Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.

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John "Rex" Whistler 1905-1944

See Painters.

On 24th June 1905 John "Rex" Whistler was born.

1925. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 19]. Trial Scene from 'The Merchant of Venice'.

1926. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 20]. "Medusa".

1927. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 21]. "The Expedition in Pursuit of Rare Meats". A mural, commissioned in 1926 and completed in 1927 by the gallery's inaugural director, Charles Aitken, at the Tate Gallery in London, for the re-opening of its restaurant, where it forms the entire interior surround of what was the eponymously named eatery.

1928. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 22]. "Ave Silvae Dornii" i.e. "Hail, Forest of Dorney". Mural at Dorneywood House, Buckinghamshire. inscribed with the initials CT [Courtauld Thomson], who commissioned the painting, signed and dated 1928. Illusionistic architectural framing device with Corinthian columns, inscribed at top "Ave Silvae Dornii" i.e. "Hail, Forest of Dorney".

1933. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 27]. Self-portrait.

1934. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 28]. Self-portrait.

1934. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 28]. Angela [aged 17] and Penelope [aged 19] Dudley Ward. Whistler is the fountain satyr

Claire Angela Dudley Ward: On 25th May 1916 she was born to William Dudley Ward and Winifred "Freda" May Birkin. On 1st December 1999 she died.

Penelope Dudley Ward: On 4th August 1914 she was born to William Dudley Ward and Winifred "Freda" May Birkin. On 22nd January 1982 she died.

1935. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 29]. Portrait of Alexandra Caroline Paget [aged 21].

1936. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 30]. "Capriccio". A large wall mural in the dining room of Plas Newydd House, Anglesey.

Around 1938. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 32]. Portrait of Alexandra Caroline Paget [aged 24].

1940. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 34]. Self-portrait.

1940 or 1941. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 34]. "The Master Cook". Portrait of Sergeant Isaacs of the Welsh Guards.

1940. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 34]. Portrait of Cecil Beaton [aged 35].

1940. John "Rex" Whistler [aged 34]. Portrait of Lieutenant Richard Whiskard.

On 18th July 1944 John "Rex" Whistler [aged 39] was killed in action after he left his tank to go to the aid of other men in his unit. His body now lies in Section III, Row F, Grave 22 of Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery.