Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans 1452-1461
Translated by Christopher Smith
Twenty Trees
ISBN: 9798325325649
This book presents a translation of a 15th-century chronicle, a key primary source for the study of the Wars of the Roses.
Excerpt:
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.
Who is this book for?
Although this chronicle spans only twelve years, it remains a vital source for English history, especially the opening phase of the Wars of the Roses. The author was even an eyewitness to the Battle of St Albans in 1455. It also offers valuable insight for those studying medieval monasticism, as St Albans Abbey was one of England’s leading monastic centres.
The Translator
Christopher Smith has translated several sources related to English history and has set up the website Twenty Trees, which aims to be an online resource of genealogical and historical information. See also the Annals of Margam, the Annals of Tewkesbury and the Annals of Winchester.
You can learn more about this book from Twenty Trees.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans 1452-1461
Translated by Christopher Smith
Twenty Trees
ISBN: 9798325325649
This book presents a translation of a 15th-century chronicle, a key primary source for the study of the Wars of the Roses.
Excerpt:
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.
Who is this book for?
Although this chronicle spans only twelve years, it remains a vital source for English history, especially the opening phase of the Wars of the Roses. The author was even an eyewitness to the Battle of St Albans in 1455. It also offers valuable insight for those studying medieval monasticism, as St Albans Abbey was one of England’s leading monastic centres.
The Translator
Christopher Smith has translated several sources related to English history and has set up the website Twenty Trees, which aims to be an online resource of genealogical and historical information. See also the Annals of Margam, the Annals of Tewkesbury and the Annals of Winchester.
You can learn more about this book from Twenty Trees.
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