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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Biography of Frederick Mackenzie 1788-1854

Around 1788 Frederick Mackenzie was born.

November 1803. Frederick Mackenzie [aged 15]. Lincoln Cathedral [Map] interior. A detailed line drawing of the interior of Lincoln Cathedral, viewed from the south aisle of the Angel Choir [Map] (this part of the choir was sometimes referred to as the presbytery as it was traditionally reserved for the clergy) with its 13th-century clerestory. On the far wall is the famous 15th century transi tomb (a tomb with a sculpture of a cadaver) of Bishop Richard Fleming, in front of the Fleming family's chantry chapel. The elaborate tombs on the right are those of Sir Nicholas de Cantilupe (d. 1355) and Canon Wimbishe of Norton.

1811. Frederick Mackenzie [aged 23]. South Ambulatory, Westminster Abbey [Map].

1st April 1818. Frederick Mackenzie [aged 30]. York Minster [Map]. The History And Antiquities Of The Metropolitan Church Of York; Illustrated By A Series Of Engravings, Of Views, Elevations, Plans, and Details Of The Architecture of that Edifice: With Biographical Anecdotes Of The Archbishops. By John Britton, F.S.A. - London: 1819

Around 1850. Frederick Mackenzie [aged 62]. Lincoln Cathedral [Map] from the North West.

Before 1854. Frederick Mackenzie [aged 65]. Norwich Cathedral [Map]. This work comes from one of sixteen volumes of Royal Academy Annual Exhibition catalogues that were collected and extra-illustrated by the lawyer and antiquarian Edward Basil Jupp F.S.A. (1812 - 1877). The catalogues span the period from the first annual exhibition in 1769 up to 1875. Jupp added drawings, prints, letters and autographs by, or referring to, Academicians and other exhibitors at the Academy's annual exhibition.

Before 1854. Frederick Mackenzie [aged 65]. Lincoln Cathedral [Map] from the Cloisters [Map].

On 25th April 1854 Frederick Mackenzie [aged 66] died.