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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Baron Cromwell is in Baronies of England Alphabetically.
There have been four creations of Baron Cromwell:
1st. 28th December 1375. Ralph Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell. Extant. 30th August 1497.
2nd. 1461. Humphrey Bourchier 1st Baron Cromwell. Extinct. 14th April 1471. 14th April 1471 Battle of Barnet.
3rd. 8th July 1536. Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex. Forfeit. 28th July 1540. Execution of Thomas Cromwell.
4th. 18th December 1540. Gregory Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell Oakham. Extinct. 26th November 1687.
Baron Cromwell is also in Baronies of England Chronologically, Abeyant Baronies of England, Succeeded Baronesses of England, Extant Baronies of England.
Summary
28th December 1375. Ralph Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell [aged 34] created.
27th August 1398. Son Ralph Cromwell 2nd Baron Cromwell [aged 30] succeeded.
2nd May 1417. Son Ralph Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell [aged 14] succeeded.
4th January 1456. Ralph Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell abeyant.
10th March 1490. Niece Maud Stanhope 4th Baroness Cromwell Baroness Willoughby of Eresby abeyance terminated.
30th August 1497. Maud Stanhope 4th Baroness Cromwell Baroness Willoughby of Eresby abeyant.
16th July 1923. Second Cousin Thirteen times Removed Robert Godfrey Wolseley Bewicke-Copley 5th Baron Cromwell [aged 30] abeyance terminated.
21st October 1966. Son David Godfrey Bewicke-Copley 6th Baron Cromwell [aged 37] succeeded.
18th August 1982. Son Godfrey John Bewicke-Copley 7th Baron Cromwell [aged 22] succeeded.
On 28th December 1375 Ralph Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell [aged 34] was created 1st Baron Cromwell.
On 27th August 1398 Ralph Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell [aged 57] died at Horncastle [Map]. His son Ralph [aged 30] succeeded 2nd Baron Cromwell.
On 2nd May 1417 Ralph Cromwell 2nd Baron Cromwell [aged 49] died at Tattershall [Map]. His son Ralph [aged 14] succeeded 3rd Baron Cromwell.
Before 1433 Ralph Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell [aged 29] and Margaret Deincourt Baroness Cromwell [aged 27] were married. She by marriage Baroness Cromwell.
On 4th January 1456 Ralph Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell [aged 53] died at South Wingfield, Derbyshire [Map]. He was buried at the Collegiate Church, Tattershall. Baron Cromwell abeyant between his two nieces, daughters of his sister Maud Cromwell: Maud Stanhope 4th Baroness Cromwell Baroness Willoughby of Eresby and Joan Stanhope.
On 10th March 1490 Joan Stanhope died. Her sister Maud abeyance terminated 4th Baroness Cromwell.
On 30th August 1497 Maud Stanhope 4th Baroness Cromwell Baroness Willoughby of Eresby died. She was buried at Collegiate Church, Tattershall. Baron Cromwell abeyant between the daughters of the Ralph Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell: Elizabeth Cromwell and Avice Cromwell Baroness Bardolf and their heirs.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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Hansard. Debated on 19th October 1920. Petition of Selina Frances Bewicke-Copley [aged 64], wife of Robert Calverley Alington Bewicke-Copley [aged 65] (formerly Bewicke), of Sprotborough Hall, Doncaster, and Coulby Manor, Marton, both in the County of York, to His Majesty, praying His Majesty to determine in favour of the said Selina Frances Bewicke-Copley the abeyance now existing in the Barony of Cromwell, together with the rights, privileges, pre-eminences, immunities, and advantages, and the place and precedence due and belonging thereto, to hold the same to her and the heirs of her body lawfully begotten and to be begotten for ever; together with His Majesty's reference thereof to this House, and the report of the Attorney-General thereon thereunto annexed: Presented (by command); read, and referred to the Committee for Privileges to consider and report.
Hansard. Debated 9th March 1922. Report made from the Committee for Privileges—
That the Barony of Cromwell is an ancient Barony in fee.
That it is proved by the Writ of Summons 28th December, in the 49th year of King Edward III. and by other evidence adduced by the Petitioner that Ralph de Cromwell, Lord Cromwell was summoned to Parliament and sat in Parliament as a Peer of the Realm.
