The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 2 Chapters 61-109 1342-1361

The Chronicle of Jean le Bel, Volume 2 continues one of the most important fourteenth-century accounts of the early Hundred Years’ War. Written by the Liège chronicler Jean le Bel, this vivid narrative follows the fortunes of Edward III, Jean II of France, the Black Prince, the great nobles of France and England, and the soldiers, captains and companies who shaped the conflict. This volume covers some of the most dramatic events of the period, including the battles of Crécy and Poitiers, the siege and capture of Calais, the captivity of King John, the rise of the Jacquerie, the turmoil in Paris under Étienne Marcel and Charles of Navarre, the devastation caused by the free companies, Edward III’s great campaign of 1359–1360, and the negotiations leading to the Treaty of Brétigny. Jean le Bel’s chronicle is especially valuable for its lively detail, its interest in chivalry, warfare, politics and reputation, and its influence on later chroniclers, most famously Froissart. This English translation presents the text in clear, readable British English while preserving the force and character of the original narrative. The translation includes extensive notes to help the reader better understand Jean le Bel's text. Volume 2 also includes translated appendices drawn from royal and administrative records, many from the English Record Office, which illuminate Edward III’s campaigns in Brittany, the siege and occupation of Calais, naval preparations, military finance, appointments, safe conducts and related affairs.

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Biography of William Segar 1554-1663

1596 King Henry IV of France invested in the Order of the Garter

1603 Funeral of Elizabeth I

Around 1554 William Segar was born.

Around 1585 William Segar [aged 31]. Ermine Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland [aged 51].

In 1587 William Segar [aged 33]. Portrait of Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester [aged 54].

In 1589 William Segar [aged 35] was appointed Somerset Herald of Arms in Ordinary.

In 1590 William Segar [aged 36]. Portrait of Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex [aged 24].

In 1590 William Segar [aged 36] anonymously published The Booke of Honour and Armes.

In 1593 William Segar [aged 39] was appointed Norrey King of Arms.

In 1595 William Segar [aged 41]. Portrait of Elizabeth Throckmorton [aged 29].

King Henry IV of France invested in the Order of the Garter

In 1596 William Segar [aged 42] accompanied Gilbert Talbot 7th Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 43] on his trip to invest Henry IV King France [aged 42] with the Order of the Garter.

In 1598 William Segar [aged 44]. Portrait of Walter Raleigh [aged 44].

Memoires of Jacques du Clercq

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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In 1603 William Segar [aged 49] was appointed Deputy Garter King of Arms to invest Christian IV King of Denmark [aged 25] with the Order of the Garter.

Funeral of Elizabeth I

On 28th April 1603 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland [deceased] was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].

Helena Snakenbourg Marchioness Northampton [aged 54] was Chief Mourner in the procession since Arabella Stewart [aged 28] refused to take part. She was supported by Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter [aged 60] and Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham [aged 67].

George Bourchier [aged 68] carried the Standard of the Dragon.

Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery [aged 18] carried the Standard of the Greyhound.

Thomas Somerset carried the Standard of the Lyon.

William Segar [aged 49] carried the Sword of State as Norrey King of Arms.

Admiral Richard Leveson [aged 33] was one of the six knights who carried the canopy.

George Bourchier: George Bourchier and Martha Howard were married. The difference in their ages was 20 years. He the son of John Bourchier 2nd Earl Bath and Eleanor Manners Countess Bath. They were fifth cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. In 1535 he was born to John Bourchier 2nd Earl Bath and Eleanor Manners Countess Bath. In 1605 George Bourchier died.

Thomas Somerset: he was born to Henry Somerset 1st Marquess Worcester and Anne Russell Countess Worcester. On 30th December 1648 Thomas Somerset died at Dunkirk.

In January 1604 William Segar [aged 50] was appointed Garter King of Arms.

On 17th January 1607 William Segar [aged 53] received a great patent seal confirming him as Garter King of Arms.

On 5th November 1616 William Segar [aged 62] was knighted.

In 1663 William Segar died.