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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Biography of William Murray 2nd Earl Tullibardine 1574-1627

Paternal Family Tree: Murray

Around 1574 William Murray 2nd Earl Tullibardine was born to [his father] John Murray 1st Earl Tullibardine and [his mother] Catherine Drummond Countess Tullibardine.

Before 17th November 1576 [his father] John Murray 1st Earl Tullibardine and [his mother] Catherine Drummond Countess Tullibardine were married.

On 3rd October 1599 William Murray 2nd Earl Tullibardine [aged 25] and Cecilia Wemyss were married. She the daughter of John Wemyss 1st Earl of Wemyss [aged 13] and Jane Gray Countess Wemyss. He the son of John Murray 1st Earl Tullibardine and Catherine Drummond Countess Tullibardine. They were second cousin once removed. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

Diary of Anne Clifford. July 1603. The next day Mr Menerill as he went abroad fell down suddenly and died, so as most thought it was the plague which was then very rife; it put us all in great fear and amazement, for my aunt had then a suit to follow in court and my Mother [aged 42] to attend the King about the business between my Father [aged 44] and her. My Aunt of Warwick [aged 55] sent us medicines from a house near Hampton Court, where she then lay with Sir Moyle Finch [aged 53] and his Lady [aged 46]. Now was the Master of Orkney [aged 37] and the Lord Tilliburne [aged 29] much in love with Mrs Carey and came there to see us with George Murray in their company, who was of the King's bedchamber.

After 28th September 1604 William Murray 2nd Earl Tullibardine [aged 30] and Dorothea Stewart Countess Tullibardine were married. She the daughter of John Stewart 5th Earl Atholl and Mary Ruthven Countess Atholl. He the son of John Murray 1st Earl Tullibardine and Catherine Drummond Countess Tullibardine. They were second cousin once removed.

On 10th July 1606 [his father] John Murray 1st Earl Tullibardine was created 1st Earl Tullibardine. [his mother] Catherine Drummond Countess Tullibardine by marriage Countess Tullibardine.

On 5th July 1613 [his father] John Murray 1st Earl Tullibardine died. His son William [aged 39] succeeded 2nd Earl Tullibardine. [his wife] Dorothea Stewart Countess Tullibardine by marriage Countess Tullibardine.

On 16th August 1623 David Murray 1st Viscount Stormont was created 1st Viscount Stormont with a special remainder to 1 [his half-brother] Mungo Murray 2nd Viscount Stormont, 2 John Murray 1st Earl Annandale and 3 Andrew Murray 1st Lord Balvaird [aged 26].

On 1st April 1626 William Murray 2nd Earl Tullibardine [aged 52] resigned Earl Tullibardine so that Earl Tullibardine could be granted to his brother Patrick Murray 1st Earl Tullibardine [aged 47].

On 30th July 1627 William Murray 2nd Earl Tullibardine [aged 53] died.

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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[his son] John Murray 1st Earl Atholl was born to William Murray 2nd Earl Tullibardine and Dorothea Stewart Countess Tullibardine. He married 6th June 1630 his second cousin once removed Jean Campbell Countess Atholl and had issue.