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.
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Paternal Family Tree: Dacre
Maternal Family Tree: Jeanne Fougères Countess Lusignan Countess La Marche and Angoulême
Before 20th July 1399 [his father] Thomas Dacre 6th Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 11] and [his mother] Philippa Neville Baroness Dacre of Gilsland [aged 13] were married. She by marriage Baroness Dacre Gilsland. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland [aged 35] and [his grandmother] Margaret Stafford Baroness Neville Raby.
Around 1424 Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland was born to [his father] Thomas Dacre 6th Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 36] and [his mother] Philippa Neville Baroness Dacre of Gilsland [aged 38] at Naworth Castle [Map].
After March 1424 [his brother-in-law] Thomas Clifford 8th Baron Clifford [aged 9] and [his sister] Joan Dacre Baroness Clifford were married. She by marriage Baroness de Clifford. He the son of John Clifford 7th Baron Clifford and Elizabeth Percy Countess of Westmoreland [aged 29]. They were third cousins. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.
On or before 8th July 1453 [his sister] Joan Dacre Baroness Clifford died.
On 8th July 1453 [his mother] Philippa Neville Baroness Dacre of Gilsland [aged 67] died at Naworth Castle [Map].
On 5th January 1458 [his father] Thomas Dacre 6th Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 70] died. His granddaughter Joan [aged 25] succeeded 7th Baroness Dacre Gilsland, 7th Baroness Multon of Gilsland.
In 1459 [his brother] Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 47] was created 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland.
Before 1461 [his brother] Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 48] and [his sister-in-law] Eleanor Fitzhugh Baroness Dacre of Gilsland [aged 29] were married. She by marriage Baroness Dacre Gilsland. They were fourth cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward I of England.
Before 25th November 1467 Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 43] and Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland were married. They were fifth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward I of England.
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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On 25th November 1467 [his son] Thomas Dacre 2nd Baron Dacre Gilsland was born to Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 43] and [his wife] Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland at Cumberland. He married 1488 his half second cousin once removed Elizabeth Greystoke 6th Baroness Greystoke Baroness Dacre of Gilsland and had issue.
English Historical Literature in the Fifteenth Century Appendix 13. On the 21st day of the same month of May [1471], King Edward [aged 29] returned to the City of London in noble triumph, having Margaret [aged 41], formerly queen, led before his army in a chariot. He rode through the middle of the city, with banners and standards unfurled, as though on a campaign or expedition undertaken against the aforementioned Kentish rebels. In his company at that time were: His brothers, the Dukes of Clarence [aged 21] and Gloucester [aged 18]; the Dukes of Norfolk [aged 46], Suffolk [aged 28], and Buckingham [aged 16]; the Earls of Northumberland [aged 22], Shrewsbury [aged 22], Rivers [aged 31], Essex [aged 67], Wiltshire [aged 43], and Pembroke [aged 20]. Among the barons and lords: Audley [aged 45], Stanley [aged 36], Grey of Ruthin [aged 17], the son and heir of the Earl of Kent [aged 54], Grey of Codnor [aged 36], Berners [aged 55], Cromwell1, Dacre2, Hastings [aged 59], Howard [aged 28]3, Dynham [aged 38], Cobham [aged 23], Mautravers [aged 21], the son and heir of Arundel [aged 53], Bourchier, Dudley [aged 70], Scrope [aged 33], and Ferrers [aged 16], along with many other nobles, knights, and esquires, and a greater number of mounted men than had ever been seen before.
Eodem mensis Maii die xxj rediit Rex Edwardus ad ciuitatem London, cum nobili triumpho, faciens secum adduci dictam Margaretam, olim reginam, in curru precedente exercitui. Et equitauit per medium ciuitatis, vexillis et standardis displicatis, tanquam in itinere et expedicione capta aduersus prefatos Kentenses, In cuius comitiva tune fuerunt duces de Clarence et Gloucester ipsius fratres; item duces de Northfolke et Southfolk, et de Bukyngham; item comites de Northumberland, de Shrovesbury, de Ryuers, de Essex, de Wyltshyre, de Pembroke; Barones, domini de Audeley, de Stanley, de Grey Ruthyn, films et heres de Comitis Cancie, de Grey Cotenor, de Barreners, de Cromwell, de Dacres, de Hastynges, de Howard, de Dynham, de Cobham, de Mautravers, filius et heres de Arundell, de Bourgcher, de Dudley, de Scrope, de Ferrers, cum aliis nobilibus, militibus et armigeris, ac multitudine equitum maiore quam ante sit visa.
