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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Paternal Family Tree: Vesey
John Vesey 1st was born to [his father] Bishop Thomas Vesey 1st Baronet and [his mother] Mary Muschamp. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.12%.
On 13th July 1698 [his father] Bishop Thomas Vesey 1st Baronet (age 30) was created 1st Baronet Vesey of Abbeyleix.
On 12th June 1713 [his father] Bishop Thomas Vesey 1st Baronet (age 45) was appointed Bishop of Killaloe.
In 1714 [his father] Bishop Thomas Vesey 1st Baronet (age 46) was elected Bishop of Ossory in which position he remained for life.
In 1727 John Vesey 1st was elected MP Newtownards which seat he held until 1750.
Before 6th August 1730 [his father] Bishop Thomas Vesey 1st Baronet (age 62) and [his mother] Mary Muschamp (age 55) were married. They were first cousins.
On 6th August 1730 [his father] Bishop Thomas Vesey 1st Baronet (age 62) died. He was buried at St Anne's Church, Dublin. His son John succeeded 2nd Baronet Vesey of Abbeyleix.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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Before 1735 John Vesey 1st and Elizabeth Brownlow were married.
Around 1735 [his son] Thomas Vesey 1st Viscount Vesci was born to John Vesey 1st and [his wife] Elizabeth Brownlow. He married 24th April 1769 Selina Elizabeth Brooke Viscountess Vesci, daughter of Arthur Brooke 1st Baronet and Margaret Fortescue, and had issue.
In 1746 [his mother] Mary Muschamp (age 71) died.
In 1750 John Vesey 1st was created 1st Baron Knapton
In 1761 John Vesey 1st died. His son Thomas (age 26) succeeded 2nd Baron Knapton, 3rd Baronet Vesey of Abbeyleix.
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Vesey
Great x 1 Grandfather: Rector Thomas Vesey
GrandFather: Archbishop John Vesey
Father: Bishop Thomas Vesey 1st Baronet
Great x 1 Grandfather: Colonel Agmondisham Muschamp
GrandMother: Anne Muschamp
Great x 1 Grandfather: Colonel Agmondisham Muschamp
GrandFather: Denny Muschamp
Mother: Mary Muschamp