The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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Paternal Family Tree: Pelham
Maternal Family Tree: Emma de Dinan 1136-1208
On 20th January 1647 [his father] John Pelham 3rd Baronet (age 24) and [his mother] Lucy Sidney Baroness Pelham Laughton (age 20) were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Robert Sidney 2nd Earl of Leicester (age 51) and [his grandmother] Dorothy Percy Countess Leicester (age 49). They were fourth cousin once removed.
In 1653 Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton was born to [his father] John Pelham 3rd Baronet (age 30) and [his mother] Lucy Sidney Baroness Pelham Laughton (age 26).
On 28th August 1654 [his grandfather] Thomas Pelham 2nd Baronet (age 56) died. His son [his father] John (age 31) succeeded 3rd Baronet Pelham of Laughton. [his mother] Lucy Sidney Baroness Pelham Laughton (age 27) by marriage Lady Pelham of Laughton.
On 26th November 1679 Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton (age 26) and Elizabeth Jones were married.
In 1680 [his brother-in-law] Gervase Pierrepont 1st Baron Pierrepont (age 31) and [his sister] Lucy Pelham Baroness Pierrepont Hanslape Buckingham were married.
In 1681 [his wife] Elizabeth Jones died.
Around 1685 [his mother] Lucy Sidney Baroness Pelham Laughton (age 58) died.
On 21st May 1688 Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton (age 35) and Grace Holles were married. She the daughter of Gilbert Holles 3rd Earl de Clare (age 55) and Grace Pierrepont Countess de Clare (age 55).
On 16th January 1689 [his father-in-law] Gilbert Holles 3rd Earl de Clare (age 55) died. His son [his brother-in-law] John (age 27) succeeded 4th Earl Clare, 4th Baron Haughton.
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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On 1st March 1690 [his brother-in-law] John Holles 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 28) and Margaret Cavendish Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 28) were married. She by marriage Countess Clare. She the daughter of Henry Cavendish 2nd Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 59) and Frances Pierrepont Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 59). He the son of [his father-in-law] Gilbert Holles 3rd Earl de Clare and [his mother-in-law] Grace Pierrepont Countess de Clare (age 57). They were first cousins.
On 21st July 1693 [his son] Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne was born to Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton (age 40) and [his wife] Grace Holles. He married 2nd April 1717 Henrietta Godolphin Duchess Newcastle under Lyne, daughter of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin and Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough.
In 1694 [his brother-in-law] John Holles 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 31) was created 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne. Margaret Cavendish Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 32) by marriage Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne.
On 25th September 1694 [his son] Henry Pelham was born to Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton (age 41) and [his wife] Grace Holles. He married 29th October 1726 his fourth cousin Catherine Manners, daughter of John Manners 2nd Duke Rutland and Catherine Russell Duchess Rutland, and had issue.
In 1698 [his brother-in-law] John Holles 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 35) was appointed 506th Knight of the Garter by King William III of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 47).
On 13th September 1700 [his wife] Grace Holles died.
In 1702 [his brother-in-law] Gervase Pierrepont 1st Baron Pierrepont (age 53) was created 1st Baron Pierrepont of Ardglass in Antrim in the Peerage of Ireland. [his sister] Lucy Pelham Baroness Pierrepont Hanslape Buckingham by marriage Lucy Pelham Baroness Pierrepont Hanslape Buckingham.
In 1703 [his father] John Pelham 3rd Baronet (age 80) died. His son Thomas (age 50) succeeded 4th Baronet Pelham of Laughton.
In 1706 Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton (age 53) was created 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton.
In 1710 [his son] Grace Pelham died.
Before 11th May 1711 [his son-in-law] Charles Townshend 2nd Viscount Townsend (age 37) and [his daughter] Elizabeth Pelham Viscountess Townsend were married. She by marriage Viscountess Townsend.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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On 11th May 1711 [his daughter] Elizabeth Pelham Viscountess Townsend died.
On 23rd January 1712 Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton (age 59) died. His son Thomas (age 18) succeeded 2nd Baron Pelham of Laughton, 5th Baronet Pelham of Laughton.
[his daughter] Margaret Pelham Lady Shelley was born to Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton and Grace Holles. She married 16th March 1727 John Shelley 4th Baronet, son of John Shelley 3rd Baronet and Mary Gage Lady Shelley, and had issue.
[his daughter] Frances Pelham Viscountess Castlecomer was born to Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton and Grace Holles. She married 31st May 1715 her fifth cousin Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer, son of Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer and Elizabeth Montagu, and had issue.
[his daughter] Lucy Pelham was born to Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton and Elizabeth Jones.
[his daughter] Elizabeth Pelham Viscountess Townsend was born to Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton and Elizabeth Jones. She married before 11th May 1711 Charles Townshend 2nd Viscount Townsend, son of Horatio Townshend 1st Viscount Townsend and Mary Ashe Viscountess Townshend, and had issue.
[his daughter] Gertrude Pelham was born to Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton and Grace Holles.
[his daughter] Lucy Pelham Countess Lincoln was born to Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton and Grace Holles. She married 16th May 1717 Henry Clinton 7th Earl Lincoln, son of Francis Clinton 6th Earl Lincoln and Susan Penniston Countess Lincoln, and had issue.
[his son] Grace Pelham was born to Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton and Grace Holles.
Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 15 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 21 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 16 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 19 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 15 Grand Son of Louis VII King of the Franks
Kings France: Great x 18 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 23 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Pelham
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Pelham
Great x 2 Grandfather: Nicholas Pelham 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Carew 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Mary Carew 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Malyn Oxenbridge
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Pelham 1st Baronet 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Sackville of Buckhurst 
7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Sackville 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabel Digges
Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Sackville 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Boleyn 
8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Boleyn 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Butler 
5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
GrandFather: Thomas Pelham 2nd Baronet 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Walsingham
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Walsingham
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Writtle
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Walsingham
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Gouter
Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Gouter
Great x 1 Grandmother: Mary Walsingham Baroness Pelham Laughton 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Guildford
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Guildford 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Mortimer 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Dorothy Guildford 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas West 8th Baron De La Warr 5th Baron West 
6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Barbara West 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Copley Baroness De La Warr and West
Father: John Pelham 3rd Baronet 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Nicholas Sidney 
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Sidney
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Brandon 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Sidney
Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Pakenham
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Pakenham
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Sidney 1st Earl of Leicester 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Dudley 
7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Grey Viscountess Lisle 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Dudley 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Guildford
Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor West 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
GrandFather: Robert Sidney 2nd Earl of Leicester 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Gamage
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Gamage of Coity Castle 10 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret St John 
9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Gamage of Coity Castle 11 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Barbara Gamage Countess Leicester 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Mother: Lucy Sidney Baroness Pelham Laughton 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Percy 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Katherine Spencer Countess Northumberland 
3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Percy 8th Earl of Northumberland 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Guiscard Harbottle 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Harbottle 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jane Willoughby 
10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry "Wizard Earl" Percy 9th Earl of Northumberland 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Neville 3rd Baron Latimer 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Neville 4th Baron Latimer of Snape 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Dorothy de Vere 
7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Katherine Neville Countess Northumberland 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Lucy Somerset Baroness Latimer Snape 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
GrandMother: Dorothy Percy Countess Leicester 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Devereux 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Grey Baroness Ferrers Chartley 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Dorothy Hastings 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Stafford Countess Huntingdon 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Knollys 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Francis Knollys
Great x 4 Grandmother: Lettice Peniston
Great x 2 Grandmother: Lettice Knollys Countess Essex and Leicester 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Carey 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Carey 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Boleyn 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England