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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton is in Ecton, Northamptonshire, Churches in Northamptonshire.
Interior of the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map].
Windows at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map].
Exterior of the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map].
Monument to unknown person at Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map].
Various monuments to the Isted family at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map].
On 18th November 1641 John Palmer [aged 29] was appointed Rector of the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map] which position he held for life.
In 1707 Dean Samuel Freeman died at Ecton, Northamptonshire whilst visiting. He was buried at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map].
On 14th March 1711 Eleanor Franklin [aged 77] died. Gravestone of Eleanor Franklin at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map]. The graves of Eleanor and her husband Thomas were shown to Benjamin Franklin [aged 5] when he visited the graveyard in 1758 looking for his grandfather Thomas Franklin which he didn't find.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
1732. Monument to John Palmer at Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map] sculpted by John Michael Rysbrack [aged 37].
After 31st March 1761. Monument to John Palmer [deceased] at Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map] sculpted by H Cox. Bust by John Michael Rysbrack [aged 66].
John Palmer: Around 1695 he was born to Thomas Palmer. On 31st March 1761 he died.
After 28th January 1763. Monument to Ann Isted [deceased] at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map] possibly sculpted Henry Cheere 1st Baronet [aged 60].
Ann Isted: On 26th February 1683 she was born to Ambrose Isted and Sarah Feltham. On 28th January 1763 she died unmarried.
After 26th September 1811. Monument to Elizabeth Percy [aged 46] at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map].
Elizabeth Percy: Reverend Pierce Meade and she were married. On 11th July 1765 she was born to Bishop Thomas Percy and Anne Gutteridge. On 26th September 1825 she died at Ecton, Northamptonshire.
After 18th April 1817. Monument to Catherine Maria Whalley nee Packe at Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map] sculpted by John Charles Felix Rossi [aged 55].
After 6th February 1841. Monument to Thomas Palmer Whalley at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map].
After 6th January 1902. Memorial to Admiral Edward Southwell Sotheby [deceased] at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map].
Admiral Edward Southwell Sotheby: On 14th May 1813 he was born to Admiral Thomas Sotheby and Mary Anne Bourke. On 23rd June 1864 he and Lucy Elizabeth Adeane were married. On 6th January 1902 he died at 26 Green Street Mayfair. He was buried at Highgate Cemetery.
1910. Monument to Benjamin Franklin at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton [Map] sculpted by L Frits Roselieb in 1910.
Benjamin Franklin: On 17th January 1706 he was born to Josiah Franklin at Milk Street, Boston. On 17th April 1790 Benjamin Franklin died.
