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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Paternal Family Tree: Godolphin
In 1562 [his father] Francis Godolphin [age 22] and [his mother] Margaret Killigrew [age 14] were married.
In 1567 William Godolphin was born to [his father] Francis Godolphin [age 27] and [his mother] Margaret Killigrew [age 19].
In 1585 William Godolphin [age 18] was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University.
On 29th January 1587 William Godolphin [age 20] admitted at Lincoln's Inn.
In 1597 William Godolphin [age 30] was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the Scilly Isles.
In 1598 [his mother] Margaret Killigrew [age 50] died.
On 13th January 1599 William Godolphin [age 32] was knighted.
After 27th July 1600 [his father] Francis Godolphin [age 60] and [his step-mother] Alice Skirret [age 55] were married.
In 1604 William Godolphin [age 37] was elected MP Cornwall.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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On 25th December 1605 [his son] Francis Godolphin was born to William Godolphin [age 38]. He married before 1640 his second cousin once removed Dorothy Berkeley and had issue.
In 1608 [his father] Francis Godolphin [age 68] died.
In 1608 William Godolphin [age 41] was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.
Before 15th January 1610 [his son] Sidney Godolphin was born to William Godolphin [age 43].
In 1613 William Godolphin [age 46] died.
[his son] William Godolphin was born to William Godolphin.
[his daughter] Penelope Godolphin Viscountess Fitzhardinge was born to William Godolphin. She married before 1628 her second cousin Charles Berkeley 2nd Viscount Fitzhardinge and had issue.
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Godolphin 
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Godolphin
GrandFather: Thomas Godolphin
Father: Francis Godolphin
GrandFather: John Killigrew 
Mother: Margaret Killigrew