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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Rush Mat

Rush Mat is in Church Monument Details.

In 1571 John Mordaunt 2nd Baron Mordaunt [aged 63] died. He was buried at All Saints Church, Turvey [Map]. His son Lewis [aged 32] succeeded 3rd Baron Mordaunt.

On 2nd June 1543 Ellen Fitzlewis [aged 21] died. In April 1592 Joan Fermor [aged 27] died.

Elizabethan Period monument with eight Doric Columns with John Mordaunt 2nd Baron Mordaunt in an elevated position with a wife either side, each lying on a rush mat. All three wearing ruffs. .

Ellen Fitzlewis: In 1522 she was born to John Fitzlewis. Before 1538 John Mordaunt 2nd Baron Mordaunt and she were married.

Joan Fermor: Around 1516 she was born to Richard Fermor and Anne Browne. After 1543 John Mordaunt 2nd Baron Mordaunt and she were married.

The Mordaunt crest an Blackamoor's Head.

What appear to be Harpies supporting the monument.

On 21st December 1579 Thomas Richards died. In 1603 Elizabeth Fiennes [aged 56] died.

Monument in St Mary the Virgin Church, Chipping Norton [Map]. Finely made in alabaster. Elizabethan Period. Renaissance chest with stripped-down strapwork. Rush Mat. Dress Folds at Feet. Ruff. Possibly Richard and Gabriel Royley of Burton-upon-Trent.

Thomas Richards: Before 21st December 1579 he and Elizabeth Fiennes were married.

Elizabeth Fiennes: Around 1523 she was born to Edward Fiennes 5th Baron Saye and Sele and Margaret Danvers Baroness Saye and Sele.

On 18th February 1598 Admiral Clement Paston [aged 77] died. Tomb in the Church of St Michael, Oxnead [Map]. Rush Mat.

Admiral Clement Paston: Around 1521 he was born to William Paston and Bridget Heydon. Before 18th February 1598 Admiral Clement Paston and Alice Pakington were married.

After 4th April 1617. Monument to Charles Cavendish [deceased] and Catherine Ogle 8th Baroness Ogle [aged 47] in the St Mary and St Laurence's Church, Bolsover [Map]. Stuart Period. Bongrace. Rush Mat.

Charles Cavendish: On 28th November 1553 he was born to William Cavendish and Bess of Hardwick. Before 6th December 1592 Charles Cavendish and Catherine Ogle 8th Baroness Ogle were married. He the son of William Cavendish and Bess of Hardwick Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford. On 4th April 1617 Charles Cavendish died.