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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Earl of Westmoreland is in Earldoms of England Alphabetically.
Earl of Westmoreland is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Forfeit Earldoms of England.
Summary
29th September 1397. Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland [aged 33] created. See Richard II Rewards his Supporters.
21st October 1425. Grandson Ralph Neville 2nd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 19] succeeded.
3rd November 1484. Nephew Ralph Neville 3rd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 28] succeeded.
6th February 1499. Grandson Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland succeeded.
24th April 1549. Son Henry Neville 5th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 24] succeeded.
August 1563. Son Charles Neville 6th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 20] succeeded.
1571. Charles Neville 6th Earl of Westmoreland forfeit.
16th November 1601. Charles Neville 6th Earl of Westmoreland forfeit.
On 29th September 1397 King Richard II [aged 30] rewarded his relations with Dukedoms, possibly for their part in downfall of Thomas of Woodstock 1st Duke of Gloucester [deceased], Thomas Beauchamp 12th Earl Warwick [aged 59] and Richard Fitzalan 9th Earl of Surrey 4th or 11th Earl of Arundel [deceased]...
His older half-brother John Holland 1st Duke Exeter [aged 45] was created 1st Duke Exeter. Elizabeth Lancaster Duchess Exeter [aged 34] by marriage Duchess Exeter.
His nephew Thomas Holland 1st Duke Surrey [aged 23] was created 1st Duke Surrey.
His first cousin once-removed Margaret was created 1st Duchess Norfolk - for life only. On the same day her grandson Thomas [aged 29] was also created Duke of Norfolk - see below.
His second cousin once removed Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk was created 1st Duke Norfolk. Elizabeth Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk [aged 31] by marriage Duchess Norfolk.
His first cousin Edward 2nd Duke of York 1st Duke Albemarle [aged 24] was created 1st Duke Albemarle. Beatrice Burgundy Countess Rutland and Cork [aged 24] by marriage Duchess Albemarle.
His illegitimate first cousin John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset [aged 24] was created 1st Marquess Somerset, 1st Marquess Dorset. Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence [aged 12] by marriage Marchioness Somerset, Marchioness Dorset.
Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland [aged 33] was created 1st Earl of Westmoreland. Joan Beaufort Countess of Westmoreland [aged 18] by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
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On 21st October 1425 Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland [aged 61] died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Staindrop [Map]. His grandson Ralph [aged 19] succeeded 2nd Earl of Westmoreland. Elizabeth Percy Countess of Westmoreland [aged 30] by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
Monument to Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland and his wives Margaret Stafford Baroness Neville Raby and Joan Beaufort Countess of Westmoreland [aged 46]. Early Plate Bascinet Period. Orle. Man with Two Wives.
Elizabeth Percy Countess of Westmoreland: Around 1395 she was born to Henry "Hotspur" Percy and Elizabeth Mortimer Baroness Camoys at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland [Map]. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. Around 1404 John Clifford 7th Baron Clifford and she were married. She by marriage Baroness de Clifford. They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. In 1426 Ralph Neville 2nd Earl of Westmoreland and she were married. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. On 26th October 1436 Elizabeth Percy Countess of Westmoreland died.
In February 1441 Ralph Neville 2nd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 34] and Margaret Cobham Countess Westmoreland were married. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. They were fourth cousin once removed. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward I of England.
On 3rd November 1484 Ralph Neville 2nd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 78] died. He was buried at St Brandon's Church, Brancepeth. His nephew Ralph [aged 28] succeeded 3rd Earl of Westmoreland.
On 6th February 1499 Ralph Neville 3rd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 43] died at Hornby Castle [Map]. His grandson Ralph succeeded 4th Earl of Westmoreland three weeks before his first birthday.
Before December 1512 Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 14] and Katherine Stafford Countess of Westmoreland [aged 13] were married. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. She the daughter of Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham [aged 34] and Eleanor Percy Duchess Buckingham. They were fourth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
On 24th April 1549 Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 51] died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Staindrop [Map]. His son Henry [aged 24] succeeded 5th Earl of Westmoreland. Anne Manners Countess of Westmoreland [aged 22] by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
After June 1549 Henry Neville 5th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 24] and Jane Cholmley Countess of Westmoreland [aged 31] were married. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. He would later marry her older sister Margaret Cholmley Countess of Westmoreland [aged 41]; an example of Married to Two Siblings. He the son of Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland and Katherine Stafford Countess of Westmoreland [aged 50]. They were half fifth cousins.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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In or after 1558 Henry Neville 5th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 33] and Margaret Cholmley Countess of Westmoreland [aged 50] were married. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. She the older sister of his first wife Jane Cholmley Countess of Westmoreland [deceased]; an example of Married to Two Siblings. He the son of Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland and Katherine Stafford Countess of Westmoreland. They were half fifth cousins.
