Westminster Chronicle of King Richard II, 1381-1394

The Westminster Chronicle is one of the most vivid and important narrative sources for the reign of Richard II. Written by an anonymous chronicler closely connected with Westminster Abbey, it covers the years 1381 to 1394, from the Peasants’ Revolt to the political tensions, court ceremonies, diplomatic negotiations, royal progresses, and public crises of Richard’s later reign. Rich in detail the chronicle records major events such as the conflicts between the King and Lords Appellant, King and the City of London, negotiations with France and Scotland, the death and funeral of Queen Anne of Bohemia, the illness of Charles VI of France, and the changing fortunes of leading nobles including John of Gaunt, Thomas of Gloucester, Robert de Vere, and the Earl of Arundel. The Chronicle offers readers a remarkable window into late fourteenth-century England, combining political observation, courtly spectacle, urban drama, ecclesiastical affairs, and moral judgement. It is an essential source for anyone interested in medieval monarchy, London, Westminster, and the troubled reign of Richard II.

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St Edmund's Church, Warkton, Northamptonshire, South-Central England, British Isles [Map]

St Edmund's Church, Warkton is in Warkton, Northamptonshire, Churches in Northamptonshire.

On 6th July 1749 John Montagu 2nd Duke Montagu [aged 59] died without surviving male issue. Duke Montagu extinct. His estates were inherited by his daughter Mary [aged 38] and her husband George Brudenell aka Montagu 1st Duke Montagu [aged 36] who changed his name to Montagu from Brudenell. Monument in St Edmund's Church, Warkton [Map]. Sculpted by Louis Francois Roubiliac [aged 46]. Erected by his widow, Mary Churchill [aged 59], the daughter of the 1st Duke of Marlborough, who stands at the left hand side of the monument.

On 14th May 1751 Mary Churchill Duchess of Montagu [aged 61] died. Monument in St Edmund's Church, Warkton [Map]. Sculpted by Louis Francois Roubiliac [aged 48]. Commissioned by her daughter, Lady Mary Montagu. The monument is adorned with figures representing the three fates of Clotho, Atropos and Lachesis, arranged to show the cutting of Mary's life thread, and Lachesis' dismay at it being cut short. Three putti also figure on the monument, one of whom holds the spindle from which the thread was cut.

Clotho: Clotho is one of the Three Fates. She spins the thread of human life.

Atropos: Atropos is one of the Three Fates. She cuts the thread of human life.

Lachesis: Lachesis is one of the Three Fates. She measures the thread of human life.

On 1st May 1775 Mary Montagu Duchess of Montagu [aged 64] died. Monument in St Edmund's Church, Warkton [Map]. Sculpted by Peter Mathias Van Gelder [aged 33]. Mary's monument is more decorative that her parent's; Rococo. The composition of the monument centres around an ornate funerary Urn, which stands upon a Pedestal containing an inscription to Mary. To the right sits a grief stricken woman, inconsolable over the loss of an aristocrat considered a great benefactor to the poor and needy. In her left arm she cradles a baby, and a second, tearful child sits at her feet. To the right of the woman is that of an older woman draped in a shawl, who gently caresses the hand of the first babe. To the left of the Urn, an angel comforts the mourners, pointing to heaven.

On 21st November 1827 Elizabeth Montagu Duchess Buccleuch [aged 84] died. Monument in St Edmund's Church, Warkton [Map]. Sculpted by Thomas Campbell [aged 37]. Erected by her grandson Francis Scott 2nd Duke Buccleuch. The quotation upon her monument from Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10 Verses 31: "Thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God".

Elizabeth Montagu Duchess Buccleuch: On 29th May 1743 she was born to George Brudenell aka Montagu 1st Duke Montagu and Mary Montagu Duchess of Montagu. On 2nd May 1767 Henry Scott 3rd Duke Buccleuch and she were married at Montagu House Whitehall Palace. She by marriage Duchess Buccleuch. She the daughter of George Brudenell aka Montagu 1st Duke Montagu and Mary Montagu Duchess of Montagu. He the son of Francis Scott and Caroline Campbell 1st Baroness Greenwich. They were fourth cousins. He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.