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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In 1531 Alonso Sánchez Coello was born.
Around 1557 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 26]. Portrait of Joanna of Austria Princess Portugal [aged 21].
Joanna of Austria Princess Portugal: On 26th June 1535 she was born to Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and Isabel Aviz Queen Consort Spain. Coefficient of inbreeding 10.98%. In 1552 John Manuel Aviz Prince Portugal and she were married. She the daughter of Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and Isabel Aviz Queen Consort Spain. He the son of John III King Portugal and Catherine of Austria Queen Consort Portugal. They were double first cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. On 7th September 1573 Joanna of Austria Princess Portugal died.
Around 1563 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 32]. Portrait of Jane Dormer Duchess Feria [aged 24].
Around 1564 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 33]. Portrait of Carlos Habsburg Spain [aged 18].
Carlos Habsburg Spain: On 8th July 1545 he was born to Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain and Maria Aviz. Coefficient of inbreeding 20.02%. On 12th August 1545 Maria Aviz died from childbirth one month after giving birth to her son Carlos Habsburg Spain. On 24th July 1568 Carlos Habsburg Spain died.
Around 1564 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 33]. Portrait of Carlos Habsburg Spain [aged 18].
Around 1567 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 36]. Portrait of Joanna of Austria Princess Portugal [aged 31].
Around 1567 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 36]. Portrait of Rudolf II Holy Roman Emperor [aged 14].
Around 1570 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 39]. Self-Portrait.
Around 1570 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 39]. Portrait of Anna of Austria Queen Consort Spain [aged 20].
Around 1571 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 40]. Portrait of Anna of Austria Queen Consort Spain [aged 21].
Around 1577 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 46]. Portrait of Albert Habsburg Spain VII Archduke Austria [aged 17].
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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Around 1584 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 53]. Portrait of Unknown Lady.
On 8th August 1588 Alonso Sánchez Coello [aged 57] died.
Between 1683 and 1693. Alonso Sánchez Coello. Portrait of Mariana of Austria Queen Consort Spain [aged 48].