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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Widow's Barbe is in Clothing.
Widow's Barbe. A covering of the neck. From French 'barbe' meaning 'beard'.
After 1446. St Bartholemew's Church, Tong [Map]. Monument to Fulk de Pembridge of Tong Castle and Isabel de Lingen (age 76). She the foundress of the church. Camail and Jupon Period. His head rests on a Great Helm with his crest of a Turkish Woman with plaited hair. At his feet a lion, at her feet a fawn albeit no longer with its head. She in widow's clothes with a barbe. Note the curious chain attached to the bottom of her dress.
Around 1465. All Saints Church Harewood [Map]. Monument to William Gascoigne XII (age 56) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter. Fluted Period. Suns and Roses Collar. His bare head, with finely detailed hair, no facial hair, rests on an unusual helm which appears to be a Maiden's Face, with an orle. Below the waist faulds and tassets under which mail may be seen. Both rest on a chest tomb with finely detailed weepers on each side. She, on his right, with a Widow's Barbe drawn up to her chin at the finely carved end of her dress two dogs, one pulling at the folds. Dogs chewing at her dress with Studded Collar. Dress Folds at Feet.
William Gascoigne XII: Around 1409 he was born to William Gascoigne at Gawthorpe Hall [Map]. On 7th February 1426 William Gascoigne XII and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter were married. Around 1465 William Gascoigne XII died at Gawthorpe Hall [Map]. All Saints Church Harewood [Map].
After 20th June 1560. Hasting's Chapel, St Helen's Church, Ashby-de-la-Zouch [Map]. Monument to Francis Hastings 2nd Earl Huntingdon (deceased) and Catherine Pole Countess Huntingdon (age 49) by Richard Parker of Burton on Trent. Chest tomb with five sons on one side, five daughters on the other side, and eldest son on the end. Elizabethan Period. Leg Garter. Garter Robes. Widow's Barbe. Lancastrian Esses and Inter-twined Knots Collar. Feet resting on the Manticore badge of the Hasting's family.
Inscription: "Here lyeth ye corps of Francys late Erle of Hutyngdun, Lord Hastyngs, Hungerford, Botreaux, Molyns, and Moyles, Knight of ye honorable order of ye Garter, which deceased ye XXth daye of June ao Dni 1561: and ye ladie Katheryn, Countisse of Hutyngdon his wife, which deceased ye XXIIId daye of Sepbr anno dni 1576". Moved at least twice. Some restoration.
