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.

James Reade 2nd Baronet 1655-1701

Paternal Family Tree: Reade

On 2nd January 1640 John Reade 1st Baronet [aged 24] and [his mother] Susanna Style Lady Reade were married.

On 5th March 1655 James Reade 2nd Baronet was born to John Reade 1st Baronet [aged 39] and Susanna Style Lady Reade. He was baptised on 10th March 1655 at St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map].

Around 15th May 1657 [his mother] Susanna Style Lady Reade died.

On 14th May 1675 James Reade 2nd Baronet [aged 20] matriculated at Trinity College, Oxford University.

On 26th January 1690 James Reade 2nd Baronet [aged 34] and Love Dring Lady Reade [aged 35] were married. She brought a dowry of £10,000. They had one son and five daughters.

In 1691 [his son] John Reade 3rd Baronet was born to James Reade 2nd Baronet [aged 35] and [his wife] Love Dring Lady Reade [aged 36].

In 1693 James Reade 2nd Baronet [aged 37] was appointed High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.

On 3rd February 1694 John Reade 1st Baronet [aged 78] died. He was buried on 6th February 1694 in the Brocket Chapel at St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map]. His son James [aged 38] succeeded 2nd Baronet Reade of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire. [his wife] Love Dring Lady Reade [aged 39] by marriage Lady Reade of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.

In 1700 James Reade 2nd Baronet [aged 44] was appointed High Sheriff of Oxfordshire.

On 16th October 1701 James Reade 2nd Baronet [aged 46] died of a fever. He was buried on 21st October 1701 in the Brocket Chapel at St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map]; see monument here [Map]. His son John [aged 10] succeeded 3rd Baronet Reade of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.

On 9th November 1731 [his former wife] Love Dring Lady Reade [aged 76] died. She was buried on 18th November 1731 in the Brocket Chapel at St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map]; see monument here [Map].

1760. St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map]. Monument sculpted by John Michael Rysbrack [aged 65] to James Reade 2nd Baronet and [his former wife] Love Dring Lady Reade and their son James Reade 2nd Baronet all of whom were buried at St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map].

Love Dring Lady Reade: Around 1655 she was born to Robert Dring of Isleworth, Middlesex. On 26th January 1690 James Reade 2nd Baronet and she were married. She brought a dowry of £10,000. They had one son and five daughters. On 3rd February 1694 John Reade 1st Baronet died. He was buried on 6th February 1694 in the Brocket Chapel at St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map]. His son James succeeded 2nd Baronet Reade of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire. She by marriage Lady Reade of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire. On 9th November 1731 she died. She was buried on 18th November 1731 in the Brocket Chapel at St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map]; see monument here [Map].