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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On 21st February 1879 Gertie Millar was born at Manningham, Bradford. Her father, John, was a mill worker and her mother, Elizabeth, a worsted-stuff worker. She began her professional career in a pantomime in Manchester,
On 7th May 1885 William Ward 1st Earl of Dudley [aged 68] died at Dudley House Park Lane. His son [her future husband] William [aged 17] succeeded 2nd Earl of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire, 12th Baron Ward of Birmingham.
In 1891 [her future husband] William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 23] and Rachel Anne Gurney Countess Dudley [aged 23] were married. She by marriage Countess of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire. He the son of William Ward 1st Earl of Dudley and [her future mother-in-law] Georgina Moncrieffe Countess Dudley [aged 44].
On 30th January 1894 [her son] William Humble Eric Ward 3rd Earl of Dudley was born to [her future husband] William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 26] and Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 14]. He married (1) 8th March 1919 Rosemary Millicent Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, daughter of Cromartie Sutherland-Leveson-Gower 4th Duke of Sutherland and Millicent Fanny St Clair-Erskine Duchess of Sutherland, and had issue (2) 23rd February 1943 Frances Laura Charteris Duchess of Marlborough.
In 1896 [her daughter] Morvyth Lilian Ward was born to [her future husband] William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 28] and Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 16]. She married Constantine Evelyn Benson.
In 1901 Gertie Millar [aged 21] met composer Lionel Monkton while appearing in one of his shows. Making hits of his music established Gertie as a star, and the couple married.
In 1902 Lionel Monkton [aged 40] and Gertie Millar [aged 22] were married.
Around 1905. W and D Downey. Photograph of Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 25].
Around 1905. Beagles Postcards. Portrait of Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 25].
1907. Gertie Millar [aged 27] as Mitzi in 'The Girls of Gottenberg' by Foulsham & Banfield, published by Rotary Photographic Co Ltd
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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1909. Gertie Millar [aged 29] as Mary Gibbs in 'Our Miss Gibbs' by Rita Martin, published by J. Beagles & Co bromide postcard print, 1909
Gertie Millar [aged 32] as Nancy Joyce in 'The Dancing Mistress' by Rita Martin, published by J. Beagles & Co bromide postcard print, 1912.
On 8th March 1919 William Humble Eric Ward 3rd Earl of Dudley [aged 25] and Rosemary Millicent Sutherland-Leveson-Gower [aged 25] were married. She the daughter of Cromartie Sutherland-Leveson-Gower 4th Duke of Sutherland and Millicent Fanny St Clair-Erskine Duchess of Sutherland [aged 51]. He the son of William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 51] and Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 40].
On 15th February 1924 [her husband] Lionel Monkton [aged 62] died. His wife Gertie Millar [aged 44] married William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 56] two months later.
On 30th April 1924 William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 56] and Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 45] were married. She by marriage Countess of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire. He the son of William Ward 1st Earl of Dudley and Georgina Moncrieffe Countess Dudley [aged 77].
On 29th June 1932 [her husband] William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 65] died. He was buried at the Earl of Dudley's Memory Garden, St Michael's Church, Himley [Map]. His son William [aged 38] succeeded 3rd Earl of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire, 13th Baron Ward of Birmingham.
On 23rd February 1943 William Humble Eric Ward 3rd Earl of Dudley [aged 49] and Frances Laura Charteris Duchess of Marlborough [aged 27] were married. She by marriage Countess of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire. The difference in their ages was 21 years. He the son of William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley and Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 64].
On 25th April 1952 Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 73] died. She was buried at the Earl of Dudley's Memory Garden, St Michael's Church, Himley [Map].