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 29th March 1763 Samuel Woodford was born in Castle Cary, Somerset.
On 8th March 1782 Samuel Woodford [aged 18] became a student at the Royal Academy.
Around 1785. Samuel Woodford [aged 21]. Portrait of Anne Hoare.
Anne Hoare: On 27th June 1737 she was born to Henry Hoare "The Magnificient" and Susan Colt. Before 1758 Richard Hoare 1st Baronet and she were married. They were first cousins. On 5th May 1759 Anne Hoare died.
Around 1786. Samuel Woodford [aged 22]. Portrait of Richard Hoare 1st Baronet [aged 50].
Around 1793. Samuel Woodford [aged 29]. Portrait of Hester Lyttelton.
Hester Lyttelton: she was born to William Henry Lyttelton 1st Baron Lyttelton. On 18th August 1783 Richard Colt Hoare 2nd Baronet and she were married. On 22nd August 1785 Hester Lyttelton died from childbirth giving birth to her second child who also died.
In 1794. Samuel Woodford [aged 30]. Portrait of Maria Palmer Acland.
Maria Palmer Acland: she was born to Arthur Palmer Acland. On 25th August 1784 Henry Hoare 3rd Baronet and she were married. They were second cousins. On 31st January 1845 Maria Palmer Acland died.
Around 1797. Samuel Woodford [aged 33]. Portrait of Henry Hoare [aged 13] as a boy.
Henry Hoare: In 1784 he was born to Richard Colt Hoare 2nd Baronet and Hester Lyttelton. In 1836 Henry Hoare died.
Around 1798. Samuel Woodford [aged 34]. Portrait of Frances Anne Acland [aged 63] as a boy.
Frances Anne Acland: In 1735 she was born to Richard Acland. After 1759 Richard Hoare 1st Baronet and she were married. On 10th September 1800 Frances Anne Acland died at Barn Elms.
In 1804. Samuel Woodford [aged 40]. Portrait of King George III of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 65].
In 1805. Samuel Woodford [aged 41]. Self Portrait.
Before 1808. Samuel Woodford [aged 44]. Portrait of William Henry Lyttelton 1st Baron Lyttelton [aged 83].
In 1809. Samuel Woodford [aged 45]. Portrait of William Fenton [aged 61].
William Fenton: In January 1747 he was born in St David's. In November 1821 he died in Plas Glynamel Fishguard.
On 27th July 1817 Samuel Woodford [aged 54] died.