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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Around 1510 François Clouet was born to Jean Clouet [aged 25] in Tours.
In 1541 [his father] Jean Clouet [aged 56] died.
1550 François Clouet [aged 40]. Portrait of Cardinal Charles of Guise [aged 25].
Cardinal Charles of Guise: On 17th February 1524 he was born to Claude Lorraine 1st Duke Guise and Antoinette Bourbon Duchess of Guise. On 26th December 1574 Cardinal Charles of Guise died.
Around 1555. François Clouet [aged 45]. Portrait of Francis Montmorency [aged 24].
Around 1555. François Clouet [aged 45]. Portrait of Gaspard II de Coligny [aged 35].
Around 1555. Studio of François Clouet [aged 45]. Portrait of François de Coligny d'Andelot [aged 33].
François de Coligny d'Andelot: On 18th April 1521 he was born to Gaspard I de Coligny Count of Coligny. On 27th May 1569 he died.
Around 1555 François Clouet [aged 45]. Portrait of Francis II Duke Guise [aged 35].
Around 1555 François Clouet [aged 45]. Portrait of Francis Valois Duke Anjou.
Francis Valois Duke Anjou: On 18th March 1555 he was born to King Henry II of France and Catherine Medici Queen Consort France. In 1576 he was appointed Duke Anjou. In 1577 Nicholas Hilliard was provided with a stipend of 200 livres by Francis Valois Duke Anjou, a suitor of Elizabeth I. On 10th June 1584 Francis Valois Duke Anjou died of malaria unmarried.
Around 1555 François Clouet [aged 45]. Portrait of Francis II Duke Guise [aged 35].
1559. Studio of François Clouet [aged 49]. Portrait of King Henry II of France [aged 39].
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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Around 1559 François Clouet [aged 49]. Portrait of Mary Queen of Scots [aged 16].
Around 1560 François Clouet [aged 50]. Portrait of Francis II King France King Consort Scotland [aged 15].
In 1563 François Clouet [aged 53]. Portrait of Charles IX King France [aged 12].
In 1571 François Clouet [aged 61]. Portrait of Elisabeth of Austria Queen Consort France [aged 16].
Elisabeth of Austria Queen Consort France: On 5th July 1554 she was born to Maximilian Habsburg Spain II Holy Roman Emperor and Maria of Spain Holy Roman Empress. Coefficient of inbreeding 10.03%. On 26th November 1570 Charles IX King France and she were married. She by marriage Queen Consort of France. She the daughter of Maximilian Habsburg Spain II Holy Roman Emperor and Maria of Spain Holy Roman Empress. He the son of King Henry II of France and Catherine Medici Queen Consort France. They were fourth cousins. On 22nd January 1592 Elisabeth of Austria Queen Consort France died.
Before 1572. François Clouet [aged 61] or studio of. Portrait of Charles "The Great" Lorraine III Duke Lorraine [aged 28].
Charles "The Great" Lorraine III Duke Lorraine: On 18th February 1543 he was born to Francis Lorraine I Duke Lorraine and Christina Oldenburg Duchess Lorraine. On 12th June 1545 Francis Lorraine I Duke Lorraine died. His son Charles succeeded III Duke Lorraine. In 1559 Charles "The Great" Lorraine III Duke Lorraine and Claude Valois Duchess Lorraine were married. She by marriage Duchess Lorraine. She the daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine Medici Queen Consort France. He the son of Francis Lorraine I Duke Lorraine and Christina Oldenburg Duchess Lorraine. They were fourth cousins. On 14th May 1608 Charles "The Great" Lorraine III Duke Lorraine died. His son Henry succeeded II Duke Lorraine. Margherita Gonzaga Duchess Lorraine by marriage Duchess Lorraine.
1572. After François Clouet [aged 62]. Portrait of Francis II King France King Consort Scotland.
Before 22nd December 1572. François Clouet [aged 62]. Portrait of Claude Valois Duchess Lorraine [aged 25].
Before 22nd December 1572 François Clouet [aged 62]. Portrait of Margaret Valois Duchess Berry and Savoy [aged 49].
On 22nd December 1572 François Clouet [aged 62] died.