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Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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Caernarfon Castle is in Caernarfon [Map], Castles in Carnarfonshire.
The Welsh Castles and Towns of Edward I comprise a number of castles, some with associated planned towns, commissioned as a means of containing the Welsh. They included, from east to west, Flint Castle [Map], Rhuddlan [Map], Conwy Castle [Map], Beaumaris Castle [Map], Caernarfon Castle [Map], Harlech Castle [Map] and Aberystwyth Castle [Map]. Those not on the coast include Chirk Castle [Map], Denbigh Castle and Town Walls [Map] and Builth Castle [Map]. Arguably, Holt Castle [Map] and Criccieth Castle [Map] should be included.
On 25th April 1284 King Edward II of England was born to King Edward I of England (age 44) and Eleanor of Castile Queen Consort England (age 43) at Caernarfon Castle [Map]. He married 28th January 1308 his second cousin once removed Isabella of France Queen Consort England, daughter of King Philip IV of France and Joan Blois I Queen Navarre, and had issue.
Annals of Dunstable. In the same year a son was born to the lord king, on the feast of Saint Mark [25th April 1284], at Caernarfon [Map], and he was called Edward.
Eodem anno natus est domino regi filius, die Sancti Marci apud Kanarvan, et vocatus est Edwardus.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough. In the same year, around the Feast of Saint Michael [29th September 1294], the Welsh began to rebel. For they had gathered and agreed among themselves that on that very day of Saint Michael they would all rise up together against the king and take his castles. And so they did: on that same day, almost without warning, they seized many castles, including the castle of Caernarfon [Map], which our king had previously constructed at great expense. They demolished its walls and slaughtered the king's officials; the English who were able fled, and many were cut down by the sword, for these events occurred suddenly. The leaders of this rebellion claimed to be descended, by name, from the blood of Prince Llywelyn, and therefore said they were bound to revive the name of prince.
Eodem anno circa festum sancti Michaelis Wallenses rebellare cœperunt. Convenerant enim et statuerant inter se quod in ipso die sancti Michaelis omnes unanimiter insurgerent contra regem, et castra ejus dirimerent, feceruntque sic, et eodem die quasi ex improviso ceperunt castella multa, ceperuntque castrum de Carnarvan quod rex noster dudum sumptuosissime construxerat, demolientes muros et ministros regis trucidantes, fugeruntque Anglici qui poterant, et multi absorpti sunt in ore gladii eo quod subito facta sunt hæc. Istius autem sediduo, nominatim de sanguine principis Leulini se descendisse dicebant, et ideo nomen principis suscitare debere.
Around 1775. Paul Sandby (age 44). "Caernarfon Castle [Map]".
Around 1775. Paul Sandby (age 44). "Caernarfon Castle [Map]".
Around 1780. Joseph Farington (age 32). Caernarfon Castle [Map].
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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12th July 1790. John Warwick Smith (age 40). "General view of the town & castle of Caernarvon [Map] from Tut Hill".
1795-1802. Thomas Girtin (age 19). Caernarfon Castle [Map].
1833. William James Müller (age 20). "Gateway of Caernarfon Castle [Map]".
1837. William James Müller (age 24). "Caernarfon Castle [Map]".
1872. William Pitt (age 54). Eagle Tower, Caernarfon Castle [Map].
In 1911 William Goscombe John (age 50) was knighted during the investiture of Edward, Prince of Wales (age 16) at Caernarfon Castle [Map].