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: Coventry
On 15th March 1836 [his father] George William Coventry (age 27) and [his step-mother] Harriet Anne Cockerell (age 23) were married. He the son of [his grandfather] George Coventry 8th Earl Coventry (age 51) and [his grandmother] Emma Susanna Lygon.
On 9th May 1838 George Coventry 9th Earl Coventry was born to [his father] George William Coventry (age 29) at Wilton Crescent, Belgravia.
On 5th November 1838 [his father] George William Coventry (age 29) died.
On 15th May 1843 [his grandfather] George Coventry 8th Earl Coventry (age 58) died. His grandson George (age 5) succeeded 9th Earl Coventry.
The Times. 25th January 1865. MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE. The marriage of the Earl of Coventry (age 26) and Lady Blanche Craven (age 22), third daughter of Earl Craven (age 55), was solemnized yesterday morning at St. George's Church, Hanover-square. The bridegroom and the friends of both families assembled at the church at 11 o'clock, and shortly afterwards were joined by the bride, accompanied by her mother, the Countess Craven (age 48). The bride was received by her father at the church door, and, attended by eight bridesmaids, proceeded at once to the communion table, in front ot which a numerous company had assembled, including the Earl (age 65) and Countess of Clarendon (age 54) and Lady Emily Villiers (age 22), the Countess of Verulam (age 40) and Lady Harriet Grimston (age 20), Viscount (age 49) and Viscountess Folkestone (age 43) and Hon. Miss Bouverie, the Countess of Sefton (age 27) and Lady Cecilia Molyneux, Viscount Chelsea (age 24), and Lady Caroline Townley (age 27) and Miss Townley, Viscount Uffington (age 23), Sir Henry (age 58) and Lady Sophia Des Voeux, Hon. Mr. and Mrs Coventry, Hon. Gerald (age 35) and Lady Maria Ponsonby (age 28), Mr. Oswald andl Miss Oswald, Dr. Quin, Mr. Cecil Boothby (age 51), Mr. James Oswald, Miss Talbot, Viscount (age 32) and Viscountess Grey de Wilton (age 28), Lady Evelyn Bruce (age 25), Hon. Mrs. Grimston and Miss Grimston, &c.
The Hon. and Rev. Edward Grimston (age 52), uncle of the bride, performed the religious rite. After the registration of the marriage the wedding party left the church, and procceded to the Earl and Countess Craven's mansion in Charles-street, Mayfair. At 2 o'clock the newly-wedded couple took their departure for Croome Court, the Earl of Coventry's seat, near Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire [Map], there to pass the honeymoon. At Croome Pirton and Severn Stoke, Worcestershire, the marriage was celebrated yesterday by the tenantry and neighbours of the Earl of Coventry. The tenantry of the Crome Pirton and Severn Stoke estates, to ths number of about 100, dined together in two parties yesterday at Severn Stoke and High-green. At Pirton and Severn Stoke garlands of evergreens and flags were hung out over the roads, and at night a bonfire was lighted at High-green. The rejoicings have extended over all his Lordship's large estates in the southern portion of Worcestershire. The inhabitants of Worcester [Map] celebrated the marriage by hoisting flags from tile windows and streamers across the streets. The bells from the various churches rang merry peals all day.
On 24th January 1865 George Coventry 9th Earl Coventry and Blanche Craven Countess Coventry were married. She by marriage Countess Coventry. She the daughter of William Craven 2nd Earl Craven and Emily Mary Grimston Countess Craven.
On 25th August 1866 [his father-in-law] William Craven 2nd Earl Craven (age 57) died. His son [his brother-in-law] George (age 25) succeeded 3rd Earl Craven in Yorkshire, 3rd Viscount Uffington, 9th Baron Craven of Hamstead Marshall in Berkshire.
On 2nd January 1867 [his brother-in-law] George Grimston Craven 3rd Earl Craven (age 25) and Evelyn Laura Barrington Countess Craven (age 18) were married. She by marriage Countess Craven in Yorkshire. He the son of [his father-in-law] William Craven 2nd Earl Craven and [his mother-in-law] Emily Mary Grimston Countess Craven (age 50). They were fifth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
On 26th February 1867 [his son] Charles John Coventry was born to George Coventry 9th Earl Coventry (age 28) and [his wife] Blanche Craven Countess Coventry (age 24).
On 8th June 1873 Henry Cadogan 4th Earl Cadogan (age 61) died at Woodrising, Norfolk. His son George (age 33) succeeded 5th Earl Cadogan, 5th Viscount Chelsea, 7th Baron Cadogan. [his sister-in-law] Beatrix Jane Craven Countess Cadogan (age 28) by marriage Countess Cadogan.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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On 7th March 1882 Thomas Grosvenor 2nd Earl Wilton (age 82) died. His son Arthur (age 49) succeeded 3rd Earl Wilton, 3rd Viscount Grey de Wilton. [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Charlotte Louisa Craven Countess Wilton (age 45) by marriage Countess Wilton.
