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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A True Account of the Horrid Conspiracy

A True Account of the Horrid Conspiracy is in Stewart Books.

Wherefore having first Communicated some part of his burden to one Mr. Peckham his [Josiah Keeling's] private Friend, who had often before warned him in general of the dangerous course he was in, by so deeply ingaging in all the former Seditious Intrigues, he was by him directed to address himself to the Lord Dartmouth [aged 36], one of his Majesties Privy Council, who remitted him to Sir Leolyn Jenkins [aged 58], Principal Secretary of State, before whom he gave his first Information upon Oath, and in due form of Law, on the Twelfth of June in that Year [1683].

But the intended Assasination, upon the first disclosing of it, appear'd to be so prodigious a Barbarity, that his Majefty for some time gave but very little Ear, and slow Credit to this Information, as little suspecting as deserving such usage from the worst of his Subjects.

Upon the whole Process he was found guilty of High Treason. But in stead of Drawing, Hanging and Quartering, the usual and legal Penalty of that Crime,the Execution was by his Majesties Clemency changed into that of Beheading. Though it is well known, this very Prerogative of the Kings having it in his Power to alter the Punishment of High Treason, had been vehemently disputed by the Party, and particularly by the Lord Russel himself in the Lord Stafford's Case.

The said Lord Russel [aged 43] at the time of his Death, which was the 21st of that Month [21st July 1683], deliver'd a Paper to the Sheriffs, and left other Copies of it with his Friends, whereby it was immediately dispers'd amongst the People, the general drift of it being to make odious Insinuations against the Government, invidious Reflections on the Ministers of his Majesties Justice and undue Extenuations of his own Fault.

But the whole Evidence against Walcot being clear and positive Testimony, and what he pleaded for himself being only his own single Affirmation and Negation, without any support of Witnesses,the Jury immediately brought him in Guilty of High Treason. According to which Sentence he was Executed on the 20th of the said Month [20th June 1683]. At the time of his Execution he again acknowledg'd what he had told the King, and writ to the Secretary of State, 'That the Business was laid very deep he said, An Act of Indulgence would do well, because the King had a great many Men to take Judgment of: He persisted, he was to have had no hand in his Majesties Death, though he confess'd it was proposed when he was present: He declared he did not know that this Conspiracy was older than the August or September before: but so old he own'd it was.'

Then was he [Thomas Armstrong [aged 51]] order'd to be Executed June the 20th [1684]. At the place of Execution he likewife deliver'd the Sheriffs a Paper, wherein he continued to Object against the legal Course of the Proceedings upon him, complaining, 'That with an unordinary roughness he had been condemned and made a President, though HoIIoway, being also Outlaw'd, had his Tryal offer'd him a little before.'

As to the new Evidence against him, which the Kings Atturney mention'd at theKings-Bench, he only answer'd it by a bold and flat denial, affirming upon his Death, He never had any Design against the Kngs Life, nor the Life of any Man both which may be easily allowed to be equally true.