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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Biography of Alfonso II King Aragon 1157-1196

Paternal Family Tree: Barcelona

Alfonso II King Aragon and Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Aragon. She the daughter of Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon and Richeza Unknown Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon. He the son of Raymond V Count Barcelona and Petronilla Jiménez Queen Aragon. They were half third cousin once removed.

In August 1150 [his father] Raymond V Count Barcelona (age 36) and [his mother] Petronilla Jiménez Queen Aragon (age 13) were married. She by marriage Countess Barcelona. The difference in their ages was 22 years. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Ramiro "Monk" II King Aragon (age 64) and [his grandmother] Agnes Poitiers Queen Consort Aragon (age 45). He the son of Raymond III Count Barcelona and Douce Gevaudan Countess Barcelona. They were fourth cousins.

On 25th March 1157 Alfonso II King Aragon was born to [his father] Raymond V Count Barcelona (age 43) and [his mother] Petronilla Jiménez Queen Aragon (age 20) at Huesca.

On 16th August 1157 [his grandfather] Ramiro "Monk" II King Aragon (age 71) died. He had abdicted in fabour of his daughter [his mother] Petronilla Jiménez Queen Aragon (age 21) some twenty years before.

On 6th August 1162 [his father] Raymond V Count Barcelona (age 48) died. His son Alfonso (age 5) succeeded II Count Barcelona.

On 15th October 1173 [his mother] Petronilla Jiménez Queen Aragon (age 37) died.

In 1174 [his son] Alfonso Barcelona II Count Provence was born to Alfonso II King Aragon (age 16) and Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon (age 19) at Barcelona [Map]. He married 1193 Gersenda II Sabran Countess Provence and had issue.

In July 1178 [his son] Peter II King Aragon was born to Alfonso II King Aragon (age 21) and Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon (age 23). He married Marie Montpellier Queen Consort Aragon and had issue.

In 1179 [his daughter] Constance Barcelona was born to Alfonso II King Aragon (age 21) and Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon (age 24). She married 15th August 1209 her third cousin once removed Frederick I King Jerusalem II Holy Roman Emperor and had issue.

Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough

A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'

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In 1185 [his son] Alfonso Barcelona II Count Provence (age 11) was appointed II Count Provence by his father (age 27).

In 1193 Alfonso Barcelona II Count Provence (age 19) and Gersenda II Sabran Countess Provence (age 13) were married. She by marriage Countess Provence. He the son of Alfonso II King Aragon (age 35) and Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon (age 38).

On 25th April 1196 Alfonso II King Aragon (age 39) died. His son Peter (age 17) succeeded II King Aragon.

On 18th July 1664 [his mother] Petronilla Jiménez Queen Aragon Abdicated. Her son Alfonso succeeded II King Aragon.

[his daughter] Sancha Barcelona Countess Toulouse was born to Alfonso II King Aragon and Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon. She married March 1211 her third cousin Raymond Rouerge VII Count Toulouse, son of Raymond Count of Toulouse and Joan Plantagenet Queen Consort Sicily, and had issue.

[his son] Ferdinand Barcelona was born to Alfonso II King Aragon and Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon.

[his daughter] Dulcia Barcelona was born to Alfonso II King Aragon and Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon.

[his daughter] Eleanor Barcelona was born to Alfonso II King Aragon and Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon.