The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire is in Gloucester [Map], Priories in England.
Around May 1136 Miles Gloucester 1st Earl Hereford founded Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map], literally Llanthony Second, as a refuge for the monks of Llanthony Priory [Map] who were suffering repeated attacks from the Welsh.
Around November 1155 Roger Fitzmiles 2nd Earl Hereford [aged 30] died. He was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map]. Earl Hereford extinct. His brother Walter succeeded Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation and High Sheriff of Gloucester.
On 12th April 1165, Easter eve, Henry Fitzmiles Baron Abergavenny was killed by Seisyll ap Dyfnwal Gwent at Arnold Arnaullt Castle [Map]. He buried at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map]. His brother Mahel succeeded Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation.
In October 1165 Mahel Gloucester died at Bronllys Castle [Map]. He was buried at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map]. His brother William succeeded Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation.
On 6th April 1197 Margaret Gloucester [aged 74] died. She was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].
In 1251 Eleanor de Braose [aged 23] died. She was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].
On 24th September 1275 Humphrey Bohun 2nd Earl Hereford 1st Earl Essex [aged 71] died at Kenilworth Castle [Map]. He was buried at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map]. His grandson Humphrey [aged 26] succeeded 3rd Earl Hereford, 2nd Earl Essex.
On 24th June 1314 the Scottish army of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland [aged 39] including, James "Black" Douglas [aged 28], heavily defeated the English army led by King Edward II of England [aged 30] at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Gilbert de Clare 8th Earl Gloucester 7th Earl Hertford [aged 23] was killed. Earl Gloucester, Earl Hertford extinct.
John Comyn 4th Lord Baddenoch [aged 20], Robert Felton 1st Baron Felton [aged 44] and William Vesci were killed.
William Marshal 1st Baron Marshal [aged 36] was killed. His son John [aged 22] succeeded 2nd Baron Marshal.
Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford [aged 40] was killed. His son Roger [aged 14] succeeded 2nd Baron de Clifford.
John Lovell 2nd Baron Lovel [aged 25] was killed. His son John succeeded 3rd Baron Lovel of Titchmarsh.
Henry Bohun was killed by King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland. He was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].
Walter Fauconberg 2nd Baron Fauconberg [aged 50] possilby died although his death is also reported as being on 31 Dec 1318.
Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere [aged 38], Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex [aged 38], Goronwy ap Tudur Hen Tudor, Henry Beaumont Earl Buchan [aged 35], Aymer de Valence 2nd Earl Pembroke [aged 39] and Robert Umfraville 8th Earl Angus [aged 37] fought.
Pain Tiptoft 1st Baron Tibetot [aged 34] was killed. His son John succeeded 2nd Baron Tibetot.
John Montfort 2nd Baron Montfort [aged 23] was killed. Peter Montfort 3rd Baron Montfort [aged 23] succeeded 3rd Baron Montfort.
Thomas Grey [aged 34] undertook a suicidal charge that contributed to the English defeat and subsequently blemished his career.
William Latimer 2nd Baron Latimer of Corby [aged 38] was captured.
Michael Poynings [aged 44] was killed.
On 28th May 1420 William Bourchier 1st Count of Eu [aged 46] died at Troyes, France [Map]. He was buried at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map]. His son Henry [aged 16] succeeded 2nd Count Eu.
In 1438 Anne of Gloucester Plantagenet Countess Eu and Stafford [aged 55] died. She was buried at Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].
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 24th December 1143 Miles Gloucester 1st Earl Hereford was accidentally shot and killed whilst hunting in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. He was buried in the Chapter House, Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire. His son Roger [aged 18] succeeded 2nd Earl Hereford, Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation. Cecilia Fitzjohn Countess Hereford [aged 23] by marriage Countess Hereford.