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.
MP Sandwich is in Member Parliament.
In 1604 George Fane of Burston (age 23) was elected MP Sandwich.
In 1614 Thomas Smythe (age 56) was elected MP Sandwich.
In November 1640 Thomas Peyton 2nd Baronet (age 27) was elected MP Sandwich.
In 1659 Richard Meredith 2nd Baronet was elected MP Sandwich.
In 1660 Henry Oxenden 1st Baronet (age 46) was elected MP Sandwich.
On 27th October 1665 Colonel John Strode (age 37) was elected MP Sandwich.
In 1679 James Oxenden 2nd Baronet (age 37) was elected MP Sandwich which seat he held until 1685.
In 1685 Philip Parker 1st Baronet (age 67) was elected MP Sandwich.
In 1685 Colonel John Strode (age 57) was elected MP Sandwich.
In 1689 James Oxenden 2nd Baronet (age 47) was elected MP Sandwich which seat he held until 1690.
In 1701 James Oxenden 2nd Baronet (age 59) was elected MP Sandwich which seat he held until 1702.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1713 Henry Oxenden 4th Baronet (age 22) was elected MP Sandwich. He was re-elected in 1715.
On 9th May 1720 George Oxenden 5th Baronet (age 25) was elected MP Sandwich at a by-election probably caused by the death of his brother Henry Oxenden 4th Baronet (deceased). He was re-elected in 1722, 1727 and 1734 (when he also contested MP Kent), 1741 and 1747. He stood down in 1754.
In 1807 Admiral Peter Rainier (age 65) was elected MP Sandwich.