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.
James Smetham is in Painters.
On 9th September 1821 James Smetham was born to [his father] Reverend James Smetham (age 28) at Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire [Map].
Around 1845. James Smetham (age 23). The artist's father [his father] Reverend James Smetham (age 52).
Reverend James Smetham: In 1793 he was born. In 1847 he died.
In 1847 [his father] Reverend James Smetham (age 54) died.
In 1854 James Smetham (age 32) and Sarah Goble were married. They had six children.
1855. James Smetham (age 33). The artist's wife and Baby John.
1861. James Smetham (age 39). "The Death of Earl Siward".
1869. James Smetham (age 47). "That bedesman, old".
1874. James Smetham (age 52). Portrait of Anna Kull.
Around 1874. James Smetham (age 52). Imogen and the Shepherds, from 'Cymbeline', Act IV, Scene II.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
1886. James Smetham (age 64). "The Mandolin".
Before 5th February 1889. James Smetham (age 67). "Afternoon Rest".
Before 5th February 1889. James Smetham (age 67). "Pandora".
Before 5th February 1889. James Smetham (age 67). Self-Portrait.
On 5th February 1889 James Smetham (age 67) died. He was buried at Highgate Cemetery.