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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In or before 1817 [his father] Robert Collinson [aged 30] and [his mother] Mary Harvey were married.
On 9th May 1825 James Collinson was born to Robert Collinson [aged 39] and Mary Harvey at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. His father was a bookseller and sub-postmaster. Early in life James received art instruction from a Mrs. Ann Paulson, a local Mansfield artist.
Around 1840 James Collinson [aged 14] entered the Royal Academy Schools where he was a fellow student with Dante Gabriel Rossetti [aged 11] and William Holman Hunt [aged 12].
In June 1845 [his father] Robert Collinson [aged 59] died.
1847. James Collinson [aged 21]. 'The Charity Boy's Debut'. Exhibited at the Royal Academy.
In September 1847 the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was formed at 7 Gower Street, Camden [Map], the home of John Everett Millais 1st Baronet [aged 18]. The seven founder members were Millais, brothers Dante Gabriel Rossetti [aged 19] and William Michael Rossetti [aged 17], William Holman Hunt [aged 20], James Collinson [aged 22], Frederick George Stephens [aged 19] and Thomas Woolner [aged 21].
Between 1848 and 1850. James Collinson [aged 22]. "An Incident in the Life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary".
Around 1848 James Collinson [aged 22] and Christina Rossetti [aged 17] were engaged; he had converted to Anglicanism. The engagement ended in 1850 when he reverted to Catholicism.
1850. James Collinson [aged 24]. "Answering the Emigrant's Letter". In the collection of Manchester Art Gallery.
1850. James Collinson [aged 24]. "The Child Jesus".
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 20th May 1850 James Collinson [aged 25] resigned from Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood being opposed to the Brotherhood bringing the Christian religion into disrepute when Millais' Christ in the House of his Parents was accused of being blasphemous.
The Diary of George Price Boyce 1851. 4th June 1851. Called on Wells [aged 22]. Miss Guyson, the model, was with him, a good looking girl. She gave him a ticket for the Portland Gallery, National Institution, which I made use of. A fine picture [See Painting] there by Collinson [aged 26], P.R.B., from the life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary (price £240).
On 15th January 1853 James Collinson [aged 27] entered Hodder Place near Stonyhurst, the Jesuit College in Lancashire, as a novitiate to train for the priesthood. Collinson discontiued his studies some time between September 1854 and January 1855 without completing his religious training and resumed his painting career.
1856. James Collinson [aged 30]. "A Son of the Soil". Exhibited this painting at the British institution in 1856, no. 375, the first work that he exhibited there. William Michael Rossetti [aged 26] wrote in the Spectator: "Mr. Collinson's Son of the Soil – a lusty labourer seated in a public-house with his pewter pot of beer before him, and behind him an advertisement for men to serve in the Army Works Corps – is an exact study from nature". In the collection of Manchester Art Gallery.
1856. James Collinson [aged 30]. "Home Again".
1857. James Collinson [aged 31]. "The Empty Purse". This painting is also known as "For Sale" and "At the Bazzar". Several versions exist. The painting contains many details including a print of 'The Way to Calvary'. The paper besides her tells us this is St. Bride's Church Bazaar for the sale of [use]ful and fancy articles Patroness [the] honourable Lady Dorcas. A reference to he story of Dorcas in Acts 9: 36-42, a woman who followed Christ's teachings and made clothes for widows and the poor. Behind the domed plant is a portrait of a woman, a small chequered ball, and a fan.
1857. James Collinson [aged 31]. "The Landlady" aka "To Let". The black clothes suggest she is a widow still in mourning and therefore possibly needing to rent a room in her home to supplement her income. The sign she is unveiling say 'To Let'.
On 9th February 1858 James Collinson [aged 32] and Eliza Alvenia Wheeler [aged 40] were married at Brompton Oratory, Kensington.
In or before July 1859 James Collinson [aged 34] and his wife Eliza Alvenia Wheeler [aged 41] were living at Woodcote, New Road, Epsom where their only child Robert Vincent was born.
From 1861 to 1870 James Collinson [aged 35] was secretary of the Society of British Artists.
In 1863 [his mother] Mary Harvey died.
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.
In or before 1864 James Collinson [aged 38] and his family were living at 15 St John's Park, Upper Holloway.
In or before 1875 James Collinson [aged 49] and his family were living at 370 Cold-Harbour-lane, Brixton.
1878. James Collinson [aged 52]. "The Holy Family".
On 24th January 1881 James Collinson [aged 55] died at 16 Paulet Road, Camberwell. He was buried at Camberwell Old Cemetery.
In January 1894 [his former wife] Eliza Alvenia Wheeler [aged 76] died at Camberwell, Surrey [Map].