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 Riley is in Painters.
In 1646 John Riley was born to [his father] William Riley.
Around 1661 John Riley (age 15) studied under Gilbert Soest (age 56) from whom he learned a style of portraiture which rendered his portraits noteworthy.
Before 29th January 1663. John Riley (age 17). Portrait of Bishop Robert Sanderson (age 75).
Before 25th July 1667, the date he was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map], [his father] William Riley died.
Around 1670. John Riley (age 24). Portrait of James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch (age 20).
Around 1680 John Riley (age 34) was assisted by John Closterman (age 20) who finished several of Riley's pictures after his death.
Before 16th May 1680. John Riley (age 34) and John Closterman (age 20). Portrait of William Blackett 1st Baronet (age 59).
In 1681 John Closterman (age 21) travelled to England where he worked for John Riley (age 35) being resposible for painting the draperies in Riley's portraits.
In 1682. John Riley (age 36). Portrait of Mary Morice Lady Carew (age 11).
Mary Morice Lady Carew: In or before 1671 she was born to William Morice 1st Baronet and Gertrude Bampfylde Lady Morice. On 5th July 1681 John Carew 3rd Baronet and she were married. She by marriage Lady Carew of Antony in Cornwall. The difference in their ages was 35 years. Around June 1698 Mary Morice Lady Carew died.
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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Around 1682. John Riley (age 36). Portrait of Elias Ashmole (age 64).
Before 21st July 1683. John Riley (age 37). Portrait of William Russell (age 43).
Before 1685. John Riley (age 38). Portrait of Harbottle Grimston 2nd Baronet (age 81).
Before 1685. John Riley (age 38). Portrait of Francis North 1st Baron Guildford (age 47).
Around 1685. John Riley (age 39). Portrait of Alice Sherard Baroness Brownlow (age 26).
Around 1685. John Riley (age 39). Believed to be a portrait of Frances Windebank (age 39) wife of Edward Hales 3rd Baronet (age 40).
Frances Windebank: In 1646 she was born to Francis Windebank. On 12th July 1669 Edward Hales 3rd Baronet and she were married at St Andrew's Church, Holborn [Map]. In 1693 she died.
Around 1685 John Closterman (age 25) and John Riley (age 39). Portrait of William Brownlow 4th Baronet (age 19).
Around 1685 John Closterman (age 25) and John Riley (age 39). Portrait of Dorothy Mason Baroness Brownlow (age 18).
Around 1685 John Closterman (age 25) and John Riley (age 39). Portrait of John Brownlow 3rd Baronet (age 25).
Around 1685. John Riley (age 39). Portrait of Charles Fanshawe 4th Viscount Fanshawe (age 42).
Charles Fanshawe 4th Viscount Fanshawe: In 1643 he was born to Thomas Fanshawe 1st Viscount Fanshawe and Elizabeth Cockayne Viscountess Fanshawe. On 18th October 1687 Evelyn Fanshawe 3rd Viscount Fanshawe died in . He was buried at Ware, Hertfordshire [Map]. His uncle Charles succeeded 4th Viscount Fanshawe. In 1710 Charles Fanshawe 4th Viscount Fanshawe died. His brother Simon succeeded 5th Viscount Fanshawe.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Before 16th April 1685. John Riley (age 39). Portrait of Thomas Otway (deceased).
In 1687. John Riley (age 41). Portrait of Elias Ashmole (age 69).
Around 1687. John Riley (age 41). Portrait of Edmund Waller (age 80).
Around 1687. John Riley (age 41). Portrait of Sarah Evelyn Viscountess Fanshawe and Castleton (age 45).
In 1689. John Riley (age 43). Portrait of Robert Boyle (age 62).
In 1689 John Riley (age 43) was appointed Principal In Ordinary jointly with Godfrey Kneller (age 42).
Before 1690. John Riley (age 43). Portrait of Mary Lake (age 21). Frequently described as 'Mary Lake Duchess of Chandos' Mary died two years before her husband James Brydges 1st Duke Chandos (age 16) was created Duke on 19th October 1714.
Mary Lake: On 18th July 1668 she was born to Thomas Lake and Rebecca Langham. On 2nd February 1695 James Brydges 1st Duke Chandos and she were married. On 15th September 1712 Mary Lake died. She was buried at Chandos Mausoleum Church of St Lawrence Whitchurch Lane Little Stanmore.
Around 1690. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Barbara Belasyse.
Barbara Belasyse: she was born to Henry Belasyse and Grace Barton. Before 23rd January 1671 Walter Strickland and she were married. On 12th September 1708 Barbara Belasyse died.
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Orlando Bridgeman 1st Baronet.
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of John Carew 3rd Baronet (age 55).
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Frances Cromwell Baroness Russell (age 52).
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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Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Catherine Vernon (age 27).
Catherine Vernon: Around 1663 she was born to Thomas Vernon and Anne Weston. In or after 1682 George Vernon and she were married. The difference in their ages was 28 years. They were fourth cousin once removed. On 21st October 1710 Catherine Vernon died.
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Josiah Child (age 59).
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Alice Sherard Baroness Brownlow (age 31).
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of John Dryden (age 59).
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Henry St John 1st Viscount St John (age 38).
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of John Sherard 1st Baronet (age 28).
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Elizabeth Sherard (age 11).
Elizabeth Sherard: In 1679 she was born to Bennet Sherard 2nd Baron Sherard. Before 1688 Edward Ingram 2nd Viscount Irvine and she were married. On 27th May 1696 John Noel and she were married. In 1747 Elizabeth Sherard died.
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Thomas Vernon (age 59).
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Anne Morice Lady Pole (age 37).
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Anne Weston (age 50).
Anne Weston: In 1640 she was born to Henry Weston MP. On 13th December 1660 Thomas Vernon and she were married. The had six sons and nine daughters. On 24th February 1702 she died.
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 57).
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of John Crewe of Utkinton (age 49).
In March 1691 John Riley (age 45) died of gout. He was buried in St Botolph's without Bishopgate.
After March 1691 John Closterman (age 31) completed a number of unfinished works of John Riley (deceased) bringing him to the attention of Charles Seymour 6th Duke of Somerset (age 28) who then commissioned him to complete a number of paintings.
