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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St Michael's Church, Rocester is in Rocester, Staffordshire [Map], Churches in Staffordshire.
St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map].
St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map]. Cross in Churchyard.
St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map]. Font.
In 1872 the spire was added to St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map].
St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map]. Church reopened 27th September 1872.
St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map]. Memorial to Charles Campbell Hartley, 2nd Lieutenant, 63rd Battery Royal Field Artillery. Died at Meerut, India, 11th November 1912 from the result of an accident on parade, aged 23 years.
St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map]. Window in memory of Lydia Anne Webb of Clownholme died 70 years 11th March 1913.
St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map]. 6283 Private G. Harper. North Staffordshire Regiment. Died 5th April 1917 aged 36.
St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map]. 281235 Private A.Clarke, Labour Corps. Died 25th November 1917, aged 29. Son of James and Elizabeth Clarke, of 19, West View, Rocester.
St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map]. Lych Gate War Memorial.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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St Michael's Church, Rocester [Map]. East Window, and two windows in the chancel, by William Frend De Morgan restored 1991. One of the windows signed "DM".