Note 1. Unclear as to who this refers to since Ralph Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell died in 1456.
Note 2. Unclear as to who this refers to since [his father] Thomas Dacre 6th Baron Dacre Gilsland died in 1458, Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland died in 1461 and Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 47] was created Baron Dacre in either 1473 or 1482.
Note 3. We take this to refer to Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk, son of John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk, referring to his subsiduary title.
On 8th April 1473 (some sources state 1482) Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 49] was created 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland by King Edward IV of England [aged 30]. By letters patent he created Dacre Baron Dacre of Gilsland, declaring "that the said Humfrey Dacre, Knight, and the heirs male of the body of the said Thomas, late Lord Dacre, comyng, bee reputed, had, named and called the Lord Dacre of Gillesland". [his wife] Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland by marriage Baroness Dacre Gilsland.
Between 15th November 1482 and 9th December 1483 Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 58] was summoned to the House of Lords as Humfrido Dacre de Gillesland.
On 6th July 1483 King Richard III of England [aged 30] and his wife Anne Neville [aged 27] at Westminster Abbey [Map]. Duke Gloucester, Earl Richmond forfeit merged with the Crown. Cardinal Thomas Bourchier [aged 65] officiated. Anne Neville Queen Consort England by marriage Queen Consort England.
John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk [aged 58] was appointed Lord High Steward. William Brandon [aged 58], Thomas Fitzalan 10th or 17th Earl of Arundel [aged 33], Thomas St Leger [aged 43], Richard Hastings Baron Willoughby [aged 50], Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England [aged 46], Elizabeth York Duchess Suffolk [aged 39], Giles Daubeney 1st Baron Daubeney [aged 32] and Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 59] attended.
Robert Dymoke [aged 22] attended as the Kings' Champion.
Edmund Grey 1st Earl Kent [aged 66] carried The Pointed Sword of Justice. Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk [aged 40] carried the Crown. Francis Lovell 1st Viscount Lovell [aged 27] carried the Third Sword of State. John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk [aged 40] carried the Sceptre. John de la Pole Earl Lincoln 1st [aged 21] carried the Cross and Ball. Henry Stafford 2nd Duke of Buckingham [aged 28] carried the king's train. Edward Stafford 2nd Earl Wiltshire [aged 13] bore the Queen's Crown.
Thomas Stanley 1st Earl of Derby [aged 48] carried the Lord High Constable's Mace. Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond [aged 40] held Queen Anne's train. Henry Percy 4th Earl of Northumberland [aged 34] carried The Blunt Sword of Mercy. Christopher Willoughby 10th Baron Willoughby [aged 30] was appointed Knight of the Bath.
Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland attended.
[his aunt] Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York [aged 68] refused to attend the Coronation of King Richard III. History doesn't record her reason.
In 1484 Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 60] was appointed Governor of Carlisle Castle and Warden of the West Marches.
In 1485 [his daughter] Elizabeth Dacre was born to Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 61] and [his wife] Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland. Based on her father's death in 1485.
Around 1485 [his daughter] Catherine Dacre was born to Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 61] and [his wife] Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland. She married (1) 15th November 1509 her half second cousin once removed George Fitzhugh 7th Baron Fitzhugh, son of Richard Fitzhugh 6th Baron Fitzhugh and Elizabeth Burgh Baroness Fitzhugh (2) 1518 her half second cousin Thomas Neville, son of George Neville 4th and 2nd Baron Abergavenny and Margaret Fenne Baroness Bergavenny, and had issue.
On 30th May 1485 Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 61] died. He was buried at Lanercost Priory, Cumberland [Map]. His son Thomas [aged 17] succeeded 2nd Baron Dacre Gilsland.
On 14th November 1508 [his former wife] Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland died. She was buried at Lanercost Priory, Cumberland [Map].
[his son] Hugh Dacre was born to Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland and Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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[his daughter] Anne Dacre was born to Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland and Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland.
[his son] Christopher Dacre was born to Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland and Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland.
[his son] Henry Dacre was born to Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland and Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland.
