Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
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Paternal Family Tree: Campbell
Maternal Family Tree: Margaret Home Countess Marischal 1598
In 1626 [his father] Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess Argyll [aged 18] and [his mother] Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll [aged 16] were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] William Douglas 7th Earl Morton [aged 44] and [his grandmother] Anne Keith Countess Morton. He the son of Archibald Campbell 7th Earl Argyll [aged 51] and Agnes Douglas Countess Argyll. They were first cousin once removed.
On 26th February 1629 Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll was born to Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess Argyll [aged 21] and Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll [aged 19] at Dalkeith. Coefficient of inbreeding 4.20%.
In 1638 [his grandfather] Archibald Campbell 7th Earl Argyll [aged 63] died. He was buried at Kilmun Church. His son [his father] Archibald [aged 30] succeeded 8th Earl Argyll. [his mother] Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll [aged 28] by marriage Countess Argyll.
In 1641 [his father] Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess Argyll [aged 33] was created 1st Marquess Argyll. [his mother] Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll [aged 31] by marriage Marchioness Argyll.
In 1643 Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 13] enrolled at Glasgow University, Glasgow.
On 13th May 1650 Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 21] and Mary Stewart Countess Argyll [aged 22] were married at Canongate Kirk, Canongate. She the daughter of James Stewart 4th Earl of Moray [aged 39] and Margaret Home Countess Moray. He the son of Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess Argyll [aged 43] and Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll [aged 40]. They were half second cousin once removed. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
On 3rd September 1651 at Worcester, Worcestershire [Map] the Battle of Worcester Oliver Cromwell [aged 52] commanded the Parliamentary army with Charles Howard 1st Earl Carlisle [aged 22]. In the Royalist army Francis Talbot 11th Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 28], Thomas Blagge [aged 38] and Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 22] fought. Thomas Wentworth 1st Earl Cleveland [aged 60] was captured. Giles Strangeways [aged 36] provided 300 gold pieces to King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 21] following his defeat to aid his escape.
Henry Lyttelton 2nd Baronet [aged 27] fought for the Royalists, was captured and spent 17 months imprisoned in the Tower of London [Map].
Philip Musgrave 2nd Baronet [aged 44] fought for th Royalists.
On 4th March 1653 [his father-in-law] James Stewart 4th Earl of Moray [aged 42] died. His son [his brother-in-law] Alexander [aged 18] succeeded 5th Earl Moray.
On 22nd May 1657 [his brother-in-law] George Sinclair 6th Earl Caithness [aged 21] and [his sister] Mary Campbell Countess Caithness, Breadalbaine and Holland [aged 23] were married. She by marriage Countess Caithness. She the daughter of [his father] Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess Argyll [aged 50] and [his mother] Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll [aged 47]. They were fifth cousin once removed.
In 1658 [his brother-in-law] Alexander Stuart 5th Earl of Moray [aged 23] and Emilia Balfour Countess Moray [aged 12] were married. She by marriage Countess Moray. He the son of [his father-in-law] James Stewart 4th Earl of Moray and Margaret Home Countess Moray.
On 25th July 1658 [his son] Archibald Campbell 1st Duke Argyll was born to Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 29] and [his wife] Mary Stewart Countess Argyll [aged 30]. He married 12th March 1678 his sixth cousin Elizabeth Tollemache Duchess Argyll, daughter of Lionel Tollemache 3rd Baronet and Elizabeth Murray Duchess Lauderdale, and had issue.
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.
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Around 1660 [his son] John Campbell was born to Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 30] and [his wife] Mary Stewart Countess Argyll [aged 32]. He married before 1693 his fifth cousin once removed Elizabeth Elphinstone and had issue.
Around 1660 [his son] Captain James Campbell was born to Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 30] and [his wife] Mary Stewart Countess Argyll [aged 32]. He married (1) 10th November 1690 Mary Wharton.
On 27th May 1661 [his father] Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess Argyll [aged 54] was beheaded for his perceived treason on the restoration of Charles II at Edinburgh. He was buried at Kilmun Church.
Monument in the North Aisle, Edinburgh Cathedral [Map].
John Evelyn's Diary. 17th April 1662. The young Marquis of Argyle [aged 33] [Note. Evelyn makes a mistake here insofar as Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll was only restored to the Earldom.], whose turbulent father was executed in Scotland, came to see my garden. He seemed a man of parts.
