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: Townshend
In or before 1425 [his father] John Townshend and [his mother] Joan Lunsford were married.
Around 1425 Roger Townshend was born to [his father] John Townshend and [his mother] Joan Lunsford.
In 1461 Roger Townshend (age 36) was elected Governor of Lincoln's Inn.
In 1465 [his father] John Townshend died.
In 1467 Roger Townshend (age 42) was elected MP Bramber.
In 1468 Roger Townshend (age 43) was elected Reader of Lincoln's Inn.
In 1469 Roger Townshend (age 44) bought numerous holdings in Norfolk from Sir John Paston (age 27), his client who owed him a considerable sum.
In 1472 Roger Townshend (age 47) was elected MP Calne.
In or before 1477 Roger Townshend (age 51) and Eleanor Lunsford were married.
In 1478 Roger Townshend (age 53) was appointed Serjeant at Law.
Around 1478 [his son] Roger Townshend was born to Roger Townshend (age 53) and [his wife] Eleanor Lunsford at Raynham, Norfolk [Map]. He married 1500 Anne de Brewse aka Braose and had issue.
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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In 1481 Roger Townshend (age 56) was appointed King's Serjeant.
In 1483 Roger Townshend (age 58) was appointed Third Justice of the Common Pleas followin the promotion of John Catesby (age 50) [presumably to Second Justice of the Common Pleas].
In 1484 Roger Townshend (age 59) was appointed Second Justice of the Common Pleas after the death of John Catesby (age 51).
In 1486 Roger Townshend (age 61) was knighted at Worcester, Worcestershire [Map].
On 9th November 1493 Roger Townshend (age 68) died. He had mide his will on 14th August 1493.
After 9th November 1493. Memorial at the Church of St Mary, East Raynham [Map] to Roger Townshend (deceased), his wife [his former wife] Eleanor Lunsford and his father [his father] John Townshend.
On 5th September 1500 [his former wife] Eleanor Lunsford died.
Father: John Townshend 
GrandFather: Robert Lunsford of Romford in Essex
Mother: Joan Lunsford