William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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Paternal Family Tree: Ivrea
On 30th May 1445 [his father] Ferdinand I King Naples [aged 21] and [his mother] Isabella Clermont Queen Consort Naples [aged 21] were married. He the illegitmate son of [his grandfather] Alfonso V King Aragon [aged 49] and [his grandmother] Giralda Carlino.
On 4th November 1448 Alfonso II King Naples was born to [his father] Ferdinand I King Naples [aged 25] and [his mother] Isabella Clermont Queen Consort Naples [aged 24] at Naples [Map].
On 27th June 1458 [his grandfather] Alfonso V King Aragon [aged 62] died. His son [his father] Ferdinand [aged 35] succeeded I King Naples. [his mother] Isabella Clermont Queen Consort Naples [aged 34] by marriage Queen Consort Naples. His brother John [aged 59] succeeded II King Aragon.
On 30th March 1465 [his mother] Isabella Clermont Queen Consort Naples [aged 41] died.
On 10th October 1465 Alfonso II King Naples [aged 16] and Ippolita Maria Sforza [aged 19] were married at Milan. She the daughter of Francesco Sforza I Duke Milan [aged 64] and Bianca Maria Visconti [aged 40]. He the son of Ferdinand I King Naples [aged 42] and Isabella Clermont Queen Consort Naples.
On 8th March 1466 [his father-in-law] Francesco Sforza I Duke Milan [aged 64] died. His son [his brother-in-law] Galeazzo [aged 22] succeeded 5th Duke Milan.
Before 1469 [his brother-in-law] Galeazzo Maria Sforza 5th Duke Milan [aged 24] and Bona of Savoy [aged 19] were married. She the daughter of Louis Savoy I Count Savoy and Anne Cyprus Countess Savoy. He the son of [his father-in-law] Francesco Sforza I Duke Milan and [his mother-in-law] Bianca Maria Visconti. They were second cousin once removed. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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In 18th July 1469 William VIII Marquis of Montferrat [aged 48] and [his sister-in-law] Elizabetta Sforza Marquis Montferrat [aged 13] were married. Elizabetta Sforza Marquis Montferrat by marriage Marchioness Montferrat.
On 26th August 1469 [his son] Ferdinand II King Naples was born to Alfonso II King Naples [aged 20] and [his wife] Ippolita Maria Sforza [aged 23]. He married 1496 his aunt Joanna Trastámara Queen Consort Naples, daughter of Ferdinand I King Naples and Joanna of Aragon Queen Consort Naples.
On 2nd October 1470 [his daughter] Isabella Trastámara Duchess Milan was born to Alfonso II King Naples [aged 21] and [his wife] Ippolita Maria Sforza [aged 24]. She married February 1489 her first cousin Gian Galeazzo Sforza 6th Duke Milan, son of Galeazzo Maria Sforza 5th Duke Milan and Bona of Savoy.
On 31st March 1472 [his son] Piero Trastámara was born to Alfonso II King Naples [aged 23] and [his wife] Ippolita Maria Sforza [aged 25].
In 1473 [his sister-in-law] Elizabetta Sforza Marquis Montferrat [aged 17] died.
On 14th September 1476 [his father] Ferdinand I King Naples [aged 53] and [his step-mother] Joanna of Aragon Queen Consort Naples [aged 22] were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Naples. The difference in their ages was 30 years. She the daughter of John II King Aragon [aged 78] and Juana Enríquez Queen Consort Aragon. He the illegitmate son of [his grandfather] Alfonso V King Aragon and [his grandmother] Giralda Carlino. They were first cousins.
On 26th December 1476 [his brother-in-law] Galeazzo Maria Sforza 5th Duke Milan [aged 32] was murdered at the Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore, Milan [Map]. Supported by about thirty friends, the three men waited in the church for the duke to arrive for mass. When Galeazzo Sforza arrived, Lampugnani knelt before him; after some words were exchanged, Lampugnani rose suddenly and stabbed Sforza in the groin and breast. Olgiati and Visconti soon joined in, as did a servant of Lampugnani's. Sforza was dead within a matter of seconds. All the assassins quickly escaped in the ensuing mayhem save for Lampugnani, who became entangled in some of the church's cloth and was killed by a guard. His body soon fell into the hands of a mob, which dragged the corpse through the streets, slashing and beating at it; finally, they hung the body upside-down outside Lampugnani's house. The beheaded corpse was cut down the next day and, in an act of symbolism, the "sinning" right hand was removed, burnt and put on display. His son [his future son-in-law] Gian [aged 7] succeeded 6th Duke Milan.
