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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John Astley is in Painters.
On 24th June 1724 John Astley was born at Wem, Shropshire.
Letters of Horace Walpole. 27th July 1752. Your painter Astley [aged 28] is arrived: I have missed seeing him by being constantly at Strawberry Hill, but I intend to serve him to the utmost of my power, as you will easily believe, since he has your recommendation.
Before 1758 William Dukinfield-Daniel 3rd Baronet [aged 32] and [his future wife] Penelope Vernon [aged 35] were married.
On 7th December 1759 John Astley [aged 35] and Penelope Vernon [aged 37] were married at St Mary's Church, Rostherne, Tatton [Map]. She died three years later at which time he became the owner of the Dukinfield and Daniel estates, including Gorse Hall. When his step-daughter Henrietta Dukinfield-Daniel died in 1771 he received further wealth.
On 31st January 1762 [his wife] Penelope Vernon [aged 40] died.
In 1777 John Astley [aged 52] and Mary Wagstaffe [aged 16] were married. The difference in their ages was 36 years.
Before 1787. John Astley [aged 62]. Portrait of George Byng 4th Viscount Torrington [aged 46].
George Byng 4th Viscount Torrington: On 11th October 1740 he was born to George Byng 3rd Viscount Torrington. On 7th April 1750 George Byng 3rd Viscount Torrington died. His son George succeeded 4th Viscount Torrington. Lucy Boyle Viscountess Torrington by marriage Viscountess Torrington. On 20th July 1765 George Byng 4th Viscount Torrington and Lucy Boyle Viscountess Torrington were married. She the daughter of John Boyle 5th Earl Cork. On 14th December 1812 George Byng 4th Viscount Torrington died. His brother John succeeded 5th Viscount Torrington. He enjoyed the Viscountcy for only twenty-four days dying on 08 Jan 1813. Further, the seat of the Viscountcy Southill Park, Bedfordshire had been sold to pay off debts. Bridget Forrest Viscountess Byng by marriage Viscountess Torrington.
On 14th November 1787 John Astley [aged 63] died at Dukinfield Lodge, Cheshire [Map]. He was buried at Dukinfield Old Chapel, Cheshire [Map].
On 18th February 1832 [his former wife] Mary Wagstaffe [aged 71] died.