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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Around 1555. Attributed Steven van der Meulen of the English School. Portrait of Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon [aged 28].
Around 1560 Steven van der Meulen. Portrait of William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke [aged 59].
Around 1562 Steven van der Meulen. Portrait of (probably) Catherine Carey [aged 38].
Around 1563 Steven van der Meulen. Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland [aged 29].
1564. Unknown Painter. Portrait of Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester [aged 31]. The portrait shows the arms of Dudley twice, top left surrounded by the Collar of the Order of St Michael and top right the Order of the Garter. Dudley received the Order of St Michael in 1566 which suggest the painting isn't by Steven van der Meulen, to whom it was formerly attributed, who died in 1564.
Before 20th January 1564 Steven van der Meulen died. His will was proved 20th January 1564.
Around 1572 Steven van der Meulen. Portrait of Frances Sidney Countess Sussex [aged 41].
Frances Sidney Countess Sussex: In 1531 she was born to William Sidney and Anne Pakenham at Penshurst Place, Kent [Map]. In 1555 Thomas Radclyffe 3rd Earl of Sussex and she were married. He the son of Henry Radclyffe 2nd Earl of Sussex and Elizabeth Howard. On 17th February 1557 Henry Radclyffe 2nd Earl of Sussex died. He was buried at St Lawrence Pountney Church. His son Thomas succeeded 3rd Earl of Sussex, 3rd Viscount Fitzwalter, 12th Baron Fitzwalter. She by marriage Countess of Sussex. On 9th March 1589 Frances Sidney Countess Sussex died. On 15th April 1589 she was buried in Chapel of St Paul, Westminster Abbey [Map].