Machyn's Chronicle, which was written between 1550 and 1563, is primarily concerned with public events: changes on the throne, state visits, insurrections, executions and festivities.
Machyn wrote his diary during a turbulent period in England: the Reformation, initiated by Henry VIII and carried through by Edward VI, was followed by the return to Catholicism (and burning of heretics) under Queen Mary I of England.
Judging from his enthusiastic account of the disinterment of Edward the Confessor in 1557, Machyn was apparently a Catholic himself.
The brief reign of Lady Jane Grey, and the dangers of speaking up for the losing side, are duly recorded.
He circulated libellous information about the Protestant preacher John Véron, for which he made penance at Paul's Cross in November 1561.