In October 1663 Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 34] succeeded 9th Earl Argyll. [his wife] Mary Stewart Countess Argyll [aged 35] by marriage Countess Argyll.
In May 1668 [his wife] Mary Stewart Countess Argyll [aged 40] died.
In 1678 [his brother-in-law] John Campbell 1st Earl Breadalbaine and Holland [aged 41] and [his sister] Mary Campbell Countess Caithness, Breadalbaine and Holland [aged 43] were married. She the daughter of [his father] Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess Argyll and [his mother] Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll [aged 68]. They were fifth cousin once removed.
In 1678 [his mother] Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll [aged 68] died.
On 12th March 1678 Archibald Campbell 1st Duke Argyll [aged 19] and Elizabeth Tollemache Duchess Argyll [aged 18] were married. She the daughter of Lionel Tollemache 3rd Baronet and Elizabeth Murray Duchess Lauderdale [aged 51]. He the son of Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 49] and Mary Stewart Countess Argyll. They were sixth cousins.
On 1st July 1678 [his son-in-law] Richard Maitland 4th Earl Lauderdale [aged 25] and Anne Campbell were married. She the daughter of Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 49] and Mary Stewart Countess Argyll. He the son of Charles Maitland 3rd Earl Lauderdale.
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 13th August 1681 [his brother-in-law] John Campbell 1st Earl Breadalbaine and Holland [aged 45] was created 1st Earl Breadalbaine and Holland. [his sister] Mary Campbell Countess Caithness, Breadalbaine and Holland [aged 47] by marriage Countess Breadalbaine and Holland.
In 1685 Argyll's Rising was a plot to overthrow King James II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 51] led by Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 55].
Of the rebels 177 were transported to Jamaica and 100 to New Jersey.
On 30th June 1685 Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 56] was beheaded on the Maiden (an early gullotine) in Edinburgh for his part in Argyll's Rising. His son Archibald [aged 26] succeeded 10th Earl Argyll. Elizabeth Tollemache Duchess Argyll [aged 25] by marriage Countess Argyll.
John Evelyn's Diary. 22nd May 1685. In the morning I went with a French gentleman, and my Lord Privy Seale, to the House of Lords, where we were plac'd by his lordship next the Bar, just below ye Bishops, very commodiously both for hearing and seeing. After a short space came in ye Queene [aged 26] and Princesse of Denmark [aged 20], and stood next above the Archbishops, at the side of the House on the right hand of the throne. In the interim divers of the Lords, who had not finish'd before, tooke the Test and usual Oathes, so that her Ma*, the Spanish and other Ambassadors, who stood behind the throne, heard the Pope and worship of the Virgin Mary, &c. renounc'd very decently, as likewise the prayers which follow'd, standing all the while. Then came in the King [aged 51], the Crowne on his head, and being seated, the Commons were introduced, and the House being full, he drew forth a paper containing his speech, which he read distinctly enough, to this effect: "That he resolv'd to call a Parliament from the moment of his brother's decease, as the best meanes to settle all the concernes of the Nation, so as to be most easy and happy to himselfe and his subjects; that he would confirme whatever he had said in his declaration at the first Council concerning his opinion of the principles of the Church of England, for their loyaltie, and would defend and support it, and preserve its government as by law now establish'd; that, as he would invade no man's property, so he would never depart from his owne prerogative; and as he had ventur'd his life in defence of the Nation, so he would proceede to do still; that, having given this assurance of his care of our Religion (his word was your Religion) and Property (wch he had not said by chance but solemnly), so he doubted not of suitable returnes of his subjects duty and kindnesse, especialy as to settling his Revenue for life, for yte many weighty necessities of go vernment, weh he would not suffer to be precarious; that some might possibly suggest that it were better to feede and supply him from time to time only, out of their inclination to frequent Parliaments, but that that would be a very improper method to take with him, since the best way to engage him to meete oftener would be always to use him well, and therefore he expected their compliance speedily, that this Session being but short, they might meet againe to satisfaction". At every period of this the House gave loud shouts. Then he acquainted them with that morning's news of Argyle's [aged 56] being landed in the West High lands of Scotland from Holland, and the treasonous declaration he had published, which he would communicate to them, and that he should take the best care he could it should meete with the reward It deserv'd, not questioning the Parliament's zeale and readinesse to assist him as he desir'd; at which there follow'd another Vive le Roi, and so his Ma* retlr'd.
