Annals of Kings Richard II and Henry IV 1393-1406

The Annals of Kings Richard II and Henry IV offers a vivid contemporary account of one of the most turbulent periods in late medieval England. Covering the reigns of Richard II and Henry IV, the chronicle records royal ceremonies, political conflict, rebellion, war, taxation, religious controversy, executions, popular unrest and remarkable portents. Its pages include a detailed description of Richard II’s coronation, the fall and deposition of the king, Henry IV’s seizure of the throne, the Percy rebellion, the execution of Archbishop Richard Scrope, the campaigns of Owain Glyndŵr, and England’s relations with Scotland, France, Portugal and Scandinavia. Alongside affairs of state, the annalist preserves reports of miracles, eclipses, prophecies, supernatural events and the experiences of ordinary townspeople, clergy, soldiers and travellers. Written from a monastic perspective, the work combines political observation with moral judgement, presenting victories and disasters as evidence of divine favour or punishment. At once a historical record and a reflection of medieval belief, the Annals provides an invaluable window into the challenges, ceremonies and conflicts of England at the turn of the fifteenth century.

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Adrian Stokes 1519-1586

1533 Death and Funeral of Mary Tudor

1559 Death and Funeral of Frances Brandon

On 4th March 1519 Adrian Stokes was born.

In 1533 Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 16] and Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk [aged 15] were married. She by marriage Marchioness Dorset. She the daughter of Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 49] and Mary Tudor Queen Consort France [aged 36]. He the son of Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset and Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset [aged 46]. They were half second cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

On 25th June 1533 Mary Tudor Queen Consort France [aged 37] died at Westhorpe, Suffolk [Map]. She was buried at the monastery of St. Edmondsbury [Map] on 22nd July 1533. Her daughter Frances [aged 15] was Chief Mourner.

In 1546 Adrian Stokes [aged 26] was appointed Master of Newhaven.

On 1st March 1555 Adrian Stokes [aged 35] and Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk [aged 37] were married. They had three children, two of which were stillborn, one of which died in their first year. She the daughter of Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk and Mary Tudor Queen Consort France.

In 1559 Adrian Stokes [aged 39] was elected Knight of the Shire Leicestershire.

On 5th December 1559 Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk [deceased] was buried in St Edmund's Chapel in Westminster Abbey [Map] at a ceremony conducted by Bishop John Jewel [aged 37]. Her daughter Catherine Grey Countess Hertford [aged 19] was Chief Mourner. Mary Grey [aged 14] was present. Her effigy, possibly designed by Cornelius Cure, was paid for by her husband Adrian Stokes [aged 40]: recumbent effigy dressed in Ermine robes signifying she was a duchess with a pendant around her neck. She lies on mattress with a lion at her feet and her coronet has been repaired and gilded.

The inscription on her grave reads in Latin:

Nor grace, nor splendor, nor a royal name,

Nor widespread fame can aught avail;

All, all have vanished here.

True worth alone Survives the funeral pyre and silent tomb.

And...

Dirge for the most noble Lady Frances, onetime Duchess of Suffolk: naught avails glory or splendour, naught avail titles of kings; naught profits a magnificent abode, resplendent with wealth. All, all are passed away: the glory of virtue alone remained, impervious to the funeral pyres of Tartarus [part of Hades or the Underworld]. She was married first to the Duke, and after was wife to Mr Stock, Esq. Now, in death, may you fare well, united to God.

And continues...

Here lieth the ladie Francis, Duches of Southfolke, daughter to Charles Brandon, Duke of Southfolke, and Marie the Frenche Quene: first wife to Henrie Duke of Southfolke and after to Adrian Stock Esquier.

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oN 20th November 1559 or 21st November 1559 Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk [aged 42] died at Richmond, Surrey [Map].

Before 16th April 1565 Nicholas Throckmorton [aged 50] and [his future wife] Anne Carew [aged 45] were married. They were half fifth cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

In 1571 Adrian Stokes [aged 51] was elected Knight of the Shire Leicestershire.

In 1572 Adrian Stokes [aged 52] and Anne Carew [aged 52] were married. Her second marriage having previously been married to Nicholas Throckmorton.

On 30th November 1586 Adrian Stokes [aged 67] died.

On 24th November 1587 [his former wife] Anne Carew [aged 67] died.