Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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On or before 2nd December 1715, the date he was baptised at St Anthony's Church, St Anthony in Roseland [Map], Rear-Admiral Richard Spry was born to [his father] George Spry (age 30) and [his mother] Mary Bullock.
In 1732 [his father] George Spry (age 47) died.
On 26th April 1740 Rear-Admiral Richard Spry (age 24) passed the Lieutenant's Examination.
In 1750 Rear-Admiral Richard Spry (age 34) took part in the siege of Pondicherry.
From 17th October 1753 Rear-Admiral Richard Spry (age 37) was captain of the frigate HMS Garland.
In 1755 Rear-Admiral Richard Spry (age 39) became senior officer at Halifax, Nova Scotia.
In 1760 Rear-Admiral Richard Spry (age 44) was given command of HMS Orford in 1760.
In 1762 Rear-Admiral Richard Spry (age 46) was appointed Commander-in-Chief, North American Station.
On 24th June 1773 Rear-Admiral Richard Spry (age 57) was knighted at Portsmotu
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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On 25th November 1775 Rear-Admiral Richard Spry (age 59) died unmarried at Place House, St Anthony in Roseland [Map]. He was buried at St Anthony's Church, St Anthony in Roseland [Map] where he has a monument sculpted by Richard "The Elder" Westmacott (age 28). His estates were inherited by his nephew Lieutenant Thomas Davy (age 21) who adopted the surname Spry.
Sacred to the Memory of Sir Richard Spry, KT Rear admiral of the White Several years Commander-in-Chief of H.M. Ships in North-America, the Mediterranean, and Plymouth. He was envoy to the Emporer of Morocco and the States of Barbary. He died on the 25st of November 1775, aged 60 years. This momument as a testimony of gratitude is erected by his affectionate nephew Admiral Thomas Spry.
