Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

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Bishop John Fisher 1748-1825

In 1748 Bishop John Fisher was born.

In 1803 Bishop John Fisher [aged 55] was consecrated Bishop of Exeter.

In 1807 Bishop John Fisher [aged 59] was translated to Bishop of Salisbury which office he held until his death in 1825.

In October 1816 John Constable [aged 40] and Maria Bicknell were married by Bishop John Fisher [aged 68] at St Martin in the Fields Church [Map]. They had seven children.

1825. John Constable [aged 48]. "The Cornfield". As a gesture of appreciation for John Fisher [aged 77], the Bishop of Salisbury, who commissioned this painting, Constable included the Bishop and his wife in the bottom left corner.

On 8th May 1825 Bishop John Fisher [aged 77] died at Seymour Street, Portman Square.