A Chronicle of London from 1089 to 1483 / Written in the Fifteenth Century, and for the First Time Printed from MSS. in the British Museum

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27027

Title

A Chronicle of London from 1089 to 1483 / Written in the Fifteenth Century, and for the First Time Printed from MSS. in the British Museum

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This fifteenth-century chronicle details London's history from 1189 to 1483, blending civic records with broader British and French events. Featuring contemporary poems, letters, and illustrations, it offers a vivid, authentic glimpse into medieval life, customs, and the dramatic reigns of Richard I through Edward IV.

Summary up to 500 words

Written anonymously in the fifteenth century, *A Chronicle of London* offers a vivid historical record of the City of London and the wider realm from 1189 to 1483. Although the title erroneously suggests a start in 1089, the text begins with the coronation of Richard I in 1189 and concludes with the death of Edward IV. The narrative is preserved in two manuscripts held in the British Library, transcribed by editors Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas and Edward Tyrrell in 1827. The chronicle opens with the turbulent reign of Richard I, detailing the massacre of the Jews, the Third Crusade, and the king's eventual capture and ransom by the Holy Roman Emperor. It transitions to the reigns of Henry II and John, covering the conquest of Harfleur and the decisive Battle of Agincourt under Henry V. The text utilizes Middle English verse to describe the siege engines and archery that overwhelmed the French forces. The narrative continues through the reigns of Henry IV, V, and VI, documenting significant events such as the Peasants' Revolt and the dynastic conflicts of the Wars of the Roses. Beyond political history, the volume serves as a rich repository of contemporary documents and cultural artifacts. It includes royal letters, Latin poems regarding Gascony disputes, and ballads by John Lydgate that satirize fashion, fraud, and the emptiness of poverty. The chronicle meticulously records the elections of Mayors and Sheriffs, providing a unique insight into the civic administration of the metropolis. It also preserves accounts of natural phenomena, including tempests, earthquakes, and plagues, alongside the births and deaths of prominent figures. As a primary source, the work illuminates the manners, customs, and political landscape of late medieval England and France, preserving unique manuscripts that have escaped the notice of many historians.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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