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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William Bell 1733-1794

See Painters.

In 1733 William Bell was born.

1770. William Bell [aged 37]. Portrait of John Delaval [aged 14], as an Archer, with a Black Page, in a Landscape Setting.

John Delaval: In 1756 he was born to John Delaval 1st Baron Delaval and Susanna Robinson Baroness Delaval. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.26%. In 1775 he died.

1770. William Bell [aged 37]. Portrait of Sophia Anne Delaval [aged 15].

Sophia Anne Delaval: In 1755 she was born to John Delaval 1st Baron Delaval and Susanna Robinson Baroness Delaval. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.26%. In 1780 John Godfrey Maximillian Jadis and she were married. The age difference, and difference in social status, perhaps a reflection of her having been pregnant On 26th July 1793 she died. She was buried at St Peter's Church, Doddington [Map].

1770. William Bell [aged 37]. Portrait of Susanna Robinson Baroness Delaval [aged 40], Lady Delaval, as Venus, beside an Urn on a Pedestal, in a Landscape Setting.

Susanna Robinson Baroness Delaval: Around 1730 she was born to Ralph Robinson of Gateshead and Margaret Delaval. In or before 1755 John Delaval 1st Baron Delaval and she were married. They were first cousins. On 1st October 1783 she died.

1771. William Bell [aged 38]. Portrait of sisters Frances Delaval [aged 12] and Sarah Hussey Delaval Countess Tyrconnel [aged 8].

Frances Delaval: In 1759 she was born to John Delaval 1st Baron Delaval and Susanna Robinson Baroness Delaval at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland [Map]. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.26%. On 22nd August 1778 John Fenton-Cawthorne and she were married. In 1839 she died.

1774. William Bell [aged 41]. Portrait of John Delaval 1st Baron Delaval [aged 45], in Van Dyck Dress.

1774. William Bell [aged 41]. Portrait of Elizabeth Delaval Baroness Audley [aged 17], Playing a Lyre in a Landscape.

Elizabeth Delaval Baroness Audley: In 1757 she was born to John Delaval 1st Baron Delaval and Susanna Robinson Baroness Delaval. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.26%. On 21st May 1781 George Thicknesse 19th Baron Audley 16th Baron Tuchet and she were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square. She by marriage Baroness Audley of Heighley in Staffordshire. On 11th July 1785 she died.

1775. William Bell [aged 42]. View of the South (Park) Front of Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland [Map].

1775. William Bell [aged 42]. View of the North (Entrance) Front of Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland [Map].

In 1794 William Bell [aged 61] died.