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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James Smetham is in Painters.
On 9th September 1821 James Smetham was born to [his father] Reverend James Smetham (age 28) at Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire [Map].
Around 1845. James Smetham (age 23). The artist's father [his father] Reverend James Smetham (age 52).
Reverend James Smetham: In 1793 he was born. In 1847 he died.
In 1847 [his father] Reverend James Smetham (age 54) died.
In 1854 James Smetham (age 32) and Sarah Goble were married. They had six children.
1855. James Smetham (age 33). The artist's wife and Baby John.
1861. James Smetham (age 39). "The Death of Earl Siward".
1869. James Smetham (age 47). "That bedesman, old".
1874. James Smetham (age 52). Portrait of Anna Kull.
Around 1874. James Smetham (age 52). Imogen and the Shepherds, from 'Cymbeline', Act IV, Scene II.
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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1886. James Smetham (age 64). "The Mandolin".
Before 5th February 1889. James Smetham (age 67). "Afternoon Rest".
Before 5th February 1889. James Smetham (age 67). "Pandora".
Before 5th February 1889. James Smetham (age 67). Self-Portrait.
On 5th February 1889 James Smetham (age 67) died. He was buried at Highgate Cemetery.