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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Henry Wyatt 1794-1840

On 17th September 1794 Henry Wyatt was born at Thickbroom, near Lichfield, Staffordshire.

1825. Henry Wyatt [aged 30]. Portrait of Prince Frederick Hanover Duke of York [aged 61].

1828. Henry Wyatt [aged 33]. "A Regency Lady".

1828. Henry Wyatt [aged 33]. Portrait of Edward Jenner.

Edward Jenner: On 17th May 1749 he was born. In 1788 Edward Jenner was elected Fellow of the Royal Society. On 14th May 1796 Edward Jenner inoculated eight year old James Phipps against smallpox using pus from the cowpox blisters of milkmaid Sarah Nelmes. He later injected the boy with variolous material without disease following. The boy's response indicated he was immune to smallpox. He then tested a further twenty-three people including his eleven month old son Robert. Within years the whole of Europe had been inoculated against smallpox. On 26th January 1823 he died. He was buried at the St Mary's Church, Berkeley.

1829. Henry Wyatt [aged 34]. Portrait of Ellen Turner [aged 17].

On 27th February 1840 Henry Wyatt [aged 45] died.