The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 2 Chapters 61-109 1342-1361
The Chronicle of Jean le Bel, Volume 2 continues one of the most important fourteenth-century accounts of the early Hundred Years’ War. Written by the Liège chronicler Jean le Bel, this vivid narrative follows the fortunes of Edward III, Jean II of France, the Black Prince, the great nobles of France and England, and the soldiers, captains and companies who shaped the conflict. This volume covers some of the most dramatic events of the period, including the battles of Crécy and Poitiers, the siege and capture of Calais, the captivity of King John, the rise of the Jacquerie, the turmoil in Paris under Étienne Marcel and Charles of Navarre, the devastation caused by the free companies, Edward III’s great campaign of 1359–1360, and the negotiations leading to the Treaty of Brétigny. Jean le Bel’s chronicle is especially valuable for its lively detail, its interest in chivalry, warfare, politics and reputation, and its influence on later chroniclers, most famously Froissart. This English translation presents the text in clear, readable British English while preserving the force and character of the original narrative. The translation includes extensive notes to help the reader better understand Jean le Bel's text. Volume 2 also includes translated appendices drawn from royal and administrative records, many from the English Record Office, which illuminate Edward III’s campaigns in Brittany, the siege and occupation of Calais, naval preparations, military finance, appointments, safe conducts and related affairs.
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Chester Chronicle aka Polychronicon of Ralph Higden is in Late Medieval Books.
Edward, Sonne of kynge Edwarde, after the conqueste the thrydde, of xv. yere in age, was crownede into kynge in the feste of the Purificacion of oure blissed Lady [2nd February 1327] at Westemynstre, his fader beynge in lyve and under kepynge. In the begynnynge of whom the erthe began to ʒiffe moche fruite, the aier temperance, the see tranquilite, the churche liberte.
Edward somme tyme kynge was broughte from Kenelworthe to the castelle of Berkeley, where he was sleyne with a hoote broche putte thro the secrete place posterialle. Wherefore mony peple say that he diede a martir and did mony miracles; neverthelesse kepynge in prison, vilenes and obprobrious dethe cause not a martir, but if the holynesse of lyfe afore be correspondent: for hit is welle and if þat vile dethe do aweʒ synne in hym and diminische his peyns. But women luffynge to goe in pilgremage encrease moche the rumor of suche veneracion, untille that a feble edifienge falle downe.