In August 1563 Henry Neville 5th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 38] died. His son Charles [aged 20] succeeded 6th Earl of Westmoreland.
Around 1564 Charles Neville 6th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 21] and Jane Howard Countess of Westmoreland were married. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of Henry Neville 5th Earl of Westmoreland and Anne Manners Countess of Westmoreland. They were second cousins.
In 1571 Charles Neville 6th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 28] was attainted. Earl of Westmoreland forfeit.
On 16th November 1601 Charles Neville 6th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 59] died at Nieuwpoort penniless and largely forgotten. He had been attainted in 1571 hence his title Earl of Westmoreland was forfeit. Raby Castle, County Durham [Map] was taken into Royal custody.
Earl of Westmoreland is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extant Earldoms of England.
Summary
29th December 1624. Francis Fane 1st Earl of Westmoreland [aged 44] created.
23rd March 1629. Son Mildmay Fane 2nd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 27] succeeded.
12th February 1666. Son Charles Fane 3rd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 31] succeeded.
18th September 1691. Half Brother Vere Fane 4th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 46] succeeded.
29th December 1693. Son Vere Fane 5th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 15] succeeded.
19th May 1698. Brother Thomas Fane 6th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 16] succeeded.
4th June 1736. Brother John Fane 7th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 51] succeeded.
26th August 1762. Second Cousin Once Removed Thomas Fane 8th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 61] succeeded.
25th November 1771. Son John Fane 9th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 43] succeeded.
25th April 1774. Son John Fane 10th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 14] succeeded.
15th December 1841. Son John Fane 11th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 57] succeeded.
16th October 1859. Son Francis William Henry Fane 12th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 33] succeeded.
3rd August 1891. Son Anthony Fane 13th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 31] succeeded.
9th June 1922. Son Vere Fane 14th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 29] succeeded.
12th May 1948. Son David Fane 15th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 24] succeeded.
8th September 1993. Son Anthony David Francis Fane 16th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 42] succeeded.
On 29th December 1624 Francis Fane 1st Earl of Westmoreland [aged 44] was created 1st Earl of Westmoreland, 1st Baron Burghesh in Suffolk. Mary Mildmay Countess of Westmoreland [aged 42] by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
On 23rd March 1629 Francis Fane 1st Earl of Westmoreland [aged 49] died. His son Mildmay [aged 27] succeeded 2nd Earl of Westmoreland, 5th Baron Despencer, 9th Baron Abergavenny, 7th Baron Abergavenny, 2nd Baron Burghesh in Suffolk. Grace Thornhurst Countess of Westmoreland [aged 25] by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
Francis Fane [aged 18] inherited Fulbeck Hall. The Hall was confiscated from him during the Commonwealth; he bought it back.
On 21st June 1638 Mildmay Fane 2nd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 36] and Mary Vere Countess of Westmoreland [aged 30] were married at Hackney. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of Francis Fane 1st Earl of Westmoreland and Mary Mildmay Countess of Westmoreland [aged 56].
On 12th February 1666 Mildmay Fane 2nd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 64] died. His son Charles [aged 31] succeeded 3rd Earl of Westmoreland, 6th Baron Despencer, 10th Baron Abergavenny, 8th Baron Abergavenny, 3rd Baron Burghesh in Suffolk.
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 18th September 1691 Charles Fane 3rd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 56] died without issue. His half brother Vere [aged 46] succeeded 4th Earl of Westmoreland, 7th Baron Despencer, 11th Baron Abergavenny, 9th Baron Abergavenny, 4th Baron Burghesh in Suffolk. Rachel Bence Countess of Westmoreland by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
On 29th December 1693 Vere Fane 4th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 48] died. His son Vere [aged 15] succeeded 5th Earl of Westmoreland, 8th Baron Despencer, 12th Baron Abergavenny, 10th Baron Abergavenny, 5th Baron Burghesh in Suffolk.
On 19th May 1698 Vere Fane 5th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 19] died. His brother Thomas [aged 16] succeeded 6th Earl of Westmoreland, 9th Baron Despencer, 13th Baron Abergavenny, 11th Baron Abergavenny, 6th Baron Burghesh in Suffolk.
In 1707 Thomas Fane 6th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 25] and Catherine Stringer Countess Westmoreland [aged 27] were married. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of Vere Fane 4th Earl of Westmoreland and Rachel Bence Countess of Westmoreland.
