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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Counts of Spain is in Lords Temporal.
In 1385 Pedro Enríquez [aged 30] and Isabel Castro [aged 25] were married. She by marriage Conde de Trastámara.
Pedro Enríquez was created 1st Conde de Trastámara.
Around 970 García I King Pamplona [aged 51] died. Around 970 His son Sancho [aged 32] succeeded II King Pamplona, Count Aragon. Urraca González Queen Consort Leon Queen Consort Pamplona by marriage Queen Consort Pamplona.
In 994 Sancho II King Pamplona [aged 56] died. His son García succeeded II King Pamplona, Count Aragon.
In 1000 García Sánchez "Tremulous" II King Pamplona died. His son Sancho [aged 6] succeeded III King Pamplona, Count Aragon.
Galindo Aznárez II Count Aragon succeeded II Count Aragon.
Fernán González Count Castile was appointed Count Castile.
In 1551 Pedro Suárez 4th Count Feria [aged 31] died. His brother Gómez [aged 31] succeeded 5th Count Feria.
In 1571 Gómez Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba 1st Duke of Feria [aged 51] died. His son Lorenzo [aged 12] succeeded 2nd Duke Feria, 7th Count Feria.
In July 1425 Fadrique Enríquez Count Melgar Count Rueda [aged 35] and Mariana Fernández Countess Melgar [aged 31] were married. She by marriage Countess Melgar. Count Rueda.
On 9th May 1432 Fadrique Enríquez Count Melgar Count Rueda [aged 42] and Teresa Fernández Countess Melgar and Rueda were married. She by marriage Countess Melgar, Countess Rueda, Señor de Medina de Río Seco.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Fadrique Enríquez Count Melgar Count Rueda was appointed Count Melgar.
In July 1425 Fadrique Enríquez Count Melgar Count Rueda [aged 35] and Mariana Fernández Countess Melgar [aged 31] were married. She by marriage Countess Melgar. Count Rueda.
On 9th May 1432 Fadrique Enríquez Count Melgar Count Rueda [aged 42] and Teresa Fernández Countess Melgar and Rueda were married. She by marriage Countess Melgar, Countess Rueda, Señor de Medina de Río Seco.
Fadrique Enríquez Count Melgar Count Rueda was appointed Count Rueda.
Pedro Peralta Count Santisteban y Lerín was created Count Santisteban y Lerín.
Ermengol Urgell 3rd Count Urgell succeeded 3rd Count Urgell.