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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Evesham, Worcestershire is in Worcestershire.
On 23rd February 1238 Hugh Despencer (age 41) died at Evesham, Worcestershire [Map]. He was buried at Evesham Abbey [Map].
The Warwickshire River Avon rises from a spring at Naseby, Northamptonshire [Map] after which it passes Welford, Northamptonshire [Map], Stanford-on-Avon, Northamptonshire [Map], Catthorpe, Leicestershire [Map], Dow Bridge [Map], Rugby, Warwickshire [Map].
After Ruby it passes King's Newnham, Warwickshire [Map], Bretford, Warwickshire [Map], Brandon, Warwickshire [Map], Bubbenhall, Warwickshire [Map] before reaching Stoneleigh [Map] where it is joined by the River Sowe.
After Stoneleigh, Ashow, Warwickshire [Map], Warwick, Warwickshire [Map], Barford, Warwickshire [Map], Hampton Lucy, Warwickshire [Map], Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire [Map], Welford-on-Avon, Warwickshire [Map], Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire [Map], Evesham, Worcestershire [Map], Fladbury, Worcestershire [Map], Pershore, Worcestershire [Map], Eckington, Worcestershire [Map], Twyning Green, Gloucestershire [Map] before joining the River Severn at Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire [Map].
Evesham Abbey is also in Abbeys in England.
Between 700 and 710 Evesham Abbey [Map] was a Benedictine founded by Saint Egwin.
In 1014 Bishop Ælfweard of London was appointed Abbot of Evesham.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. After 27th July 1054. This same year went Bishop Aldred south over sea into Saxony, to Cologne, on the king's errand; where he was entertained with great respect by the emperor, abode there well-nigh a year, and received presents not only from the court, but from the Bishop of Cologne and the emperor. He commissioned Bishop Leofwine to consecrate the minster at Evesham [Map]; and it was consecrated in the same year, on the sixth before the ides of October. This year also died Osgod Clapa suddenly in his bed, as he lay at rest.
In 1230 Abbot Thomas of Marlborough was appointed Abbot of Evesham.
On 25th September 1236 Abbot Richard le Gras was elected Abbot of Evesham and was installed on 6th December 1236.
On 23rd February 1238 Hugh Despencer (age 41) died at Evesham, Worcestershire [Map]. He was buried at Evesham Abbey [Map].
Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 13th November 1718. Mr Norroy (age 57) brought us an old roll in Parchment of the Blazon of the Coats of Aarms of all the County of Norfolk in the time of Henry VII said to be done by the Botton[?] herald to Sir John Falstaff. An old deed upon parchment of Edward the Confessor, a piece of great antiquity. Its a donation of a Mannor [Manor] in Great Swell [Map] in Gloucestershire to the Abby of Evesham [Map]. Likewise two curious old books of seals of the nobility, with many ancient deeds, &c.
On 30th August 1717 Bishop William Lloyd (age 90) died in Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire [Map]. he was buried in Fladbury, Evesham.