John Evelyn's Diary. 22nd June 1685. Argyle [aged 56] taken in Scotland and executed, and his party dispers'd..
In June 1685 [his son-in-law] William Kerr 2nd Marquess Lothian [aged 24] and Jean Campbell Marchioness Lothian were married. She the daughter of Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll [aged 56] and Mary Stewart Countess Argyll. He the son of Robert Kerr 1st Marquess Lothian [aged 49] and Jean Campbell. They were first cousins.
[his daughter] Anne Campbell was born to Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll and Mary Stewart Countess Argyll. She married 1st July 1678 Richard Maitland 4th Earl Lauderdale, son of Charles Maitland 3rd Earl Lauderdale.
[his daughter] Jean Campbell Marchioness Lothian was born to Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll and Mary Stewart Countess Argyll. She married June 1685 her first cousin William Kerr 2nd Marquess Lothian, son of Robert Kerr 1st Marquess Lothian and Jean Campbell, and had issue.
[his son] Charles Campbell was born to Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll and Mary Stewart Countess Argyll.
[his daughter] Mary Campbell Campbell was born to Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll and Mary Stewart Countess Argyll.
Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 14 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 20 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 15 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 19 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 25 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 19 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 23 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Archibald Campbell 2nd Earl Argyll 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Colin Campbell 3rd Earl Argyll 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stewart Countess Argyll 
11 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Archibald Campbell 4th Earl Argyll 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Gordon 3rd Earl Huntley 11 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Jean or Janet Gordon Countess Argyll 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jean Stewart Countess Huntley 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Colin Campbell 6th Earl Argyll 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Graham 2nd Earl Menteith 
7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Graham 3rd Earl Menteith 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Graham Countess Argyll 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
GrandFather: Archibald Campbell 7th Earl Argyll 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Keith 2nd Earl Marischal
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Keith Master of Marischal
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Keith 4th Earl Marischal 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Douglas 2nd Earl Morton 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Douglas 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Janet Crichton Countess Morton
Great x 1 Grandmother: Agnes Keith Countess Moray and Mar 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Keith of Inverugie
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Keith Countess Marischal 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Andrew Gray 2nd Lord Gray 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Janet Gray Lady Wemyss 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Janet Keith 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Father: Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess Argyll 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Douglas
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Douglas
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Countess Balfour Douglas
Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Douglas
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Boyd
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Douglas 6th Earl Morton 11 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Erskine 4th Lord Erskine 16th Earl of Mar 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Erskine 17th Earl of Mar 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Erskine 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Archibald Campbell 2nd Earl Argyll 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Campbell Countess Mar 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stewart Countess Argyll 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
GrandMother: Agnes Douglas Countess Argyll 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: George Leslie 4th Earl Rothes 
Great x 1 Grandmother: Agnes Leslie Countess Morton
Archibald Campbell 9th Earl Argyll 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Douglas
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Douglas
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Boyd
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Douglas 6th Earl Morton 11 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Erskine 17th Earl of Mar 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Erskine 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Campbell Countess Mar 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Douglas Master of Morton 12 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Leslie 4th Earl Rothes
Great x 2 Grandmother: Agnes Leslie Countess Morton
GrandFather: William Douglas 7th Earl Morton 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Lyon 6th Lord Glamis 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John 7th Lord Glamis Lyon 10 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Janet Douglas Lady Glamis 
10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Lyon 8th Lord Glamis 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Keith Master of Marischal
Great x 3 Grandmother: Janet Keith 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Douglas 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Jean Lyon Countess Angus and Morton 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Abernethy 5th Lord Saltoun
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Abernethy 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Hay 2nd Lord Hay of Yester 
8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Hay 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Crichton 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Mother: Margaret Douglas Marchioness Argyll 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Keith Master of Marischal
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Keith 4th Earl Marischal 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Douglas 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Keith Master of Marischal 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Keith of Inverugie
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Keith Countess Marischal 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Janet Gray Lady Wemyss 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: George Keith 5th Earl Marischal 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Hay 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Hay 7th Earl Erroll 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Logie
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Hay 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Robertson
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Robertson Countess Erroll
GrandMother: Anne Keith Countess Morton 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Home 2nd Lord Home
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Home 4th Lord Home
Great x 2 Grandfather: Alexander Home 5th Lord Home
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Home Countess Marischal