[his son] Philip Dacre was born to Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland and Mabel Parr Baroness Dacre of Gilsland.
Kings Wessex: Great x 12 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 9 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 15 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 10 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 5 Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 11 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 18 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 13 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 17 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ranulph Dacre 
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Dacre
Great x 2 Grandfather: Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland
Great x 4 Grandfather: Benet Gernet
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Gernet
Great x 1 Grandfather: Hugh Dacre 4th Baron Dacre of Gilsland, Baron Multon of Gilsand
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Multon 1st Baron Multon 
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret "Flower of Gillesland" Multon Baroness Dacre of Gilsland 2nd Baroness Multon Gilsland
Great x 4 Grandfather: Piers Mauley 1st Baron de Mauley
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Mauley Baroness Multon
Great x 4 Grandmother: Nicola Gaunt
GrandFather: William Dacre 5th Baron Dacre Gilsland, Baron Multon of Gilsand
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Maxwell 
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Maxwell Countess Atholl
Father: Thomas Dacre 6th Baron Dacre Gilsland
Great x 4 Grandfather: William "Hardy" Douglas 2nd Lord Douglas
Great x 3 Grandfather: Archibald Douglas
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Louvain Baroness Douglas 
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Douglas 1st Earl Douglas 
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Lindsay Crawford
Great x 3 Grandmother: Beatrice Crawford
Great x 1 Grandfather: James Douglas 2nd Earl Douglas
Great x 3 Grandfather: Domhnall Mar II Earl of Mar
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Mar Countess Douglas 11th Countess Mar
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Stewart 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Isabella Stewart
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jean Fitzjames
GrandMother: Joan Douglas Baroness Dacre Gilsland
Great x 1 Grandmother: Mistress Unknown
Humphrey Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Neville 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Ralph Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby
Great x 2 Grandfather: Ralph Neville 2nd Baron Neville of Raby 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Fitzroger 5th Baron Warkworth 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Euphemia Clavering Baroness Neville Raby 
7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Zouche Baroness Warkworth 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Neville 3rd Baron Neville of Raby 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Audley 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Hugh Audley 1st Baron Audley of Stratton Audley 2 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Ela Longespée 
Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Audley Baroness Greystoke and Neville 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Mortimer 2nd Baron Mortimer of Wigmore 
2 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Iseult Mortimer 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Fiennes 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
GrandFather: Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Percy 7th Baron Percy Topcliffe
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Percy 9th and 1st Baron Percy
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Warenne Baroness Percy Topcliffe
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Percy 10th and 2nd Baron Percy 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Fitzalan 1st or 8th Earl of Arundel 
3 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Fitzalan Baroness Percy 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Saluzzo Countess Arundel 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Maud Percy Baroness Neville Raby 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger Clifford 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabella Vipont 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Idonia Clifford Baroness Percy 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas de Clare 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Maud Clare Baroness Clifford Baroness Welles 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Juliana Fitzgerald 
2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Mother: Philippa Neville Baroness Dacre of Gilsland 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Nicholas Stafford 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Stafford 1st Baron Stafford
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Clinton 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Ralph Stafford 1st Earl Stafford 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Basset 1st Baron Basset Drayton 
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Basset 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Hugh Stafford 2nd Earl Stafford 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Audley 1st Baron Audley of Stratton Audley 2 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Hugh Audley 1st Earl Gloucester 3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Iseult Mortimer 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Audley Countess Stafford Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Gilbert "Red Earl" Clare 7th Earl Gloucester 6th Earl Hertford 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Clare Countess Gloucester Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan of Acre Countess Gloucester and Hertford Daughter of King Edward I of England
GrandMother: Margaret Stafford Baroness Neville Raby 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Beauchamp 9th Earl Warwick 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Guy Beauchamp 10th Earl Warwick
Great x 4 Grandmother: Maud Fitzjohn Countess Warwick
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Beauchamp 11th Earl Warwick 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Tosny 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Tosny Countess Warwick 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Philippa Beauchamp Countess Stafford 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Mortimer 2nd Baron Mortimer of Wigmore 2 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March 3 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Fiennes 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Katherine Mortimer Countess Warwick 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Piers Geneville
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Geneville Baroness Mortimer 2nd Baroness Geneville 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jeanne Lusignan 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England