This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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Paternal Family Tree: Eversfield
Around 1618 Edward Eversfield was born to [his father] Nicholas Eversfield of The Grove, Hollington (age 34).
In 1629 [his father] Nicholas Eversfield of The Grove, Hollington (age 45) died.
In 1644 Edward Eversfield (age 26) and Mary Muschamp were married.
In 1660 Edward Eversfield (age 42) was appointed Commissioner for Assessment in Sussex which office he held until 1663.
In 1660 Edward Eversfield (age 42) was elected MP Bramber which seat he held until 1661.
In 1664 Edward Eversfield (age 46) was appointed Commissioner for Assessment in Surrey which office he held until 1669.
Before 1666 Richard Roberts of Thorpe Langton, Leicestershire and [his future wife] Frances Roberts were married.
In or before 1666 [his wife] Mary Muschamp died.
In 1666 Edward Eversfield (age 48) and Frances Roberts were married.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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In or before 1670 [his wife] Frances Roberts died.
In 1670 Edward Eversfield (age 52) and Cecily Warmestry were married.
In 1673 Edward Eversfield (age 55) was appointed Commissioner for Assessment in Sussex which office he held until 1674.
Around 1676 Edward Eversfield (age 58) died.