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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Around 1715. John Fayram. Portrait of John Hervey 1st Earl Bristol [aged 49].
Around 1728. John Fayram. Portrait of Thomas Hervey [aged 28].
Around 1728. John Fayram. Portrait of Thomas Hervey [aged 28].
Around 1728. John Fayram. Portrait of Mary Lepell Baroness Hervey [aged 28].
Around 1728. John Fayram. Portrait of Elizabeth Hervey.
Elizabeth Hervey: In 1698 she was born to John Hervey 1st Earl Bristol and Elizabeth Felton Countess Bristol. On 17th May 1724 Bussy Mansel 4th Baron Mansel and she were married. The difference in their ages was 23 years; she, unusually, being older than him. She the daughter of John Hervey 1st Earl Bristol and Elizabeth Felton Countess Bristol. In 1727 Elizabeth Hervey died.
1730. John Fayram. Portrait of Felton Hervey [aged 17].
Felton Hervey: On 12th February 1712 he was born to John Hervey 1st Earl Bristol and Elizabeth Felton Countess Bristol. On 16th August 1773 Felton Hervey died.
Around 1731. John Fayram. Portrait of Henrietta Hervey [aged 15].
Henrietta Hervey: On 25th September 1715 she was born to John Hervey 1st Earl Bristol and Elizabeth Felton Countess Bristol. In July 1732 Henrietta Hervey died.
1735. John Fayram. Portrait of William Hervey [aged 35].
William Hervey: On 25th December 1699 he was born to John Hervey 1st Earl Bristol and Elizabeth Felton Countess Bristol. In January 1776 William Hervey died.
1737. John Fayram. Portrait of John Hervey 2nd Baron Hervey [aged 40].
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1744 John Fayram died.