WORS Sources

• Bale's Chronicle

  Critical of Henry VI; written in 1460s
• Cade's Manifesto

  List of rebel's complaints in petition to king
• Crowland/Croyland Chronicles

  Limited historical value; did not have direct knowledge of many outside events
• An English Chronicle/ Davies Chronicle

  Written in Edward's reign: pro-yorkist
• Franscesco Coppini

  Enthusiastic yorkist supporter; accompanied Yorkists to Northampton; lack of any real knowledge of events and places in England
• Gregory's Chronicle


  William Gregory was a wealthy member of Skinner's company London: Southern bias, well informed for Cade's rebellion for e.g; Major events such as second st Albans likely 'eye witnesses'. Insight into attitudes of London's mercantile elite.
• John Blacman

  Henry VI's confessor (personal chaplain). Knew the king well, closely observed his religious beliefs. Portrays him as a man of religion; positive. Emphasises his sense of morality.
• Jean de Waurin

  A Burgundian soldier, visited England 1467 meeting Lord Rivers and maybe king-> pro Yorkist leaning. Unique European view, detailed battle information. Inconsistent, however; some made up material probably.
• Paston Letters

  Info about national events. Examples of popular news circulating. Revealing about social life, local politics and national events.
• Richard of York's manifesto

  Sent by York in 1452 to the town of Shrewsbury when raising support to challenge Somerset. Tells us how York justified his actions, opinions of Somerset and loyalty to Henry.
• Parliament Rolls

  Clear, overall summaries. Tell us what the government wanted people to know, justifying actions from raising taxes to the Acts of Attainder.
• Annales Rerum Anlicarum

  'Scrapbook' of events, gives some information not found anywhere else (but so not corroborated). Particularly useful when writer present: Wakefield, Mortimer's Cross, 2nd St Albans
• Somnium Vigilantes

  Defence of condemnation of York by Sir John Fortecuse, lancastrian official, written on behalf of Henry VI Government.
• Chronicon Angliae (Giles' Chronicle)


  Written by a cleric at the end of the 1450s. Critical of York especially in relation to Dartford, and not so critical of Somerset.
• John Stow

  Documents from the time, including rebels of Cade's rebellion.
• John Whethamstead's Register

  Served as an Abbot at St Albans Abbey (receiving lots of important visitors such as Gloucester, and merchants traveling around London) 1451-1465. Generally sympathetic to York, but capable of criticism. 1st hand account of events around St Albans. York attempted to take crown 1460 likely based on eye witness as likely in attendance in Parliament as was an Abbot.