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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Biography of Edmund Isham 6th Baronet 1690-1772

Paternal Family Tree: Isham

On 16th July 1683 [his father] Justinian Isham 4th Baronet [aged 24] and [his mother] Elizabeth Turnor Lady Isham [aged 17] were married.

On 18th December 1690 Edmund Isham 6th Baronet was born to Justinian Isham 4th Baronet [aged 32] and Elizabeth Turnor Lady Isham [aged 24].

In 1707 [his mother] Elizabeth Turnor Lady Isham [aged 41] died.

On 13th May 1730 [his father] Justinian Isham 4th Baronet [aged 71] died. His son [his brother] Justinian [aged 42] succeeded 5th Baronet Isham of Lamport in Northamptonshire.

On 17th February 1735 Edmund Isham 6th Baronet [aged 44] and Elizabeth Wood Lady Isham were married. She by marriage Lady Isham of Lamport in Northamptonshire.

On 5th March 1737 Justinian Isham 5th Baronet [aged 49] died without issue. His brother Edmund [aged 46] succeeded 6th Baronet Isham of Lamport in Northamptonshire.

On 19th July 1748 [his wife] Elizabeth Wood Lady Isham died.

On 4th May 1751 Edmund Isham 6th Baronet [aged 60] and Philippa Gee Lady Isham were married. She by marriage Lady Isham of Lamport in Northamptonshire.

1772. Thomas Hudson [aged 71]. Portrait of Edmund Isham 6th Baronet [aged 81].

On 15th December 1772 Edmund Isham 6th Baronet [aged 81] died without issue. His nephew Justinian [aged 32] succeeded 7th Baronet Isham of Lamport in Northamptonshire.

Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough

A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'

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On 17th December 1786 [his former wife] Philippa Gee Lady Isham died.