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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In 1792 [her father] Lieutenant-Colonel Josiah Cottin [aged 21] and [her mother] Lavinia Chambers were married.
In 1794 Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley was born to [her father] Lieutenant-Colonel Josiah Cottin [aged 23] and [her mother] Lavinia Chambers. Her god-parents were the Prince of Wales [aged 31] and Maria Anne Smythe aka "Mrs Fitzherbert" [aged 37].
On 9th November 1810 John Fleming Leicester 1st Baron Tabley [aged 48] and Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley [aged 16] were married. The difference in their ages was 31 years.
On 28th October 1811 [her son] George Leicester aka Warren 2nd Baron Tabley was born to [her husband] John Fleming Leicester 1st Baron Tabley [aged 49] and Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley [aged 17]. King George IV of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 49] was his godfather. He was educated at Eton College [Map] and Christ Church College, Oxford University.
Before 1825. William Owen [aged 55]. Portrait of Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley [aged 30].
Before 1825. William Owen [aged 55]. Portrait of Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley [aged 30].
On 16th July 1826 [her husband] John Fleming Leicester 1st Baron Tabley [aged 64] was created 1st Baron Tabley. Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley [aged 32] by marriage Baroness Tabley.
On 18th April 1827 [her husband] John Fleming Leicester 1st Baron Tabley [aged 65] died at Tabley House, Cheshire. His son George [aged 15] succeeded 2nd Baron Tabley, 6th Baronet Leicester of Timogue in Queen's County.
On 10th July 1828 Reverend Frederick Leicester [aged 25] and Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley [aged 34] were married. She the former wife of his uncle John Fleming Leicester 1st Baron Tabley who had died fifteen months before. As the Church of England prohibited aunt-nephew marriages, Frederick resigned from his post to avoid expulsion. The union forfeited £500 of Georgina's annual £1,500 widow's jointure.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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Creevey Papers. [1st September 1828]. Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smythe Owen and I have lived in the most perfect harmony since 4 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, but other human being have I seen none, except the parson at church yesterday, whom I was in hopes to have seen more of. He is Mr. Leicester, nephew to the late Lord de Tabley. ... Having known his father in the days of my youth at Cambridge as by far the most ultra and impertinent dandy of his day, I was curious to see the son. It was precisely the same thing over again. This beautiful youth [[her husband] Reverend Frederick Leicester [aged 26]] (for such he is), aged 27, has been appointed by the Court of Chancery guardian to his nephew [Note. cousin] Lord de Tabley [aged 16], aged 16. About 6 weeks ago, he was married to his aunt Lady de Tabley [aged 34], who expects to be confined next month. I am sorry she is not [illegible] for this second marriage. On her part she forfeits £500 a year out of her jointure of £1500; and his diocesan, the Bishop of Lichfield, has given him notice he shall eject him from his living for marrying his aunt, which reduces his income to nothing. ..."
Before 1830. Thomas Lawrence [aged 60]. Portrait of Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley [aged 35] known as "Hope" aka "The Branch".
In March 1843 [her father] Lieutenant-Colonel Josiah Cottin [aged 72] died at Hampton Court Palace, Richmond [Map].
In 1859 Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley [aged 65] died.
On 17th October 1861 [her former husband] Reverend Frederick Leicester [aged 59] and Amelia Susanna Campbell were married.
On 16th April 1873 [her former husband] Reverend Frederick Leicester [aged 70] died.
GrandFather: Alexander Cottin of Hertfordshire
Father: Lieutenant-Colonel Josiah Cottin
Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley
GrandFather: William Chambers
Mother: Lavinia Chambers