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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Penkridge, Staffordshire is in Staffordshire.
In 958 a charter of King Edgar I of England (age 15) describes Penkridge, Staffordshire [Map] as a "famous place". St Michael's Church, Penkridge [Map] was established as a Royal Free Chapel making it a Royal Peculiar. The church was independent of the Bishop of Lichfield and, correspondingly, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
On 3rd November 1602 Alice Cockayne (age 67) died at Penkridge, Staffordshire [Map]. She was buried at St Michael's Church, Penkridge [Map].
The River Penk rises near Perton, Staffordshire [Map] from where it flows past Pendeford, Staffordshire [Map], Coven, Staffordshire [Map], Brewood Staffordshire [Map], Stretton, Staffordshire [Map], Penkridge, Staffordshire [Map], Acton Trussell, Staffordshire [Map] to Baswich, Stafford [Map] where it joins the River Sow.
Around 1757 William Hogarth (age 59). Portrait of Inigo Jones. The portrait was commissioned by Edward Littleton 4th Baronet (age 30) when he was refurbishing his house Teddesley Hall, Penkridge.
On 5th November 1816 Hyacinthe Gabrielle Roland Marchioness Wellesley (age 50) died at Teddesley Hall, Penkridge; home of her son-in-law Edward John Walhouse aka Littleton 1st Baron Hatherton (age 25), husband of her daughter Hyacinthe Mary Wellesley Baroness Hatherton (age 27).
On 10th July 1847 Hyacinthe Anne Littleton (age 34) died at Teddesley Hall, Penkridge.
On 6th January 1849 Hyacinthe Mary Wellesley Baroness Hatherton (age 59) died at Teddesley Hall, Penkridge.
On 4th May 1863 Edward John Walhouse aka Littleton 1st Baron Hatherton (age 72) died at Teddesley Hall, Penkridge. His son Edward (age 47) succeeded 2nd Baron Hatherton.
In 1565 the White Hart Inn [Map] was built on the site of the original manor house.
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 1575 Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 41) stayed at the White Hart Inn [Map].
