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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
St James' Church, Clerkenwell is in Clerkenwell [Map].
On 16th June 1585 Elizabeth Sands [aged 52] died at Berkeley House. She was buried at the St James' Church, Clerkenwell where a monument was constructed.
On 30th April 1629 Robert Carr 2nd Baronet [aged 14] and Mary Gargrave Lady Carr were married at St James' Church, Clerkenwell. She by marriage Lady Carr of Sleaford in Lincolnshire.
On 12th April 1649 Charles Hussey 1st Baronet [aged 23] and Elizabeth Brownlow Lady Hussey [aged 19] were married at the St James' Church, Clerkenwell. They had seven sons and eight daughters.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 11th August 1661. Lord's Day. To our own church in the forenoon, and in the afternoon to Clerkenwell Church, only to see the two1 fayre Botelers;2 and I happened to be placed in the pew where they afterwards came to sit, but the pew by their coming being too full, I went out into the next, and there sat, and had my full view of them both, but I am out of conceit now with them, Colonel Dillon [aged 34] being come back from Ireland again, and do still court them, and comes to church with them, which makes me think they are not honest.
Note 1. Mrs. Frances Butler and her sister.
On or before 5th February 1662, the date of his burial at St James' Church, Clerkenwell, Daniel Hollingworth of St James', Clerkenwell died.
On 15th July 1663 John Cropley 2nd Baronet was born to Edward Cropley [aged 26] and Martha Wilson. He was baptised at St James' Church, Clerkenwell on 23rd July 1663.
On or before 10th March 1665, the date he was buried at St James' Church, Clerkenwell, Edward Cropley [aged 28] died.
On 14th May 1668 Kingsmill Lucy 2nd Baronet [aged 19] and Theophila Berkeley were married at St James' Church, Clerkenwell. She the daughter of George Berkeley 1st Earl Berkeley [aged 40] and Elizabeth Massingberd Couness Berkeley.
On 22nd February 1672 John Coryton 2nd Baronet [aged 24] and Elizabeth Chiverton were married at St James' Church, Clerkenwell.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On or before 5th November 1676, the date he was buried at St James' Church, Clerkenwell, John Cropley 1st Baronet died. His grandson John [aged 13] succeeded 2nd Baronet Cropley of Clerkenwell in Middlesex.
On or before 17th December 1680, the date she was buried at St James' Church, Clerkenwell, Elizabeth Hollingworth Lady Cropley died.
On 28th July 1686 Thomas Holt [aged 70] died. He was buried at St James' Church, Clerkenwell.