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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Scilly Isles is in Cornwall.
In 1597 William Godolphin [aged 30] was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the Scilly Isles.
In 1608 William Godolphin [aged 41] was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
Before 1636 William Godolphin was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
Around April 1646 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 15] travelled to Scilly Isles [Map].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 30th October 1661. At my coming home I am sorry to find my wife displeased with her maid Doll, whose fault is that she cannot keep her peace, but will always be talking in an angry manner, though it be without any reason and to no purpose, which I am sorry for and do see the inconvenience that do attend the increase of a man's fortune by being forced to keep more servants, which brings trouble. Sir Henry Vane [aged 48], Lambert [aged 42], and others, are lately sent suddenly away from the Tower, prisoners to Scilly [Map]; but I do not think there is any plot as is said, but only a pretence; as there was once pretended often against the Cavaliers.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 7th May 1662. Walked to Westminster; where I understand the news that Mr. Montagu [aged 27] is this last night come to the King [aged 31] with news, that he left the Queen [aged 23] and fleet in the Bay of Biscay, coming this wayward; and that he believes she is now at the Isle of Scilly [Map].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 15th February 1665. Up and to my office, where busy all the morning. At noon with Creed to dinner to Trinity-house, where a very good dinner among the old sokers, where an extraordinary discourse of the manner of the loss of the "Royall Oake" coming home from Bantam, upon the rocks of Scilly [Map], many passages therein very extraordinary, and if I can I will get it in writing.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 11th April 1667. At noon I to the 'Change [Map], and there hear by Mr. Hublon of the loss of a little East Indiaman, valued at about £20,000, coming home alone, and safe to within ten leagues of Scilly [Map], and there snapt by a French Caper. Our merchants do much pray for peace; and he tells me that letters are come that the Dutch have stopped the fitting of their great ships, and the coming out of a fleete of theirs of 50 sayle, that was ready to come out; but I doubt the truth of it yet.
The 1707 Scilly Naval Disaster was the loss of four warships of a Royal Navy fleet off the Scilly Isles [Map] in severe weather on 22nd October 1707. Around 1,700 sailors lost their lives; one of the worst maritime disasters in British naval history.
On 18th April 1733 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 54] was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
In 1739 Francis Godolphin 2nd Baron Goldolphin [aged 32] was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the Scilly Isles.
In 1766 Francis Godolphin 2nd Baron Goldolphin [aged 59] was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
Sidney Godolphin was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
Thomas Godolphin was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.