On 7th December 1883 [his brother-in-law] George Grimston Craven 3rd Earl Craven (age 42) died. His son William (age 14) succeeded 4th Earl Craven in Yorkshire, 4th Viscount Uffington, 10th Baron Craven of Hamstead Marshall in Berkshire.
The London Gazette 25488. St. James's Palace, July 6, 1885. THE Queen has been pleased to appoint George William (age 47), Earl of Coventry, to be Captain of Her Majesty's Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms, in the room of Charles Robert, Lord Carrington, G.C.M.G., resigned.
The Queen has also been pleased to appoint George Florance, Lord Boston, to be one of Her Majesty's Lords in Waiting in Ordinary, in the room of Charles Douglas Richard (age 45), Lord Sudeley, resigned.
The London Gazette 25558. St. James's Palace, February 10, 1886. THE Queen has been pleased to make the following appointments in Her Majesty's Household:— .
Valentine Augustus (age 60), Earl of Kenmare, K.P., to be Lord Chamberlain of Her Majesty's Household, in the room of Edward (age 48), Earl of Lathom, resigned.
Charles Douglas Richard (age 45), Lord Sudeley to be Captain of Her Majesty's Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, in the room of George William (age 47), Earl of Coventry, resigned.
William John, Lord Monson to be Captain of Her Majesty's Guard of Yeomen of the Guard, in the room of George William (age 61), Viscount Barrington, resigned.
The Honourable Charles Robert Spencer (age 28), M.P., to be one of the Grooms in Waiting in Ordinary to Her Majesty, in the room of Sir Henry Fletcher (age 50), Bart., M.P., resigned.
On 14th September 1886 Arthur Vickris Pryor (age 40) and [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Charlotte Louisa Craven Countess Wilton (age 50) were married. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] William Craven 2nd Earl Craven and [his mother-in-law] Emily Mary Grimston Countess Craven (age 70).
The London Gazette 26321. Master of the Horse's Office, Royal Mews, Pimlico, August 25, 1892.
HER Majesty has been graciously pleased to appoint the Right Honourable Thomas, Baron Ribblesdale (age 37), to be Master of Her Majesty's Buckhounds, in the room of the Right Honourable George William, Earl of Coventry (age 54), resigned.
The London Gazette 27243. Master of the Horse's Office, Royal Mews, BucKingham Palace, November 1, 1900.
HER Majesty has been preciously pleased to appoint Honorary Colonel the Right Honourable Charles Compton William, Baron Chesham, to be the Master of Her Majesty's Buckhounds, in the room of the Right Honourable George William, Earl of Coventry (age 62), resigned.
Her Majesty has also been graciously pleased to appoint, provisionally, the Right Honourable Victor Albert Francis Charles, Baron Churchill (age 36), to act as Master of Her Majesty's Buckhounds during the absence in South Africa of Honorary Colonel the Right Honourable Baron Chesham.
On 9th February 1907 [his sister-in-law] Beatrix Jane Craven Countess Cadogan (age 62) died.
On 8th March 1919 [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Charlotte Louisa Craven Countess Wilton (age 82) died.
On 2nd June 1929 [his son] Charles John Coventry (age 62) died.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Before 13th March 1930 [his son] George William Coventry died. His son [his grandson] George (age 29) succeeded 10th Earl Coventry.
On 13th March 1930 George Coventry 9th Earl Coventry (age 91) died.
On 16th March 1930 [his former wife] Blanche Craven Countess Coventry (age 87) died.
[his son] George William Coventry was born to George Coventry 9th Earl Coventry and Blanche Craven Countess Coventry.
Kings Wessex: Great x 25 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 22 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 28 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 23 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 24 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 31 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 26 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 29 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Walter Coventry of St Peter-le-Poor in London 
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Coventry 5th Earl Coventry
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Holcombe
Great x 2 Grandfather: George Coventry 6th Earl Coventry
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Allen of Westminster
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Allen Countess Coventry
Great x 1 Grandfather: George Coventry 7th Earl Coventry
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Barnaby Gunning
Great x 2 Grandmother: Maria Gunning Countess Coventry
Great x 4 Grandfather: Theobald Bourke
Great x 3 Grandmother: Bridget Bourke
GrandFather: George Coventry 8th Earl Coventry
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret "Peggy" Pitches Countess Coventry
Father: George William Coventry 16 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Reginald Pyndar
Great x 2 Grandfather: Reginald Pyndar aka Lygon of Madresfield in Worcestershire 
13 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Lygon 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Lygon 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Lygon 1st Earl Beauchamp 14 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Hanmer
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Hanmer
Great x 2 Grandmother: Susannah Hamner
GrandMother: Emma Susanna Lygon 15 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: James Denn
Great x 1 Grandmother: Catherine Denn Countess Beauchamp
George Coventry 9th Earl Coventry 17 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England