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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On 29th August 1189 King John of England [aged 22] and [his future wife] Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 16] were married at Marlborough Castle [Map]. He by marriage Earl Gloucester. See Gesta Regis Henrici and Gesta Regis Henrici by Benedict of Peterborough. She the daughter of William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester. He the son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [aged 67]. They were half second cousins. She a great granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
In or before 1191 [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 28] and [his mother] Beatrice Saye were married.
Around 1191 Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex was born to [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 29] and [his mother] Beatrice Saye.
In 1199 [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 37] was created 1st Earl Essex.
Around April 1200 King John of England [aged 33] and [his future wife] Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 27] marriage annulled due to consanuinity but more likely because John's new status as heir to the English throne mean't he had better prospects. He may have already decided to marry Isabella of Angoulême Queen Consort England [aged 12] who he married on 24th August 1200.
Before 1204 [his brother-in-law] Henry Bohun 1st Earl Hereford [aged 27] and [his sister] Maud Mandeville Countess Hereford [aged 26] were married. She by marriage Countess Hereford. She the daughter of [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 41] and [his mother] Beatrice Saye. He the son of Humphrey Bohun and Margaret Dunkeld Duchess Brittany.
In or before 1205 [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 42] and Aveline Clare Countess Essex were married. She by marriage Countess Essex. She the daughter of Roger Clare 2nd Earl Hertford and Maud St Hilary Countess Hertford.
In 1213 [his father] Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex [aged 51] died. His son Geoffrey [aged 22] succeeded 2nd Earl Essex. [his future wife] Matilda Clare Countess Essex by marriage Countess Essex.
Before 1214 Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex [aged 22] and Matilda Clare Countess Essex were married. He the son of Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex and Beatrice Saye.
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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On 20th January 1214 Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex [aged 23] and Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 41] were married. She by marriage Countess Essex, Countess Gloucester. She the daughter of William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester. He the son of Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex and Beatrice Saye.
On 15th June 1215 King John of England [aged 48] met with his Baron's at Runnymede [Map] where he agreed to the terms of the Magna Carta which attempted to reduce the King's authority through political reform. Those who signed as surety included:
Roger Bigod 2nd Earl Norfolk [aged 71]
his son Hugh Bigod 3rd Earl Norfolk [aged 33]
[his brother-in-law] Henry Bohun 1st Earl Hereford [aged 39]
Richard Clare 3rd Earl Hertford [aged 62]
his son Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford [aged 35]
William "The Younger" Marshal 2nd Earl Pembroke [aged 25]
William Mowbray 6th Baron Thirsk [aged 42]
Saer Quincy 1st Earl Winchester [aged 45]
Robert Ros [aged 43], Richard Percy 5th Baron Percy Topcliffe [aged 45]
Robert de Vere 3rd Earl of Oxford [aged 50]
Eustace Vesci [aged 46]
John Fitzrobert 3rd Baron Warkworth [aged 25]
John Lacy Earl Lincoln [aged 23].
William de Albini [aged 64], Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex [aged 24]
William Forz 3rd Earl Albemarle
William Hardell
William Huntingfield
William Llanvallei
William Malet 1st Baron Curry Mallet
Roger Montbegon, Richard Montfichet
Geoffrey Saye [aged 60] signed as surety the Magna Carta.
Ranulf de Blondeville Gernon 6th Earl Chester 1st Earl Lincoln [aged 45] witnessed.
On 23rd February 1216 Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex [aged 25] was killed in a tournament. His brother William succeeded 3rd Earl Essex.
In September 1217 Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent [aged 47] and [his former wife] Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 44] were married. She the daughter of William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester.
On 14th October 1217 [his former wife] Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 44] died.
Father: Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex
Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex 
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Saye 
GrandFather: William Saye
Great x 3 Grandfather: Geoffrey Mandeville
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Mandeville
Great x 3 Grandmother: Adeliza Unknown
Great x 1 Grandmother: Beatrice Mandeville
Great x 3 Grandfather: Eudo Dapifer
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Dapifer
Mother: Beatrice Saye