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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Eleanor Rossall 1377-1432

Around 1377 Eleanor Rossall was born to Walter Rossall of Rossall.

Around 1395 Nicholas Dagworth of Blickling and Eleanor Rossall [aged 18] were married.

On 2nd January 1402 Nicholas Dagworth of Blickling died without issue. His widow Eleanor Rossall [aged 25] sold her third of the Blickling, Norfolk estates to John Erpingham. Around 1409 married a second time [her future husband] John Mortimer [aged 24].

After 2nd January 1402 John Mortimer [aged 24] and Eleanor Rossall [aged 25] were married. He the son of Edmund Mortimer 3rd Earl March, Earl of Ulster and Philippa Plantagenet Countess March 2nd Countess Ulster.

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.

[her brother] 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.

Click to read more ...

In 1424 [her husband] John Mortimer [aged 46] was executed for treason.

In 1432 Eleanor Rossall [aged 55] died.