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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King Bernicia

King Bernicia is in Bernicia.

633 Battle of Hatfield Chase

641 Battle of Maserfield

Around 547 Ida King Bernicia was appointed King Bernicia.

In 568 Æthelric King Bernicia succeeded King Bernicia.

In 585 Hussa of Bernicia was appointed King Bernicia.

Around 592 Hussa of Bernicia died. Æthelfrith King Northumbrians [aged 20] succeeded King Bernicia.

In 616 King Edwin of Northumbria [aged 30] succeeded King Bernicia, King Deira.

On 12th October 633 King Penda's alliance of Gwynedd and Mercia defeated the Northumbrians at the Battle of Hatfield Chase.

Eadfrith Deira was captured.

King Edwin of Northumbria [aged 47] was killed. He was buried at Whitby Abbey [Map] see Bede. His first cousin Osric succeeded King Deira. His nephew Eanfrith [aged 43] succeeded King Bernicia.

Edwin's son Osfrith Deira was killed.

After 12th October 633Eadfrith Deira was killed. His half first cousin Eanfrith [aged 43] succeeded King Bernicia.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 634. This year Osric, whom Paulinus baptized, succeeded to the government of King of Deira. He was the son of Elfric, the uncle of Edwin. And to Bernicia succeeded Eanfrith [aged 44], son of Ethelfrith. This year also Bishop Birinus first preached baptism to the West-Saxons, under King Cynegils. The said Birinus went thither by the command of Pope Honorius; and he was bishop there to the end of his life. Oswald [aged 30] also this year succeeded to the government of the King Northumbrians, and reigned nine winters. The ninth year was assigned to him on account of the heathenism in which those lived who reigned that one year betwixt him and Edwin.

On 5th August 641 (or 642 or 644 depending on the source) King Penda of Mercia Mercian and Welsh army defeated the Northumbrian army at the Battle of Maserfield. The battle is believed to have taken place at Oswestry, Shropshire. Northumbria was once again separated into two kingdoms.

King Oswald of Northumberland [aged 37] was killed. His body was subsequently dismembered with his head and arms mounted on poles. His brother Oswiu [aged 29] succeeded King Bernicia. Rhiainfellt Rheged Queen Consort Bernicia by marriage Queen Consort Bernicia.

Osric King Deira was killed. His son Oswine succeeded King Deira.

Eowa King Mercia was killed (probably).

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 642. This year Oswald, king of the Northumbrians, was slain by Penda, king of the Southumbrians, at Mirfield, on the fifth day of August; and his body was buried at Bardney. His holiness and miracles were afterwards displayed on manifold occasions throughout this island; and his hands remain still uncorrupted at Barnburgh. The same year in which Oswald was slain, Oswy [aged 30] his brother succeeded to the government of the Northumbrians, and reigned two less than thirty years.