The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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In 1162 Bishop Geoffrey Ridel was appointed Lord Chancellor which office he held until 1173.
Before March 1163 Bishop Geoffrey Ridel was appointed Archdeacon of Canterbury.
In 1164 Bishop Geoffrey Ridel travelled to Rome to represent the king before the Papal Curia.
On 6th October 1174 Bishop Geoffrey Ridel was consecrated Bishop of Ely at Canterbury Cathedral [Map].
Before February 1177 Bishop Geoffrey Ridel was part of the escort when Joan Plantagenet Queen Consort Sicily [aged 11] travelled to Provence to marry William "Good" II King Sicily [aged 22].
Gesta Regis Henrici by Benedict of Peterborough. 20th August 1189. Meanwhile, Geoffrey, Bishop of Ely, died at Winchester on the 13th day before the Kalends of September and was buried at Ely [Map]."
Interim Gaufridus1 Eliensis episcopus obiit Wintonize, xiiio, kalendas Septembris, et sepultus est apud Hely.
Note 1. Gaufridus Riddell, bishop 1174-1189.
On the 20th August 1189 Bishop Geoffrey Ridel died. He was buried at Ely Cathedral [Map].
Chronicum Anglicanum by Ralph Coggeshall. Geoffrey Ridel1, bishop of Ely, died.
Obiit Galfridus Ridel, episcopus Elyensis.
Note 1. Bishop Geoffrey Ridel appointed Lord Chancellor 1162, consecrated Bishop of Ely 1164, died 20th August 1189.