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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Around 1639 Robert Crichton was born to Bishop Robert Crichton [aged 46].
John Evelyn's Diary. 17th November 1661. Dr. Creighton [aged 22], a Scot, author of the "Florentine Council", and a most eloquent man and admirable Grecian, preached on Cant. vi. 13, celebrating the return and restoration of the Church and King.
John Evelyn's Diary. 29th May 1663. Dr. Creighton [aged 24] preached his extravagant sermon at St. Margaret's [Map], before the House of Commons.
On 25th May 1670 Bishop Robert Crichton [aged 77] was elected Bishop of Bath and Wells.
In 1672 Bishop Robert Crichton [aged 79] died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 14th September 1673. Dr. Creighton [aged 34], son to the late eloquent Bishop of Bath and Wells, preached to the Household on Isaiah, lvii. 8.
On 2nd May 1674 Robert Crichton [aged 35] was appointed Canon Wells and installed as Precentor Wells.
John Evelyn's Diary. 6th September 1685. Sunday. I went to prayer in the Chapell, and heard Dr. Standish. The second sermon was preach'd by Dr. Creighton [aged 46], on 1 Thess. 4, 11, persuading to unity and peace, and to be mindfull of our owne businesse, according to the advise of the Apostle. Then I went to heare a Frenchman who preached before the King [aged 51] and Queene [aged 26] in that splendid Chapell [Map] next St. George's Hall. Their Maties going to masse, I withdrew to consider the stupendous painting of ye Hall, which, both for the art and invention, deserve the inscription in honour of the painter, Signior Verrio [aged 49]. The history is Edward the 3rd receiving the Black Prince, coming towards him in a Roman triumph. The whole roofe is the history of St. George. The throne, the carvings, &e. are incomparable, and I think equal to any, and in many circumstances exceeding any, I have seene abroad.
On 17th February 1734 Robert Crichton [aged 95] died at Wells, Somerset [Map].