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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Earl Durham is in Earldoms of England Alphabetically, Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extant Earldoms of England.
Summary
1833. John "Radical Jack" Lambton 1st Earl Durham (age 40) created.
28th July 1840. Son George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton 2nd Earl Durham (age 11) succeeded.
27th November 1879. Son John George Lambton 3rd Earl Durham (age 24) succeeded.
18th September 1928. Brother Frederick Lambton 4th Earl Durham (age 73) succeeded.
31st January 1929. Son John Frederick Lambton 5th Earl Durham (age 44) succeeded.
4th February 1970. Son Antony Lambton 6th Earl of Durham (age 47) succeeded.
30th December 2006. Son Edward Lambton 7th Earl of Durham (age 45) succeeded.
In 1833 John "Radical Jack" Lambton 1st Earl Durham (age 40) was created 1st Earl Durham. Louisa Elizabeth Grey Countess Durham (age 35) by marriage Countess Durham.
On 28th July 1840 John "Radical Jack" Lambton 1st Earl Durham (age 48) died at Cowes, Isle of Wight. He was buried at St Mary and St Cuthbert Church, Chester-le-Street. His son George (age 11) succeeded 2nd Earl Durham.
On 23rd May 1854 George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton 2nd Earl Durham (age 25) and Beatrix Frances Hamilton Countess Durham (age 19) were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square. She by marriage Countess Durham. She the daughter of James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn (age 43) and Louisa Jane Russell Duchess Abercorn (age 41). He the son of John "Radical Jack" Lambton 1st Earl Durham and Louisa Elizabeth Grey Countess Durham. They were fifth cousin once removed. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 27th November 1879 George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton 2nd Earl Durham (age 51) died. His son John (age 24) succeeded 3rd Earl Durham.
On 28th October 1882 John George Lambton 3rd Earl Durham (age 27) and Ethel Milner Countess Durham (age 32) were married. She by marriage Countess Durham. There was no issue from the marriage. He the son of George Frederick D'Arcy Lambton 2nd Earl Durham and Beatrix Frances Hamilton Countess Durham.
On 18th September 1928 John George Lambton 3rd Earl Durham (age 73) died. His brother Frederick (age 73) succeeded 4th Earl Durham; he died four months later. Beatrix Bulteel Countess Durham (age 69) by marriage Countess Durham.
On 31st January 1929 Frederick Lambton 4th Earl Durham (age 73) died having held the Earldom for only four months. His son John (age 44) succeeded 5th Earl Durham.
On 4th February 1970 John Frederick Lambton 5th Earl Durham (age 85) died. His son Antony (age 47) succeeded 6th Earl Durham.
On 30th December 2006 Antony Lambton 6th Earl of Durham (age 84) died. His son Edward (age 45) succeeded 7th Earl Durham.