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.

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George Holmes 1662-1749

In 1662 George Holmes was born at Skipton [Map].

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 5th February 1718. It was proposed for the first time by Mr President Norroy [aged 57] to engrave a drawing of Richard II's picture in Westminster Abbey taken by Mr Talmans [aged 40] direction agreed to.

Mr George Holmes [aged 56] is to do [?] to keep the books belonging to the Society till further order.

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 12th June 1718. Mr Samuel Gale [aged 35] presented to the Society a print of the Ground Plot and Prospect of Hull by Holler, for which their thanks and ordered to be returned to him.

He likewise brought a letter from the Reverend Dr Knight a Member of the Society containing an account of a large skeleton found near Chippenham, Cambs, with massey [?] chains and fetters, dug up near him and some penates dug up at Devizes.

Mr President [aged 57] being obliged to be in the country for the summer season was pleased to propose for Vice-President during his absence, Mr George Holmes [aged 56] which was unamimously approved of by the Society.

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 13th August 1718. Mr Holmes Vice-President [aged 56] brought to the Society two curious antique Roman vessels of fine earth.

Mr Rawlinson brought two [?] prints with descriptions being old pictures, one of the Court of Charles V, the other of Joan of Bourbon. Specimens of ancient [?] paintings in one large sheet of paper. Jollain excidit [?].

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 24th December 1718. Mr Vertue [aged 34] brought a proof of the Plate of Richard II which had the initial approbation of the Society and their thanks for his Care and Accuracy therein and Mr Treasurer [aged 36] was ordered to pay him five Guineas more in part of this Agreement for Engraving.

Mr Vice-President [aged 56] by the [?] of the Society ordered Mr Director [aged 41] to provide us a Box to lay up the Books in.

Mr Samuel Gale brough several Antique Roman Vessels dug up at Port Mahon, and likewise as Treasurer exhibited where it appears he has [?] in Money upon Amount £29:04:06 and has paid £22:4:4. So remains in his hands £07:00:02.

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 11th March 1719. It was proposed that [?] noblemen and persons of quality as please to be members of the Society may be admitted by Ballot.

Ordered the same day a dividend of one print more of Ulphus's Horn to every member.

Resolved that Mr Vertue [aged 35] goe to Kensington Pallace to view the pictures of Holbein, copied there by Remy, the originals being burned in Whitehall.

Resolved that in Mr Samuel Gale's [aged 36] dissertation upon Ulphus's Horn be revised by Mr President [aged 58], Mr Roger Gale [aged 46], Mr Mickleton and Mr Holmes [aged 57], or any three of them, and then printed.

NB. Ten members were present when the last resolution was made.

In 1749 George Holmes [aged 87] died.

Vesta Monumenta. 1750. Plates 2.3. Portrait from around 1732 of George Holmes, a founding member of the Society of Antiquaries and Deputy Keeper of the Tower of London. The engraving augments the original oil painting by depicting a more mature Holmes surrounded by objects symbolic of his intellectual and professional pursuits. Engraving by George Vertue [aged 66] after Richard van Bleeck.