That the Barony of Cromwell fell into abeyance on the death without issue of Ralph, third Lord Cromwell about the year 1455 between his nieces and co-heirs Maud, widow of Robert, Lord Willoughby de Eresby and Joan, wife of Sir Humphrey Bourchier
That after the death of Joan without issue 10th March, 1190, Maud succeeded in her own right as Baroness Cromwell and died without issue 30th August, 1497.
That the Barony of Cromwell then fell into abeyance between co-heirs, being the heirs respectively of the daughters of Ralph, first Lord Cromwell.
That William FitzWilliam of Sprotborough in the County of York was one of the aforesaid co-heirs being the sole heir of Maud, wife of Sir William FitzWilliam of Sprotborough and a daughter of Ralph first Lord Cromwell.
That James Duke of Abercorn, Dame Selina Frances Bewicke-Copley of Sprotborough [aged 65] (the Petitioner), Charles John Peebles Chaplin, Mrs. Amabel Jemima Somers-Cocks, and the heir or heirs, if any, of Dame Elizabeth Savile, wife of Sir Henry Savile of Thornhill and Tankersley, are now the co-heirs of William FitzWilliam of Sprotborough, and are co-heirs of the Barony of Cromwell, now in abeyance.
That the Barony of Cromwell is now in abeyance between the co-heirs aforesaid and the other co-heirs, if any, of Ralph first Lord Cromwell, and is now at His Majesty's disposal.
Read; and agreed to; and resolved and adjudged accordingly; and Resolution and Judgment to be laid before His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.
Ordered, That all deeds, documents and papers produced on behalf of the Claimant by her agents, be delivered to the said agents.
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On 16th July 1923 Robert Godfrey Wolseley Bewicke-Copley 5th Baron Cromwell [aged 30] abeyance terminated 5th Baron Cromwell. He was a second cousin 13 times removed of the previous holder of the title Maud Stanhope 4th Baroness Cromwell Baroness Willoughby of Eresby. He was descended from Ralph Cromwell 2nd Baron Cromwell as follows:
Ralph Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell
William Fitzwilliam of Sprotborough
Joseph Moyle aka Copley 1st Baronet
Charles Wager Watson 2nd Baronet
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On 21st October 1966 Robert Godfrey Wolseley Bewicke-Copley 5th Baron Cromwell [aged 73] died. His son David [aged 37] succeeded 6th Baron Cromwell.
On 18th August 1982 David Godfrey Bewicke-Copley 6th Baron Cromwell [aged 53] died. His son Godfrey [aged 22] succeeded 7th Baron Cromwell.
Baron Cromwell is also in Baronies of England Chronologically, Extinct Baronies of England.
Summary
1461. Humphrey Bourchier 1st Baron Cromwell [aged 30] created.
14th April 1471. Humphrey Bourchier 1st Baron Cromwell extinct. See 14th April 1471 Battle of Barnet.
In 1461 Humphrey Bourchier 1st Baron Cromwell [aged 30] was created 1st Baron Cromwell. There is some debate as to whether this was a new creation, or the previous creation being called out of abeyance in right of his wife Joan Stanhope daughter of Ralph Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell.
On 14th April 1471 Edward IV [aged 28] commanded at the Battle of Barnet supported by his brothers George [aged 21] and Richard [aged 18], John Babington [aged 48], Wiliam Hastings [aged 40] (commanded), Ralph Hastings, William Norreys [aged 30], William Parr [aged 37], John Savage [aged 49], William Bourchier Viscount Bourchier [aged 41], Thomas St Leger [aged 31], John Tuchet 6th Baron Audley, 3rd Baron Tuchet [aged 45], Thomas Burgh 1st Baron Burgh of Gainsborough [aged 40], John Scott [aged 48] and Thomas Strickland.
The Yorkists William Blount [aged 29], Humphrey Bourchier [aged 36], Henry Stafford [aged 46] and Thomas Parr were killed.
Humphrey Bourchier 1st Baron Cromwell [aged 40], was killed. Baron Cromwell extinct.
The Lancastrians...
Warwick the Kingmaker [aged 42] was killed. Earl Salisbury, Baron Montagu, Baron Montagu and Baron Monthermer forfeit on the assumption he was attainted either before or after his death; the date of his attainder is unknown. If not attainted the titles may have been abeyant between his two daughters Isabel Neville Duchess Clarence [aged 19] and Anne Neville Queen Consort England [aged 14].
John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu [aged 40] was killed. Marquess Montagu, Baron Montagu forfeit; unclear as to when he was attainted. He was buried at Bisham Abbey [Map].