In 1478 [his illegitimate daughter] Sancha Trastámara was born illegitimately to Alfonso II King Naples [aged 29] and Trogia Gazzela.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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On 11th September 1478 [his brother] Frederick IV King Naples [aged 26] and [his sister-in-law] Anne of Savoy [aged 23] were married. She the daughter of Amadeus "Happy" Savoy IX Duke Savoy and Yolande Valois Duchess Savoy [deceased]. He the son of [his father] Ferdinand I King Naples [aged 55] and [his mother] Isabella Clermont Queen Consort Naples. They were fourth cousins.
In 1481 [his illegitimate son] Alfonso Trastámara was born illegitimately to Alfonso II King Naples [aged 32] and Trogia Gazzela.
On 20th August 1484 [his wife] Ippolita Maria Sforza [aged 38] died.
On On 28th November 1487 [his brother] Frederick IV King Naples [aged 35] and [his sister-in-law] Isabella del Balzo Queen Consort of Naples [aged 22] were married. He the son of [his father] Ferdinand I King Naples [aged 64] and [his mother] Isabella Clermont Queen Consort Naples. They were first cousin once removed.
In February 1489 [his son-in-law] Gian Galeazzo Sforza 6th Duke Milan [aged 19] and Isabella Trastámara Duchess Milan [aged 18] were married. She by marriage Duchess Milan. She the daughter of Alfonso II King Naples [aged 40] and Ippolita Maria Sforza. He the son of Galeazzo Maria Sforza 5th Duke Milan and Bona of Savoy [aged 39]. They were first cousins.
On 17th February 1491 [his son] Piero Trastámara [aged 18] died.
In 1493 Alfonso II King Naples [aged 44] was appointed 242nd Knight of the Garter by King Henry VII of England and Ireland [aged 35].
On 25th January 1494 [his father] Ferdinand I King Naples [aged 70] died. His son Alfonso [aged 45] succeeded II King Naples.
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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On 18th December 1495 Alfonso II King Naples [aged 47] died. His son Ferdinand [aged 26] succeeded II King Naples. Joanna Trastámara Queen Consort Naples [aged 16] by marriage Queen Consort Naples.
Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. In this war and tumultuous business in Italy, which was the most terrible and sorest plague, that any man can remember of that nation, there was no person, no place, no private house, no noble family, no captain or prince, but he was oppressed either with the heaps of the dead carcasses, or with the blood of his friends or subjects, or else sutired some affliction injury or detriment. And in some wise at one time or another, every man did taste and suffer all the mischiefs that appertained to the victory gotten by their enemies. The which defacing and blotting of the beauty of that country, sometime called the Queen of the Earth, and flower of the world, chanced not of her own self of hearing cause or desert, but the Italians her own sucking children opened the gap, and made the way of her destruction. For at that time thus it chanced, that when the potentates and seignories of Italy perceived, that all things under them succeeded, even as they would desire and wish, to their great exultation and rejoicing by reason whereof they sat still at home like sloggardes (as women be accustomed to do) scolding and brawling, exercising and practising privy displeasure and malice, not against their enemies as they were accustomed, but among themselves one against another, casting out of memory drowning their ancient renown, glory and honour with desire of rule and appetite to be revenged, and so destroyed the common weal, and subverted the olde monuments and acts of their forefathers and predecessors. And because some of them, thinking themselves, not of force and puissance sufficient enough to bring their purpose to effect, and to revenge their quarrel, they enticed, stirred and procured with gifts, rewards and promises, strangers and foreign nations to their aide and assistance. The other seeing them so desirous to have their help, partly moved with their gifts, partly with desire of rule, spoils, prayes, gathered together a great company and entered into Italy, and there destroyed, spoiled and possessed the better part of it. And so the Italians, as men out of their wit, where as they thought one to noye and hurt another with hateful warring, they destroyed their native country, being of nature enclosed and munyte with high hills and the main sea round about, and opened the way to strangers to their utter ignominy and final destruction, which they might have kept out of all danger, if they had bene their own friends, and loved their own wealth and commodity. Therefore, I may say: O progeny, as well wicked as ungodly, hath discord and dissention pleased the so much that thou wouldest utterly extinguish and confound the glory and honour of thy native country? And in conclusion, thou thyself art come to the deepest pit of wretchedness, because that thou perceiving the ruin that thou hast caused and procured, thou art more repentant for the beginning of it, then glad to desist and cause it, and so according to thy desert thou hast thy penance and guardon. The grand captain and beginner of this mischief was Sforcia, which at that time ruled at his will the duchy of Milan under Duke John Galeas his nephew: but for a truth this Louis ruled all, and the Duke did nothing. Wherefore Alphons Duke of Calabria, and after King of Naples, grudging that this Duke John his son in law, should be defrauded of his superiority and dominance, threatened sore this Louis Sforcia. Where he fearing to be put from his authority, solicited and by great entreaty procured Charles the