Chronicles of the Reigns of Edward I and II Volume 1 Annals of London and Annals of St Paul's

This volume brings together two important medieval chronicles of the reigns of Edward I and Edward II: the Annals of London (Annales Londonienses) and the Annals of St Paul’s (Annales Paulini). Written close to the events they describe, these chronicles offer a vivid contemporary record of English political, military, ecclesiastical and civic life from the late thirteenth to the early fourteenth century. Their particular strength lies in their London perspective, recording not only the affairs of kings, nobles and bishops, but also parliaments, royal proclamations, civic disputes, elections of mayors and sheriffs, executions, tournaments, religious ceremonies, fires, floods, disturbances and the everyday concerns of the capital. The chronicles cover some of the most dramatic events of the period, including the wars of Edward I, conflict with Scotland, the turbulent reign of Edward II, the rise and fall of Piers Gaveston and the Despensers, the rebellion of Thomas of Lancaster, Queen Isabella’s invasion of England, the deposition of Edward II, and the accession of Edward III. The Annales Paulini, associated with St Paul’s Cathedral, is particularly rich in detailed observations of London and its clergy and citizens. An essential primary source for students and readers interested in medieval England, London history, Edward I, Edward II, Edward III, the Scottish wars, medieval politics, and ecclesiastical history, this volume provides an unusually immediate view of a kingdom undergoing profound political upheaval.

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St Lythans Burial Chamber, Glamorganshire, South East Wales, British Isles [Map]

St Lythans Burial Chamber is in St Lythans, Glamorganshire, Prehistoric Wales Neolithic Burials.

St Lythans Burial Chamber [Map] is a tall Neolithic tomb chamber with large capstone which would originally have been covered in earth and stone. The massive capstone is supported by three unusually tall uprights.

Archaeologia Cambrensis 1874 Pages 59-. The St. Lythan's Cromlech [Map] is certainly a fine one, and, with the exception of the eastern end, presents a perfect chamber. Not a vestige remains of the tumulus, as might have been expected, as it was probably composed of earth. It stands east and west, and presents a chamber 7 ft. 10 ins. by 5 ft. The south wall is formed of a stone measuring 11 ft. 4 ins., while the north one is only 10 ft. 1 inch; so that it seems to have lost a stone which would have made the two sidewalls of equal length, a necessary consideration if it were desirable that the eastern slab should fit as closely as possible, so as to leave few interstices to be filled up with small stones. It is generally thought that the three sides of a chamber were first erected, and the capstone placed thereon; then the interment took place, and the fourth side placed last, and the tumulus completed. That such was the practice there can be little question, if it is conceded that the proper course would be to complete the chamber as far as possible before the interment took place. To erect the four sides, then inter, and finally place in position the capstone, would be more inconvenient; and in the case of large capstones, risk to the remains interred would be incurred in case any accident happened in the moving of the capstone into place. As arrangements, moreover, for future interments were necessary, one side must be capable of being removed,which must, therefore, have not supported the capstone; so that it was far more convenient to build up only three sides on capstones, and complete the fourth after the interment. Hence it is that this part of a chamber is almost universally wanting, the other parts generally owing their preservation as contributing to support the capstone.

Cut No. 3 is from a drawing of Mrs. Traherne of Coed-riglan, who has kindly placed it at the disposal of the Society.

Cut No. 4 presents the western view, or back of the cromlech, and is copied from a stereoscope of the Eev. Walter Evans, by Arthur Gore, Esq., to whose ready pencil the Association has been on so many occasions indebted. The general view of this cromlech is exceedingly fine, presenting a grand, massive appearance which any engraving must fail to reproduce.

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