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 Mary's Church, Acton is in Acton, Cheshire, Churches in Cheshire.
In 1399 William Mainwaring [aged 54] died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Acton [Map]. Monument Early Plate Bascinet and Gorget Period. Lancastrian Esses Collar. Ass's Head Crest. Orle.
William Mainwaring: Around 1345 he was born to William "The Elder" IV Mainwaring in Over Peover, Cheshire.
On 3rd April 1643 Richard Wilbraham 1st Baronet [aged 64] died. His son Thomas [aged 42] succeeded 2nd Baronet Wilbraham of Woodhey in Cheshire. St Mary's Church, Acton [Map]. Stuart Period. Monument to Richard Wilbraham 1st Baronet and Grace Savage [aged 58].
Richard Wilbraham 1st Baronet: In January 1579 he was born to Thomas Wilbraham. Before 1601 Richard Wilbraham 1st Baronet and Grace Savage were married. On 5th May 1621 Richard Wilbraham 1st Baronet was created 1st Baronet Wilbraham of Woodhey in Cheshire.
Thomas Wilbraham 2nd Baronet: In 1601 he was born to Richard Wilbraham 1st Baronet and Grace Savage. On 2nd February 1613 Thomas Wilbraham 2nd Baronet and Elizabeth Wilbraham were married. On 31st October 1660 Thomas Wilbraham 2nd Baronet died. See monument at Action, Cheshire [Map]. His son Thomas succeeded 3rd Baronet Wilbraham of Woodhey in Cheshire. Elizabeth Mytton Lady Wilbrahim by marriage Lady Wilbraham of Woodhey in Cheshire.
Grace Savage: Around 1585 she was born to John Savage 1st Baronet. On 8th March 1661 Grace Savage died.
Notes of the Churches of Cheshire. In the Woodhey chapel [of St Mary's Church, Acton [Map]] is a marble altar tomb, with recumbent effigies of Richard Wilbraham in plate armour and his wife Grace. At their feet are couchant wolves.
Inscription on on the south side: Of the most distinguished married couple. By Sir Richard Wilbraham, knight and baronet, son of Thomas Wilbraham of Woodhey, esquire, and Frances, daughter of Hugh Cholmondeley of Cholmondeley, knight, his only and most devoted wife, in both name and character, Grace, daughter of Sir John Savage of Rock Savage, knight and baronet. Both were worthy of heaven, greater than earth could contain, their piety, virtue, and faith made them so: He was brave, just, and wise; She was generous, kind, and devout. They were blessed with a large family, six sons and seven daughters. He died on April 3rd, 1643, at the age of 64. His grieving wife, unfortunate to outlive both husband and all her children, survived them. She died a widow of both husband and offspring on March 8th, 1661, at the age of 76. Lest future generations forget, a faithful daughter-in-law entrusted this sacred memory to marble.
Inscription on the north side: Stop, stranger; it will be worth your while to learn who lies here. Sir Thomas Wilbraham, baronet, son and heir of Sir Richard Wilbraham, knight and baronet, and his wife Grace. He married Elizabeth, co-heiress and daughter of Sir Roger Wilbraham, Knight Bachelor and Master of Requests to King James. He studied deeply in natural philosophy and theology, both in reading and writing. A man to be eternally celebrated for his supreme kindness, wisdom, charm, and integrity, though, due to his own humility and the injustice of the age, celebrated by few. He had seven sons, one daughter, many friends, and not a single enemy. A truly good man, he outlived the worst of times, and returned to heaven on October 31st, 1660. To her most beloved and most deserving husband, his mourning wife [set this up], until it may be granted her to embrace his beloved ashes, a monument breathing sorrow, though she herself will outlast it as a greater one.
South: Lectissimorum conjugum par Ricardus Wilbraham eques et baronettus, Thomæ Wilbraham de Woodhey armigeri et Francisca filiæ Hugonis Cholmondeley de Cholmondeley equitis filius, unica et pientissima uxor, nomine et re Gratia, Johannis Savage de Rock Savage, equitis et baronetti, filia. Utrosq' cœlo dignos, terris majores, reddiderant pietas, virtus, fides, hic fortis, justus, sapiens ; illa benefica, affabilis, pia, numerosa sobole, filiis sex, filiabus septem, donati. mortuus est 3° Apri's, Ano Domi MDCXLIII ætat LXIV. Mæerens uxor marito et filiis omnibus supervixit infelix. Conjugis pariter et prolis vidua mortua est 8° Martis MDCLXI. ætat LXXVI ne posteros capiat oblivio hoc sacrum nurus fideli commisit marmori.
North: Siste advena, qui vir hic situs sit te more pretium erit Thomas Wilbraham, baronettus, Richardi Wilbraham, militis ac baronetti ac Gratiæ conjugis filius hæesq uxorem duxit Elizabetham, Rogeri Wilbraham, equitis aurati (regi Jacobo libellorum supplicum magistri), filiam cohæredem. Physicis, theologicis, perlegendo, scribendo, plurimum versatus summa humanitate, sapientia, amænitate et probitate æternum celebrandus; paucis tamen (humilitate propria, sæculoq. iniquo) celebris. Septem habuit filios, filiam unicam, amicos plurimos, inimicum neminem. Tempora optimus supervixit pessima, cælumq' rediit Oct. XXXI anno salutis MDCLX Amantissimo et optimè merenti conjugi uxor mærens P. usque dum dilectos cineres complecti datum sit, luctûs monumentum spirans, et majus ipsa superfutura.