Around 1344 Thomas Wendesley was born.
In 1382 Thomas Wendesley [aged 38] was elected MP Derbyshire.
Around 1383 Thomas Wendesley [aged 39] was knighted.
In 1384 Thomas Wendesley [aged 40] was elected MP Derbyshire.
In December 1384 Thomas Wendesley [aged 40] was retained for life by John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster [aged 44] in peace and war at an annual fee of 20 marks, charged upon the township of Bensall in Derbyshire [Note. Possibly Bonsall, Derbyshire [Map]]. The benefits were certainly not all one-sided, for Wensley was expected to use his own influence as a member of the local bench and crown commissioner on the duke's behalf when the occasion demanded.
In 1386 Thomas Wendesley [aged 42] was elected MP Derbyshire.
In February 1388 Thomas Wendesley [aged 44] was commissioned to arrest persons charged with damaging John of Gaunt's [aged 47] property.
In 1390 Thomas Wendesley [aged 46] was elected MP Derbyshire.
In 1394 Thomas Wendesley [aged 50] was elected MP Derbyshire.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In August 1399 Thomas Wendesley [aged 55], following the success of King Henry IV of England [aged 32] received a grant for life of land worth £24 a year in the High Peak, and within the next few months three lucrative stewardships of Macclesfield, Cheshire [Map], the High Peak and Chesterfield, Derbyshire [Map] were in his hands.
In August 1401 Thomas Wendesley [aged 57] was summoned to attend a great council as a representative for Derbyshire, where he continued to serve on various royal commissions. At least one local figure was, even so, prepared to risk his displeasure, and in 1402 an esquire named Godfrey Rowland petitioned Parliament for redress against a blatant act of terrorism on Wensley's part. He alleged that in May 1399 the latter, abetted by a large gang of thugs and ruffians, had robbed him of goods worth 200 marks, kept him prisoner in the castle of the High Peak without food or drink for almost a week and, as a final act of brutality, had cut off his right hand.
On 21st July 1403 King Henry IV of England [aged 36], with his son the future King Henry V of England [aged 16], defeated the rebel army of Henry "Hotspur" Percy [aged 39] at the Battle of Shrewsbury at the site now known as Battlefield, Shrewsbury [Map]. King Henry V of England took an arrow to the side of his face. John Stanley [aged 53] was wounded in the throat. Thomas Strickland [aged 36] fought and was awarded £38 and two of the rebel Henry's horses. Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick [aged 21] fought for the King. Walter Blount [aged 55], the King's Standard Bearer, was killed by Archibald Douglas 1st Duke Touraine [aged 31].
Thomas Wendesley [aged 59], Edmund Cockayne [aged 47] and Robert Goushill were killed.
Edmund Stafford 5th Earl Stafford [aged 25] was killed. His son Humphrey Stafford succeeded 6th Earl Stafford, 7th Baron Stafford.
Hugh Shirley [aged 52] was killed; he was one of four knights dressed as King Henry IV of England.
Of the rebels, Henry "Hotspur" Percy, Madog Kynaston [aged 43] and John Clifton were killed.
John Rossall was killed. His sister Eleanor Rossall [aged 26] inherited a half-share in the Rossall Shrewsbury [Map] estates.
John Massey [aged 65] was killed.
After 21st July 1403 Thomas Wendesley [deceased] was buried at All Saint's Church, Bakewell, Derbyshire [Map]. Camail and Jupon Period armour. IHC NASARE Lettering. His Coat of Arms just visible. Lancastrian Esses Collar.