French King to invade the realm of Naples. By reason of which procurement, Alphonse duke of Calabre, which succeeded his father Ferdinand in the Kingdom of Naples (which also as you have heard, was made Knight of the Garter) was first deprived of his Kingdom by the said King Charles, and shortly after of his life. But Louis' force had no long joy after the death of his enemy, for he was betrayed and taken by the Swytzers which warred under King Louis the twelfth, then being French King, and carried into France, where he in the Castell of Loches miserably finished his life, according to the saying of the Gospel, woo be to him by whom a slander begins. Thys mischief began at that time when Charles came thither, and continued yet, which is the yere of our Lord MDXLIII for an example to other, the strangers invited to a prosperous country be loath to depart from the sweet savour once thereof tasted.
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Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. When King Henry was returned into England, he first of all things elected into the Society of Sainct George, vulgarly called the Order of the Garter, Alphose duke of Calabria son, according to his desire which Alphonse was son and heir to [his father] Ferdinand King of Naples,and after King of the same realm, until he was overcome by King Charles. And after, the King sent Christopher Urswick, Ambassador with the garter, collar, mantel, and other habiliments appertaining to the companions of the said noble order. Which Ambassador arriving at Napels [Map], delivered to the duke the whole habile, with all the ceremonies and due circumstances thereunto belonging which duke very reverently received it, and with more reverence requested himself with the same in a solemn presence, thinking that by this apparel and investiture, he was made a friend and companion in order with the King of England, whose friendship obtained, he feared nothing the assaults or invasions of his enemies. And this was the cause that he desired so much to be companion of that noble order, firmly believing that the King of England sovereign of that order, should be aider and maintainer of him against the French King, whom he knew would passe the mountains and make war on him. But this custom of assistance in orders was, either never begun, or before clearly abolished: For in our time there have bene many noble men of Italy, companions as well of the Golden Fleece in Burgundy, as of the order of Saint Michael in France, that have bene banished and profligate from their natural country, and yet have not been aided by the sovereign nor companions of the same order. For surely the statutes and ordinances of all the said orders do not oblige and bind them to that case, but in certain points. After this the duke dismissed the Ambassador, rewarding him most princely.
Kings Wessex: Great x 14 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Godwinson: Great x 13 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 13 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 20 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 14 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 18 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alfonso "Avenger" XI King Castile
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry "Fratricide" II King Castile
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Guzman
Great x 2 Grandfather: John I King Castile
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Juan Manuel Prince of Villena
3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Juana Manuel Queen of Castile
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Blanca de la Cerda y Lara
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Ferdinand I King Aragon
6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alfonso IV King Aragon
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Peter IV King Aragon
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Teresa Enteca Queen Consort Aragon
Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Barcelona Queen Consort Castile
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Peter II King Sicily
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor of Sicily Queen Consort Aragon
5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
GrandFather: Alfonso V King Aragon
7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ferdinand IV King Castile IV King Leon
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Alfonso "Avenger" XI King Castile
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Constance Burgundy Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon
3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Sancho Alfonso Ivrea
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Guzman
Great x 1 Grandmother: Eleanor of Alberquerque Queen Consort Aragon
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alfonso "Brave" IV King Portugal
3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Peter I King Portugal
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Beatrice Ivrea Queen Consort Portugal
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Beatrice Burgundy
5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Pedro Fernández de Castro
Great x 3 Grandmother: Inês Castro
Father: Ferdinand I King Naples
8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
GrandMother: Giralda Carlino
Alfonso II King Naples
9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
GrandFather: Bartholomew "Tristan" Clermont
Mother: Isabella Clermont Queen Consort Naples
Great x 1 Grandfather: Raimondo Balzo Orsini
GrandMother: Catherine Balzo Orsini