On 4th June 1736 Thomas Fane 6th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 54] died. His brother John [aged 51] succeeded 7th Earl of Westmoreland, 10th Baron Despencer, 14th Baron Abergavenny, 12th Baron Abergavenny, 7th Baron Burghesh in Suffolk. Mary Cavendish Countess of Westmoreland [aged 36] by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
On 26th August 1762 John Fane 7th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 77] died without issue. Baron Despencer, Baron Abergavenny, Baron Abergavenny, Baron Burghesh in Suffolk abeyant. His second cousin once removed Thomas [aged 61] succeeded 8th Earl of Westmoreland. Elizabeth Swymmer Countess Westmoreland by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
On 25th November 1771 Thomas Fane 8th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 70] died. His son John [aged 43] succeeded 9th Earl of Westmoreland. Susan Gordon Countess of Westmoreland [aged 19] by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
Henry Fane of Fulbeck [aged 32] inherited Fulbeck Hall.
On 25th April 1774 John Fane 9th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 45] died. His son John [aged 14] succeeded 10th Earl of Westmoreland.
On 20th May 1782 John Fane 10th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 22] and Sarah Anne Child Countess of Westmoreland [aged 17] were married at Gretna Green. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of John Fane 9th Earl of Westmoreland and Augusta Bertie.
On 15th December 1841 John Fane 10th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 82] died. His son John [aged 57] succeeded 11th Earl of Westmoreland. Priscilla Anne Wellesley-Pole Countess of Westmoreland [aged 48] by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
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 16th October 1859 John Fane 11th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 75] died. His son Francis [aged 33] succeeded 12th Earl of Westmoreland. Adelaide Ida Curzon Howe Countess of Westmoreland [aged 24] by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
On 18th February 1879 Priscilla Anne Wellesley-Pole Countess of Westmoreland [aged 85] died. Both were buried at the Church of St Leonard, Apethorpe [Map].
John Fane 11th Earl of Westmoreland: On 2nd February 1784 he was born to John Fane 10th Earl of Westmoreland and Sarah Anne Child Countess of Westmoreland. On 26th June 1811 John Fane 11th Earl of Westmoreland and Priscilla Anne Wellesley-Pole Countess of Westmoreland were married. She the daughter of William Wellesley aka Wellesley-Pole 3rd Earl Mornington and Katherine Forbes Countess Mornington. He the son of John Fane 10th Earl of Westmoreland and Sarah Anne Child Countess of Westmoreland. On 15th December 1841 John Fane 10th Earl of Westmoreland died. His son John succeeded 11th Earl of Westmoreland. Priscilla Anne Wellesley-Pole Countess of Westmoreland by marriage Countess of Westmoreland.
Priscilla Anne Wellesley-Pole Countess of Westmoreland: On 13th March 1793 she was born to William Wellesley aka Wellesley-Pole 3rd Earl Mornington and Katherine Forbes Countess Mornington.
On 3rd August 1891 Francis William Henry Fane 12th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 65] died. His son Anthony [aged 31] succeeded 13th Earl of Westmoreland.
In 1903 Adelaide Ida Curzon Howe Countess of Westmoreland [aged 68] died.
Memorial in the Church of St Leonard, Apethorpe [Map] and graves in churchyard.
Anthony Fane 13th Earl of Westmoreland: On 16th August 1859 he was born to Francis William Henry Fane 12th Earl of Westmoreland and Adelaide Ida Curzon Howe Countess of Westmoreland. On 28th May 1892 Anthony Fane 13th Earl of Westmoreland and Sybil Mary St Clair-Erskine Countess of Westmorland were married. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of Francis William Henry Fane 12th Earl of Westmoreland and Adelaide Ida Curzon Howe Countess of Westmoreland. On 9th June 1922 Anthony Fane 13th Earl of Westmoreland died. His son Vere succeeded 14th Earl of Westmoreland.
On 28th May 1892 Anthony Fane 13th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 32] and Sybil Mary St Clair-Erskine Countess of Westmorland [aged 20] were married. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of Francis William Henry Fane 12th Earl of Westmoreland and Adelaide Ida Curzon Howe Countess of Westmoreland [aged 57].
On 9th June 1922 Anthony Fane 13th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 62] died. His son Vere [aged 29] succeeded 14th Earl of Westmoreland.
In 1923 Vere Fane 14th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 29] and Diana Lister Countess of Westmoreland [aged 30] were married. She by marriage Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of Anthony Fane 13th Earl of Westmoreland and Sybil Mary St Clair-Erskine Countess of Westmorland.
On 12th May 1948 Vere Fane 14th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 55] died at his home near Badminton, Gloucestershire. His son David [aged 24] succeeded 15th Earl of Westmoreland.
On 8th September 1993 David Fane 15th Earl of Westmoreland [aged 69] died. His son Anthony [aged 42] succeeded 16th Earl of Westmoreland.