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Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

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Diary of William Allingham

Diary of William Allingham is in Victorian Books.

Early in 1856 Allingham received the first number of the Oxford and Cambridge Magazine praising The Germ and writing of Rossetti's illustration to Ailingham's poem, 'The Maids of Elfin Mere,' as 'the best drawing that has ever appeared in illustration of a book.' His annual visit to London, this year, took place in May, and one of his first calls was with Arthur Hughes upon Rossetti, who, however, was not at home, but whose picture of Dante's Dream was discovered somewhere in the room. It was put on the easel, and Allingham made a little note in his diary of the 'two lovely figures' and 'rainbow of angels.'¹ The visitors also came upon his picture called 'Found,' in one of the many stages of its progress, — 'The calf in cart and bit of wall,' Allingham writes — that calf which grew so many times into a cow during the thirty years in which the picture was being painted.

He made many excursions, this month, with Rossetti [aged 27] and Miss Siddal [aged 26], and he was always of the 'assemblage' which gathered so frequently at Rossetti's rooms.

Note 1. Rossetti gave Allingham a pencil study for this picture, in which Allingham stood, for a few minutes, as model for profile and hand. It is now in Mrs. Allingham's possession.

9th November 1866. On my return find a parcel by rail from Gabriel containing the portfolio of photographs from drawings by his poor Wife [Elizabeth Siddal]; they are naturally full of his influence.¹ Also of two very beautiful pencil portraits of her by his hand, one a head, the other full-length.

Short, sad and strange her life ; it must have seemed to her like a troubled dream. She was sweet, gentle, and kindly, and sympathetic to art and poetry. As to art-power, it is not easy to make as much as a guess ; and this portfolio hardly helps. But it is very interesting, at least to those who knew her. Her pale face, abundant red hair, and long thin limbs were strange and affecting — never beautiful in my eyes.

Note 1. These are now in Mrs. Allingham's possession.