Westminster Chronicle of King Richard II, 1381-1394
The Westminster Chronicle is one of the most vivid and important narrative sources for the reign of Richard II. Written by an anonymous chronicler closely connected with Westminster Abbey, it covers the years 1381 to 1394, from the Peasants’ Revolt to the political tensions, court ceremonies, diplomatic negotiations, royal progresses, and public crises of Richard’s later reign. Rich in detail the chronicle records major events such as the conflicts between the King and Lords Appellant, King and the City of London, negotiations with France and Scotland, the death and funeral of Queen Anne of Bohemia, the illness of Charles VI of France, and the changing fortunes of leading nobles including John of Gaunt, Thomas of Gloucester, Robert de Vere, and the Earl of Arundel. The Chronicle offers readers a remarkable window into late fourteenth-century England, combining political observation, courtly spectacle, urban drama, ecclesiastical affairs, and moral judgement. It is an essential source for anyone interested in medieval monarchy, London, Westminster, and the troubled reign of Richard II.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1660 John Closterman was born in Osnabrück.
Around 1680 John Closterman [aged 20]. Portrait of Margaret Tufton Baroness Coventry [aged 43].
Margaret Tufton Baroness Coventry: On 13th July 1636 she was born to John Tufton 2nd Earl of Thanet and Margaret Sackville Countess Isle Thanet. On 18th July 1653 George Coventry 3rd Baron Coventry and she were married. She by marriage Baroness Coventry. She the daughter of John Tufton 2nd Earl of Thanet and Margaret Sackville Countess Isle Thanet. On 30th July 1729 Margaret Tufton Baroness Coventry died.
Around 1680 John Closterman [aged 20]. Portrait of John Paulett 1st Earl Paulett [aged 12].
Around 1680 John Riley [aged 34] was assisted by John Closterman [aged 20] who finished several of Riley's pictures after his death.
Before 16th May 1680. John Riley [aged 34] and John Closterman [aged 20]. Portrait of William Blackett 1st Baronet [aged 59].
In 1681 John Closterman [aged 21] travelled to England where he worked for John Riley [aged 35] being resposible for painting the draperies in Riley's portraits.
Around 1685 John Closterman [aged 25] and John Riley [aged 39]. Portrait of Dorothy Mason Baroness Brownlow [aged 18].
Around 1685 John Closterman [aged 25] and John Riley [aged 39]. Portrait of John Brownlow 3rd Baronet [aged 25].
Around 1685 John Closterman [aged 25] and John Riley [aged 39]. Portrait of William Brownlow 4th Baronet [aged 19].
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 2 Chapters 61-109 1342-1361
The Chronicle of Jean le Bel, Volume 2 continues one of the most important fourteenth-century accounts of the early Hundred Years’ War. Written by the Liège chronicler Jean le Bel, this vivid narrative follows the fortunes of Edward III, Jean II of France, the Black Prince, the great nobles of France and England, and the soldiers, captains and companies who shaped the conflict. This volume covers some of the most dramatic events of the period, including the battles of Crécy and Poitiers, the siege and capture of Calais, the captivity of King John, the rise of the Jacquerie, the turmoil in Paris under Étienne Marcel and Charles of Navarre, the devastation caused by the free companies, Edward III’s great campaign of 1359–1360, and the negotiations leading to the Treaty of Brétigny. Jean le Bel’s chronicle is especially valuable for its lively detail, its interest in chivalry, warfare, politics and reputation, and its influence on later chroniclers, most famously Froissart. This English translation presents the text in clear, readable British English while preserving the force and character of the original narrative. The translation includes extensive notes to help the reader better understand Jean le Bel's text. Volume 2 also includes translated appendices drawn from royal and administrative records, many from the English Record Office, which illuminate Edward III’s campaigns in Brittany, the siege and occupation of Calais, naval preparations, military finance, appointments, safe conducts and related affairs.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Around 1690 John Closterman [aged 30]. Portrait of Robert Constable 3rd Viscount Dunbar [aged 39].
Around 1690. John Closterman [aged 30]. Portrait of Elizabeth Percy Duchess Somerset [aged 22] with her son Algernon Seymour 7th Duke of Somerset [aged 5].
Around 1691 John Closterman [aged 31]. Portrait of Charles Seymour 6th Duke of Somerset [aged 28] wearing his Leg Garter.
After March 1691 John Closterman [aged 31] completed a number of unfinished works of John Riley [deceased] bringing him to the attention of Charles Seymour 6th Duke of Somerset [aged 28] who then commissioned him to complete a number of paintings.
From 1692 to 1713 John Closterman [aged 32] lived at 3 Great Piazza Covent Garden.
In 1696 John Closterman [aged 36] travelled to the Court of Spain.
In 1697 John Closterman [aged 37]. Portrait of William Cavendish 1st Duke Devonshire [aged 56].
In 1702 John Closterman [aged 42]. Portrait of Eleanor Brownlow Viscountess Tyconnel [aged 11].
In 1703 John Closterman [aged 43]. Portrait of Queen Anne of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 37].
Around 1703 John Closterman [aged 43]. Portrait of Nathan Wright Keeper of the Great Seal [aged 49].
Nathan Wright Keeper of the Great Seal: In 1654 he was born. John Evelyn's Diary. 10th May 1700. The great trial between Sir Walter Clarges and Mr. Sherwin concerning the legitimacy of the late Duke of Albemarle, on which depended an estate of £1,500 a year; the verdict was given for Sir Walter, 19th. Serjeant Wright at last accepted the Great Seal. On 4th August 1721 he died.
Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1703 John Closterman [aged 43]. Portrait of Anthony Ashley-Cooper 3rd Earl Shaftesbury [aged 31] and Maurice Ashley-Cooper [aged 27].
Maurice Ashley-Cooper: On 14th April 1675 he was born to Anthony Ashley-Cooper 2nd Earl Shaftesbury and Dorothy Manners Countess Shaftesbury. On 21st October 1726 Maurice Ashley-Cooper died.
Before 28th October 1708 John Closterman [aged 48]. Portrait of Prince George of Denmark 1st Duke Cumberland [aged 55].
Before 24th May 1711 John Closterman [aged 51]. Possibly school of. Portrait of Queen Anne of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 46].
Before 24th May 1711 John Closterman [aged 51]. Portrait of Amabel Grey [aged 12].
Before 24th May 1711 John Closterman [aged 51]. Portrait of Robert Dashwood 1st Baronet [aged 48].
Before 24th May 1711 John Closterman [aged 51]. Portrait of Edward Montagu 3rd Earl Sandwich [aged 41].
Before 24th May 1711 John Closterman [aged 51]. Portrait of John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough [aged 60] known as The Triumph of the John, 1st Duke of Marlborough.
Before 24th May 1711 John Closterman [aged 51] died.
Before 24th May 1711 John Closterman [aged 51]. Portrait of John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough [aged 60].
Before 24th May 1711 John Closterman [aged 51]. Possibly school of. Portrait of Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough [aged 50].
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 24th May 1711 John Closterman [aged 51] was buried.