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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Paternal Family Tree: Mathrathal
Before 1177 Gwenwynwyn ap Owain Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn was born to [his father] Owain Cyfeiliog Mathrafal (age 46).
In 1187 Gwenwynwyn ap Owain Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn (age 10) attacked at Carreghofa Castle [Map].
In 1195 Gwenwynwyn ap Owain Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn (age 18) was appointed Prince Powys Wenwynwyn.
In 1197 [his father] Owain Cyfeiliog Mathrafal (age 67) died. He was buried at Strata Marcella [Map].
In 1199 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr Prince Deheubarth was captured by Gwenwynwyn ap Owain Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn (age 22) at Cilgerran Castle [Map].
In 1208 Gwenwynwyn ap Owain Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn (age 31) arrested by King John of England (age 41).
Around 1210 Gwenwynwyn ap Owain Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn (age 33) was released.
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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Around 1211 [his son] Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn was born to Gwenwynwyn ap Owain Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn (age 34). He married before 1257 Hawise Strange Princess Powys Wenwynwyn and had issue.
In 1216 Gwenwynwyn ap Owain Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn (age 39) died. His son Gruffydd (age 5) succeeded Prince Powys Wenwynwyn.
[his father] Owain Cyfeiliog Mathrafal and Gwenllian Aberffraw were married. She the daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd. They were third cousin once removed.
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 2 Grand Son of Bleddyn ap Cynfyn King Gwynedd King Powys
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 6 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Great x 4 Grandfather: Gwerystan ap Gwaithfoed Mathrafal
Great x 3 Grandfather: Cynfyn ap Gwersytan Mathrafal
Great x 4 Grandmother: Nest ferch Cadell ap Brochfael King Powys
Great x 2 Grandfather: Bleddyn ap Cynfyn King Gwynedd King Powys
Great x 4 Grandfather: Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Great x 3 Grandmother: Angharad ferch Maredudd
Great x 1 Grandfather: Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
GrandFather: Gruffydd ap Maredudd Mathrafal
Father: Owain Cyfeiliog Mathrafal