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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In 1292 Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred was born to [his father] Robert Ughtred of Scarborough and Catton in Yorkshire.
In 1310 [his father] Robert Ughtred of Scarborough and Catton in Yorkshire died.
In 1319 Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred was appointed Governor of Scarborough Castle.
In 1324 Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred was knighted.
In 1325 [his son] Thomas Ughtred 2nd Baron Ughtred was born to Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred and [his future wife] Margaret Burden Baroness Ughtred. He married 1345 Catherine Mauley Countess Suffolk, daughter of Piers Mauley 3rd Baron de Mauley and Margaret Clifford Baroness Mauley, and had issue.
Before January 1329 Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred and Margaret Burden Baroness Ughtred were married.
On 12th August 1332 Battle of Dupplin Moor was fought between the supporters of the infant King David II of Scotland, son of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland, and the supporters of King Edward I of Scotland, supported by the English. The Bruce army included Robert Bruce Lord of Liddesdale and Domhnall Mar II Earl of Mar. The Balliol army included David III Strathbogie 11th Earl Atholl, Ralph Stafford 1st Earl Stafford, Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred and Walter Manny 1st Baron Manny. The battle is notable for being the first to use dismounted men-at-arms supported by archers; a formation that would bring repeated success to the English both in Scotland and France.
Robert Bruce Lord of Liddesdale was killed leading a charge.
Nicholas Hay was killed.
Thomas Randolph 2nd Earl Moray was killed. John Randolph 3rd Earl of Moray succeeded 3rd Earl Moray.
Domhnall Mar II Earl of Mar was killed.
In 1337 Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred was appointed Knight Banneret.
On 30th April 1343 Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred was created 1st Baron Ughtred. [his wife] Margaret Burden Baroness Ughtred by marriage Baroness Ughtred.
In 1345 [his son] Thomas Ughtred 2nd Baron Ughtred and [his daughter-in-law] Catherine Mauley Countess Suffolk were married.
In 1360 King Edward III of England created new Garter Knights:
31st Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred.
32nd Walter Manny 1st Baron Manny.
33rd Frank Hale.
34th Thomas Ufford.
In 1365 [his wife] Margaret Burden Baroness Ughtred died.
Before 28th May 1365 Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred died. He was buried at Catton Church Catton. [his son] Thomas Ughtred 2nd Baron Ughtred succeeded 2nd Baron Ughtred although it appears he was never summoned to Parliament. [his daughter-in-law] Catherine Mauley Countess Suffolk by marriage Baroness Ughtred.