William Tyrrell was killed.
William Fiennes 2nd Baron Saye and Sele [aged 43] was killed. His son Henry [aged 25] succeeded 3rd Baron Saye and Sele. Anne Harcourt Baroness Saye and Sele by marriage Baroness Saye and Sele.
Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter [aged 40] commanded the left flank, was badly wounded and left for dead, Henry Stafford and John Paston [aged 27] were wounded, John de Vere 13th Earl of Oxford [aged 28] commanded, and John Paston [aged 29] and William Beaumont 2nd Viscount Beaumont [aged 33] fought.
Robert Harleston [aged 36] was killed.
Thomas Hen Salusbury [aged 62] was killed.
Thomas Tresham [aged 51] escaped but was subsequently captured and executed on the 6th of May 1471.
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Baron Cromwell of Wimbledon in Surrey is also in Baronies of England Chronologically, Forfeit Baronies of England.
Summary
8th July 1536. Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex [aged 51] created.
28th July 1540. Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex forfeit. See Execution of Thomas Cromwell.
On 8th July 1536 Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex [aged 51] was created 1st Baron Cromwell of Wimbledon in Surrey.
On 28th July 1540 Thomas Cromwell [aged 55] was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. Earl Essex, Baron Cromwell of Wimbledon in Surrey forfeit. He was buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map].
Baron Cromwell Oakham is also in Baronies of England Chronologically, Extinct Baronies of England.
Summary
18th December 1540. Gregory Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell Oakham [aged 20] created.
4th July 1551. Son Henry Cromwell 2nd Baron Cromwell Oakham [aged 13] succeeded. See 1551 Sweating Sickness Outbreak.
1592. Son Edward Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell Oakham [aged 32] succeeded.
27th April 1607. Son Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Ardglass [aged 12] succeeded.
1653. Son Wingfield Cromwell 2nd Earl Ardglass [aged 28] succeeded.
3rd October 1668. Son Thomas Cromwell 3rd Earl Ardglass [aged 14] succeeded.
11th April 1682. Uncle Vere Essex Cromwell 4th Earl Ardglass [aged 56] succeeded.
26th November 1687. Vere Essex Cromwell 4th Earl Ardglass extinct.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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On 18th December 1540 Gregory Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell Oakham [aged 20] was created 1st Baron Cromwell Oakham. Elizabeth Seymour Baroness Cromwell Oakham [aged 22] by marriage Baroness Cromwell Oakham.
On 4th July 1551 Gregory Cromwell 1st Baron Cromwell Oakham [aged 31] died of sweating sickness. His son Henry [aged 13] succeeded 2nd Baron Cromwell Oakham.
Before 1560 Henry Cromwell 2nd Baron Cromwell Oakham [aged 21] and Mary Paulett Baroness Cromwell Oakham were married. She by marriage Baroness Cromwell Oakham. She the daughter of John Paulet 2nd Marquess Winchester [aged 49] and Elizabeth Willoughby. They were sixth cousins.
In 1592 Henry Cromwell 2nd Baron Cromwell Oakham [aged 54] died. His son Edward [aged 32] succeeded 3rd Baron Cromwell Oakham. Francis Rugge Baroness Cromwell Oakham by marriage Baroness Cromwell Oakham.
On 27th April 1607 Edward Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell Oakham [aged 47] died. His son Thomas [aged 12] succeeded 4th Baron Cromwell Oakham. Elizabeth Meverell Countess Ardglass by marriage Baroness Cromwell Oakham.
In 1653 Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Ardglass [aged 58] died. His son Wingfield [aged 28] succeeded 2nd Earl Ardglass, 5th Baron Cromwell Oakham. Mary Russell Countess Ardglass [aged 19] by marriage Countess Ardglass.
On 3rd October 1668 Wingfield Cromwell 2nd Earl Ardglass [aged 44] died. His son Thomas [aged 14] succeeded 3rd Earl Ardglass, 6th Baron Cromwell Oakham.
On 11th April 1682 Thomas Cromwell 3rd Earl Ardglass [aged 28] died. His uncle Vere [aged 56] succeeded 4th Earl Ardglass, 7th Baron Cromwell Oakham.
On 26th November 1687 Vere Essex Cromwell 4th Earl Ardglass [aged 62] died. Earl Ardglass, Baron Cromwell Oakham extinct.