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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Around 1555. Attributed Steven van der Meulen of the English School. Portrait of Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon [aged 28].
Around 1560 Steven van der Meulen. Portrait of William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke [aged 59].
Around 1562 Steven van der Meulen. Portrait of (probably) Catherine Carey [aged 38].
Around 1563 Steven van der Meulen. Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland [aged 29].
1564. Unknown Painter. Portrait of Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester [aged 31]. The portrait shows the arms of Dudley twice, top left surrounded by the Collar of the Order of St Michael and top right the Order of the Garter. Dudley received the Order of St Michael in 1566 which suggest the painting isn't by Steven van der Meulen, to whom it was formerly attributed, who died in 1564.
Before 20th January 1564 Steven van der Meulen died. His will was proved 20th January 1564.
Around 1572 Steven van der Meulen. Portrait of Frances Sidney Countess Sussex [aged 41].
Frances Sidney Countess Sussex: In 1531 she was born to William Sidney and Anne Pakenham at Penshurst Place, Kent [Map]. In 1555 Thomas Radclyffe 3rd Earl of Sussex and she were married. He the son of Henry Radclyffe 2nd Earl of Sussex and Elizabeth Howard. On 17th February 1557 Henry Radclyffe 2nd Earl of Sussex died. He was buried at St Lawrence Pountney Church. His son Thomas succeeded 3rd Earl of Sussex, 3rd Viscount Fitzwalter, 12th Baron Fitzwalter. She by marriage Countess of Sussex. On 9th March 1589 Frances Sidney Countess Sussex died. On 15th April 1589 she was buried in Chapel of St Paul, Westminster Abbey [Map].