock.
Mary Hannah Bottomley (age 51). 48. Sowerby Bridge [Map].
Edith Oxley (age 15). Daughter. 25. Bedale.
Harry Oxley (age 23). 23. Son. Bookeeper. Barthomley, Cheshire.
Frederick Oxley (age 20). 21. Son. Grocers Assistant. Lancaster, Lancashire [Map].
Florence Oxley (age 19). 18. Fancy?? Lancaster, Lancashire [Map].
Herbert Oxley (age 18). 16. Lancaster, Lancashire [Map].
Sarah Oxley (age 15). 13. Heywood, Manchester.
William Oxley (age 11). Son. 11. Gorton.
Winifred Oxley (age 9). Daughter. 9. Gorton.
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1901. 1901 Census Cheshire Tintwhistle District 10. 5 New Road, Tintwhistle.
1911. 1911 Census Lancashire South Manchester Didsbury. 41 Haydn Avenue, Moss Side.
Mary Hannah Bottomley (age 61). 60. Widow. House Keeper. Sowerby Bridge [Map].
Edith Oxley (age 25). 35. Single. Milliner. Bedale. Shown as Bedale, Cheshire.
Florence Oxley (age 29). 28. Single. Photographers Assistant. Lancaster, Lancashire [Map].
Sarah Oxley (age 25). 23. Single. Photographers Assistant. Heywood, Manchester.
William Oxley (age 21). 20. Single. Ships Steward. Gorton.
Winifred Oxley (age 19). 18. Single. None. Working at home. Gorton.
Harry Oxley (age 33). 33. Married 6 Years. 2 Born Alive and still living. Mercantile Clerk. Stone Merchant. Barthomley, Cheshire.
Madge Oxley (age 5). 5. Daughter of Harry. Didsbury, Manchester.
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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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
2nd April 1911. 1911 Census Derbyshire New Mills Back Meal Street. 2 Back Meal Street [Map]
Charles Hadfield (age 24). Head. 24. Carter Coal Merchant.
Caroline Wood (age 56). Wife. 24.
George Hadfield (age 2). Son. 2.
1911. 1911 Census Derbyshire New Mills Bridge Street. 5 Bridge Street [Map].
Richard Waterhouse (age 33). Head. 32.
Ada Louise Moorcroft (age 27). Wife. 26.
Gladys Waterhouse (age 4). Daughter. 4.
George William Waterhouse. Son. 1.
George Cawley. Boarder. 28. Single. Police Constable.
Richard Waterhouse: On 27th August 1877 he was born to William Waterhouse and Matilda Graham. In 1904 Richard Waterhouse and Ada Louise Moorcroft were married. On 26th January 1952 Richard Waterhouse died.
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1911. 1911 Census Mellor. Lower Bradshaw Farm [Map].
George Henry Moorcroft (age 54). Head. 55.
Caroline Wood (age 55). Wife. 55.
Arthur Moorcroft (age 24). Son. 24.
Caroline Moorcroft (age 21). Daughter. 21.
George Henry Moorcroft (age 19). Son. 19.
Thomas Willam Moorcroft (age 15). Son. 15.
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