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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Battle of Prestonpans is in 1714-1760 George I and George II.
On 21st September 1745 the army of Charles Edward "Bonnie Prince Charlie" Stewart [aged 24] defeated the only government army in Scotland at the Battle of Prestonpans, led by General Sir John Cope [aged 57].
Colonel James Gardiner [aged 57] was killed in action. He was mortally wounded by the Highlanders after his dragoons had fled the field and he was attempting to rally some foot soldiers. He received a mortal blow whilst wounded on the ground and was stripped to the waist as his possessions were looted by the Highlanders. After the battle he was carried from the field by a servant to nearby Tranent where he soon died.
The 1745 Cairn [Map] marks the location of the Battle of Prestonpans fought on 21st September 1745.
The Thorntree Monument [Map] marks the location of the last stand of Colonel James Gardiner [aged 57] during the Battle of Prestonpans on 21st September 1745.
Colonel James Gardiner: On 11th January 1688 he was born to William Gardiner. 1726 he and Frances Erskine were married. She the daughter of David Erskine 9th Earl Buchan and Frances Fairfax Countess Buchan.
