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: Biddulph
In 1654 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet was born to Theophilus Biddulph 1st Baronet [aged 42].
On 31st December 1673 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet [aged 19] and Henrietta Maria Whitley [aged 20] were married at Westminster Abbey [Map].
In 1678 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet [aged 24] stood for MP Lichfield but was defeated.
In 1679 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet [aged 25] was elected MP Lichfield.
In April 1683 [his father] Theophilus Biddulph 1st Baronet [aged 71] died at Greenwich, Kent [Map]. On 14th April 1683 he was buried at Stow Church Lichfield. His son Michael [aged 29] succeeded 2nd Baronet Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent.
Around 1685 [his son] Theophilus Biddulph 3rd Baronet was born to Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet [aged 31] and [his wife] Henrietta Maria Whitley [aged 32].
Around September 1689 [his wife] Henrietta Maria Whitley [aged 36] died. On 15th September 1689 she was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].
Roger Whitley's Diary. 3rd May 1690. Satorday, I went to Chester, visited Scranmore & Anderson & Angell; dined with G.Mainwaring [aged 47] there was Crew, Sir William Russell, Palmer, 2 other Captaines Morgan, Bedisford & Minshall, &c. after dinner came Scranmore, then Angell; I left them past 4; visited Booth; went to Jacksons, discoursed Hunt awhile in the streete; Hall Bingley, Salisbury, came after me to Jacksons, dranck a glasse of wine, left us; then came Minshall, Richard Wright, Farington, Lloyd, Hardware, &c. I left them before 7, Morgan went home with me. I found Sir Michael Bidolph [aged 36] at Peele.
In 1695 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet [aged 41] was elected MP Lichfield.
On 25th November 1696 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet [aged 42] and Richard Dowdeswell of Pull Court, Bushley, Worcestershire [aged 43] voted for the attainder of John Fenwick 3rd Baronet [aged 51].
On 7th March 1697 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet [aged 43] and Elizabeth D'Oyly were married.
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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In 1702 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet [aged 48] was elected MP Lichfield despite his being in prison at the time for debts.
On 20th April 1718 Michael Biddulph 2nd Baronet [aged 64] died. He was buried at Greenwich, Kent [Map] on 1st May 1718. His son Theophilus [aged 33] succeeded 3rd Baronet Biddulph of Westcombe in Kent.
In April 1740 [his former wife] Elizabeth D'Oyly died.