Memoires of Jacques du Clercq

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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Biography of Martin Archer Shee 1769-1850

Circle of Martin Archer Shee. Portrait of Maria Elizabeth Tollemache Marchioness Ailesbury.

Maria Elizabeth Tollemache Marchioness Ailesbury: On 27th October 1809 she was born to Charles Manners aka Tollemache. On 20th August 1833 Charles Brudenell 1st Marquess Ailesbury and she were married at Ham House, Richmond, Surrey. She by marriage Marchioness Ailesbury. The difference in their ages was 36 years. He the son of Thomas Brudenell 1st Earl Ailesbury and Susanna Hoare Countess Ailesbury. On 7th May 1893 Maria Elizabeth Tollemache Marchioness Ailesbury died at Petersham, Surrey.

On 23rd December 1769 Martin Archer Shee was born in Dublin [Map].

In 1788 Martin Archer Shee [aged 18] was introduced by Edmund Burke to Joshua Reynolds [aged 64].

In 1789 Martin Archer Shee [aged 19] and Mary Power were married.

1794. Martin Archer Shee [aged 24]. Self-Portrait.

In 1798 Martin Archer Shee [aged 28] was elected Associate of the Royal Academy.

Around 1800 Martin Archer Shee [aged 30] moved to 32 Cavendish Square Marylebone the former house of George Romney [aged 65].

In 1800 Martin Archer Shee [aged 30] was elected Fellow of the Royal Academy.

First Battle of Oporto

Around 1814. Attributed to Martin Archer Shee [aged 44]. Portrait of General Edward Paget [aged 38]. A three-quarter-length portrait in military uniform, against a background of sky. The painting shows him without his right arm which he lost at the First Battle of Oporto. Probably painted shortly after his release from the French, 1814.

General Edward Paget: On 3rd November 1775 he was born to Henry Bayly-Paget 1st Earl Uxbridge and Jane Champagné Countess Uxbridge. On 22nd May 1805 General Edward Paget and Frances Bagot were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square. He the son of Henry Bayly-Paget 1st Earl Uxbridge and Jane Champagné Countess Uxbridge. On 22nd February 1815 General Edward Paget and Harriet Legge were married. She the daughter of George Legge 3rd Earl Dartmouth and Frances Finch Countess Dartmouth. He the son of Henry Bayly-Paget 1st Earl Uxbridge and Jane Champagné Countess Uxbridge. On 13th May 1849 General Edward Paget died.

1828. Martin Archer Shee [aged 58]. Portrait of Archbishop William Howley [aged 61].

In 1830 Martin Archer Shee [aged 60] was elected President of the Royal Academy following the death of Thomas Lawrence [aged 60].

Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

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In 1831 Martin Archer Shee [aged 61] was elected Fellow of the Royal Society.

1833. Martin Archer Shee [aged 63]. Portrait of Bishop Charles Richard Sumner in the Robes of the Order of the Garter. Bishop Charles Sumner was not a Garter Knight. He is wearing the Robes probably in his capacity as Chaplain, or Register, of the Order of the Garter.

Around 1834. Martin Archer Shee [aged 64]. "Ariadne deserted by Theseus".

Around 1834. Martin Archer Shee [aged 64]. Portrait of John Rawdon 1st Earl Moira.

Around 1834. Martin Archer Shee [aged 64]. Portrait of Francis Leggatt Chantrey [aged 52].

Around 1834. Martin Archer Shee [aged 64]. Portrait of Francis Leggatt Chantrey [aged 52].

1835. Martin Archer Shee [aged 65]. Portrait of John Cust 1st Earl Brownlow [aged 55].

Around 1838. Martin Archer Shee [aged 68]. Portrait of George Hamilton-Gordon 4th Earl Aberdeen [aged 53].

Before 11th October 1843. Martin Archer Shee [aged 73]. Portrait of Bishop James Bowstead [aged 42].

Before 13th August 1849 Martin Archer Shee [aged 79]. Portrait of Bishop Edward Coplestone [aged 73].

Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Before 13th August 1850 Martin Archer Shee [aged 80]. Portrait of Charles Henry Cust [aged 37].

Charles Henry Cust: In 1813 he was born to John Cust 1st Earl Brownlow and Amelia Sophia Hume. In 1875 Charles Henry Cust died.

On 13th August 1850 Martin Archer Shee [aged 80] died at Brighton.