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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Paternal Family Tree: Seymour
On 7th September 1661 [his father] Edward Seymour 4th Baronet (age 28) and Margaret Wale were married.
In 1674 [his father] Edward Seymour 4th Baronet (age 41) and [his mother] Letitia Popham Baroness Seymour were married.
On 28th May 1679 Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway was born to [his father] Edward Seymour 4th Baronet (age 46) and [his mother] Letitia Popham Baroness Seymour.
On 4th December 1688 [his grandfather] Edward Seymour 3rd Baronet (age 78) died. His son [his father] Edward (age 55) succeeded 4th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy. [his mother] Letitia Popham Baroness Seymour by marriage Lady Seymour of Berry Pomeroy.
On 4th June 1699 [his brother] Popham Seymour-Conway (age 24) drunkenly duelled with Captain George Kirk of the Royal Horse Guards; he was wounded in the neck.
On 18th June 1699 he died from wounds received duelling. His estates were inherited by his younger brother Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 20).
John Evelyn's Diary. 15th June 1699. This week died [his brother] Conyers Seymour (age 24), son of [his father] Sir Edward Seymour (age 66), killed in a duel caused by a slight affront in St James' Park [Map], given him by one who was envious of his gallantries; for he was a vain, foppish young man, who made a great éclât about town by his splendid equipage and boundless expense. He was about twenty-three years old; his brother (age 20), now at Oxford, inherited an estate of £7,000 a year, which had fallen to him not two years before.
In 1702 [his father] Edward Seymour 4th Baronet (age 69) was appointed Comptroller of the Household.
In 1703 Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 23) was created 1st Baron Conway of Ragley in Warwickshire.
On 17th February 1704 Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 24) and Mary Hyde were married. She the daughter of Lawrence Hyde 1st Earl Rochester (age 61) and Henrietta Boyle Countess Rochester. They were fourth cousin once removed.
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 17th October 1704 [his daughter] Letitia Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 25) and [his wife] Mary Hyde.
In August 1705 [his daughter] Mary Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 26) and [his wife] Mary Hyde.
In 1706 [his daughter] Henrietta Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 26) and [his wife] Mary Hyde.
In 1708 [his daughter] Catherine Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 28) and [his wife] Mary Hyde.
On 17th February 1708 [his father] Edward Seymour 4th Baronet (age 75) died. His son [his half-brother] Edward (age 47) succeeded 5th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy.
In 1709 Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 29) and Jane Bowden were married.
In 1709 [his wife] Mary Hyde died.
On 8th April 1710 [his son] Edward Seymour-Conway died.
In 1712 Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 32) was created 1st Baron Conway of Killultagh in Antrim.
On 16th March 1714 [his mother] Letitia Popham Baroness Seymour died.
On 13th February 1716 [his wife] Jane Bowden died at Sandywell, Gloucestershire.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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In July 1716 Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 37) and Charlotte Shorter (age 33) were married.
On 22nd July 1717 [his daughter] Charlotte Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 38) and [his wife] Charlotte Shorter (age 34). She died aged less than one years old.
In September 1717 [his daughter] Charlotte Seymour-Conway died.
On 5th July 1718 [his son] Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Marquess Hertford was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 39) and [his wife] Charlotte Shorter (age 35) at Chelsea. He married 29th May 1741 his fifth cousin once removed Isabella Fitzroy Countess Hertford, daughter of Charles Fitzroy 2nd Duke Grafton and Henrietta Somerset Duchess Grafton, and had issue.
In 1721 [his son] Field Marshal Henry Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 41) and [his wife] Charlotte Shorter (age 38). He married 19th December 1747 Caroline Campbell Countess Elgin and Ailesbury, daughter of John Campbell 4th Duke Argyll and Mary Drummond Bellenden, and had issue.
In 1723 [his daughter] Letitia Seymour-Conway (age 18) died.
In August 1723 [his son] George Augustus Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 44) and [his wife] Charlotte Shorter (age 40).
In 1728 [his daughter] Mary Seymour-Conway (age 22) died.
On 3rd February 1732 Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 52) died at Lisburn, Antrim. His son Francis (age 13) succeeded 2nd Baron Conway of Ragley in Warwickshire, 2nd Baron Conway of Killultagh in Antrim.
On 12th February 1733 [his former wife] Charlotte Shorter (age 50) died.
Church of the Holy Trinity Arrow, Warwickshire [Map]. Wall Plaque text as follows ... In a Vault under this Chancel are interred the remains of the following members of the Seymour Conway Family ...
Frances Popham Viscountess Conway.
Elizabeth Booth Countess Conway.
Edward Conway 1st Earl Conway.
[his brother] Popham Seymour-Conway.
Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway.
[his daughter] Catherine Seymour-Conway.
[his daughter] Jane Seymour-Conway.
Isabella Fitzroy Countess Hertford.
[his grandson] Edward Seymour-Conway.
[his son] Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Marquess Hertford.
[his son] Field Marshal Henry Seymour-Conway.
[his great grandson] William John Richard Seymour.
[his grandson] Francis Ingram Seymour-Conway 2nd Marquess Hertford.
[his great grandson] Francis Charles Seymour-Conway 3rd Marquess Hertford.
This tablet was erected by Francis George Hugh Seymour-Conway 5th Marquess Hertford.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
[his son] Charles Seymour Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway and Charlotte Shorter.
[his daughter] Anne Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway and Charlotte Shorter.
[his daughter] Jane Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway and Jane Bowden.
[his son] Edward Seymour-Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway and Jane Bowden.
[his daughter] Arabella Seymour Conway was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway and Charlotte Shorter.
Kings Wessex: Great x 20 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 17 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 23 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 18 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 20 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 10 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 19 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 26 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 21 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 24 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Seymour 
7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Filliol
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edward Seymour 1st Baronet 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Walshe
Great x 1 Grandfather: Edward Seymour 2nd Baronet 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Arthur Champernowne
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Champernowne Baroness Seymour
GrandFather: Edward Seymour 3rd Baronet 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Killigrew 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Killigrew
Great x 1 Grandmother: Dorothy Killigrew Baroness Seymour 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Cooke of Gidea Hall
Great x 3 Grandfather: Anthony Cooke
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Saunders
Great x 2 Grandmother: Katherine Cooke 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Fitzwilliam 
8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Fitzwilliam 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Father: Edward Seymour 4th Baronet 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Portman 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Portman
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Portman 1st Baronet
GrandMother: Anne Portman Baroness Seymour
Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Alexander Popham of Huntworth in Somerset
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Popham 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Stradling 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane aka Joan Stradling 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Arundell 
9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Francis Popham 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
GrandFather: Alexander Popham 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Mother: Letitia Popham Baroness Seymour 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England