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.
On 11th February 1872 Harold Speed was born.
1909. Harold Speed [aged 36]. Portrait of William Holman Hunt [aged 81].
1912. Harold Speed [aged 39]. Portrait of Thomas Brassey 1st Earl of Brassey [aged 75].
1913. Harold Speed [aged 40]. Portrait of Edmund Antrobus [aged 26], in the Uniform of a Grenadier Guard.
Edmund Antrobus: On 23rd December 1886 he was born to Edmund Antrobus 4th Baronet and Florence Caroline Mathilde Sartoris Lady Antrobus. On 24th October 1914 Edmund Antrobus was killed in action. The Germans made a determined effort to break through on the left of the Grenadiers near Kruiseik, and the Company made a counterattack. He was killed fighting with his platoon. He was buried at Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, CWGC Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
1914. Harold Speed [aged 41]. Portrait of George Wyndham.
George Wyndham: On 29th August 1863 he was born to Percy Scawen Wyndham and Madeline Caroline Frances Eden Campbell. In 1887 George Wyndham and Sibell Mary Lumley were married. She the daughter of Richard Lumley 9th Earl Scarborough and Adeliza Drummond Countess Scarborough. They were half fifth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. On 8th June 1913 George Wyndham died in Paris [Map].
1927 to 1924. Harold Speed [aged 54]. Portrait of Edward Grey 1st Viscount Fallodon [aged 64].
1928. Harold Speed [aged 55]. Portrait of Helen Diana Bridgeman [aged 20].
Around 1945. Harold Speed [aged 72]. Portrait of Ronald Kay-Shuttleworth 3rd Baron Shuttleworth.
Ronald Kay-Shuttleworth 3rd Baron Shuttleworth: On 7th October 1917 he was born to Captain Lawrence Ughtred Kay-Shuttleworth and Selina Adine Bridgeman. On 8th August 1940 Richard Kay-Shuttleworth 2nd Baron Shuttleworth was killed in action when his Hawker Hurricane went missing during a battle over a convoy in the English Channel, south of the Isle of Wight. He was a Flying Officer with 145 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; Service No: 70356. His brother Ronald succeeded 3rd Baron Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe in Lancashire, 4th Baronet Kay-Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe Hall in Lancashire. On 17th November 1942 Ronald Kay-Shuttleworth 3rd Baron Shuttleworth was killed in action. He was buried at the Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Tabarka, Jandūbah, Tunisia. His half first cousin Charles succeeded 4th Baron Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe in Lancashire, 5th Baronet Kay-Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe Hall in Lancashire.
Around 1945. Harold Speed [aged 72]. Portrait of Richard Kay-Shuttleworth 2nd Baron Shuttleworth.
Richard Kay-Shuttleworth 2nd Baron Shuttleworth: On 30th October 1913 he was born to Captain Lawrence Ughtred Kay-Shuttleworth and Selina Adine Bridgeman. On 20th December 1939 Ughtred Kay-Shuttleworth 1st Baron Shuttleworth died. His grandson Richard succeeded 2nd Baron Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe in Lancashire, Richard Kay-Shuttleworth 2nd Baron Shuttleworth, 3rd Baronet Kay-Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe Hall in Lancashire.
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 2 Chapters 61-109 1342-1361
The Chronicle of Jean le Bel, Volume 2 continues one of the most important fourteenth-century accounts of the early Hundred Years’ War. Written by the Liège chronicler Jean le Bel, this vivid narrative follows the fortunes of Edward III, Jean II of France, the Black Prince, the great nobles of France and England, and the soldiers, captains and companies who shaped the conflict. This volume covers some of the most dramatic events of the period, including the battles of Crécy and Poitiers, the siege and capture of Calais, the captivity of King John, the rise of the Jacquerie, the turmoil in Paris under Étienne Marcel and Charles of Navarre, the devastation caused by the free companies, Edward III’s great campaign of 1359–1360, and the negotiations leading to the Treaty of Brétigny. Jean le Bel’s chronicle is especially valuable for its lively detail, its interest in chivalry, warfare, politics and reputation, and its influence on later chroniclers, most famously Froissart. This English translation presents the text in clear, readable British English while preserving the force and character of the original narrative. The translation includes extensive notes to help the reader better understand Jean le Bel's text. Volume 2 also includes translated appendices drawn from royal and administrative records, many from the English Record Office, which illuminate Edward III’s campaigns in Brittany, the siege and occupation of Calais, naval preparations, military finance, appointments, safe conducts and related affairs.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 20th March 1957 Harold Speed [aged 85] died.