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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1459-1461 Wars of the Roses: Second War is in 15th Century Events.
On 9th October 1459 Thomas Tresham [aged 39] was elected Speaker of the House of Commons at Coventry, Warwickshire [Map]. The primary purpose of the Parliament was to attaint the Yorkist leaders:
Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York [aged 48], his sons Edward Earl of March [aged 17], Edmund Earl of Rutland [aged 16] were attainted, as were Richard Neville Earl Salisbury [aged 59] and his sons Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury [aged 30] and John Neville 1431-1471 [aged 28].
Chronicle of Gregory. October 1459. Ande thes fore said lordys sende letters unto many placys of Inglonde howe they were a vysyde to reforme the hurtys and myschevys ande grevys that raynyd in this londe; and that causyd them moche the more to be lovyde of the comyns of Kente and of London; and by this mene the comyns of Kent sende them worde to ressayve them and to go with them in that a-tente that they wolde kepe trewe promys, and as for the more parte of this londe hadde pytte that they were attaynte and proclaymyd trayters by the Parlement at was holde at Covyntre.
A Brief Latin Chronicle. 9th October 1459. In the same year, around the feast of Saint Edmund, King and Martyr, a parliament was convened at Coventry, where the said Duke and three Earls, along with many other knights and magnates, were indicted there for grand treason and declared to be attainted traitors by the lords of that parliament; and the actions approved by the said duke and lords regarding their insurrection at the town of St Albans in the previous parliament were completely annulled in this one. And on the feast of Saint Agnes following, the said Duke and lords were publicly proclaimed as attainted traitors in the city of London, and thus remained until about the feast of Saint John the Baptist following.
Eodem anno, circiter festum Sancti Edmundi Regis et Martiris, convocato parliamento apud Coventre, indictati sunt ibidem dicti Dux et tres Comites cum aliis multis militibus et magnatibus super grandi prodicione et declarati pro ateyntid traytowrs per dominos illius parliamenti; et ea que per dictos ducem et dominos de insurreccione sua apud villam Sancti Abani in priori parliamento approbata sunt, in isto penitus sunt cassata. Et in festo Sancte Agnetis proximo sequente, dicti Dux et domini in civitate London. publice proclamati sunt pro ateyntid traytours, et sic manserunt usque circiter festum Sancti Johannis Baptiste proximo sequens.
An English Chronicle. 20th November 1459. Thanne was a parlement holden at Couentre, and they that were chosenne knyghtes of the shyres, and other that had interesse in the parlement, were nat dyfferent but chosen a denominacione of thaym that were enemyes to the forseyde lordes so beyng oute of the reame. In the whiche parlement, the sayde duk of York and the iij. erles and other, whos names shalle be rehersed afterward, withoute any answere, as traytours and rebelles to the kyng were atteynt of treson, and theyre goodes, lordshyppys and possessyons escheted in to the kynges hande, and they and theyre heyres dysheryted vn to the ixthe degre. And by the kynges commissione in euery cyte, burghe, and toune cryed opynly and proclamed as for rebelles and traytoures; and theyre tenauntes and there men spoyled of theyre goodes, maymed, bete, and slayne withoute eny pyte; the toune of Ludlow, [folio 198b] longyng thanne to the duk of York, was robbed to the bare walles, and the noble duches of York vnmanly and cruelly was entreted and spoyled.
On 15th January 1460 Yorkist forces commanded by John Dynham 1st Baron Dynham [aged 27] and Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury [aged 31] raided Sandwich, Kent [Map] capturing a number of Lancastrian ships. In addition, the Woodville family: Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers [aged 55], his wife Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford [aged 45] and their son Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers [aged 20] were captured.
Memoires Jacques du Clercq. Around the 15th day of January in the said year 1460, the Lord of Rivers, who had formerly been captain of Calais in the name of King Henry of England, a powerful and noble man, had assembled several vessels full of men-at-arms at a port in England called Sandwich, near Calais, in order to launch an assault against those of Calais and to bring back the Duke of Somerset, who was staying at Guînes and did not know how to return to England for fear of those of Calais. While the said Lord of Rivers was at Sandwich, during the night he was captured, along with several others, by the men of the Count of Warwick, captain of Calais, and they were taken as prisoners to Calais. At the same time, they also brought to Calais five or six vessels laden with goods, which they had found at Sandwich and which belonged to the party of the said Lord of Rivers.
Environ le quinziesme jour de janvier audit an mil iiij lix, le St de Rivieres, lequel avoit esté autrefois capitaine de Calaix au nom du roy Henry d'Angleterre, icelluy Sr de Rivieres, lequel estoit puissant et noble, avoit assemblé aulcuns basteaux pleins de gens de guerre a ung port de mer en Angleterre nommé Sandewacq, assez près de Calaix pour venir livrer assault a ceulx de Calaix et remener le duc de Sombreset, lequel se tenoit a Guynes et ne sçavoit comment rentrer en Angleterre pour doubte de ceulx de Calaix, et comme icelluy St de Rivieres estoit audit Sandewacq par une nuit fust prins et plusieurs aultres avec lui par les gens du comte de Werwicq, capitaine de Calaix, et furent menés prisonniers a Calaix, et avecq ce emmenerent audit Calaix cinq ou six basteaux pleins de biens qu'ils trouverent audit Sandewacq qui estoient de la partie dudit Sr de Rivieres.
Patent Rolls. 30th October 1459. Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire [Map]. Commission of array to Richard Wydevyle of Ryvers [aged 54], knight, and the sheriff of Kent in Kent, to resist Richard, duke of York [aged 48], Edward Earl of March [aged 17], Richard, Earl of Warwick [aged 30], and Richard, Earl of Salisbury [aged 59], and their accomplices, leagued in rebellion against the king and crown and allowed by certain persons having the keeping of the town and castle of Calais [Map] to enter the same contrary to the king's mandates, and now preparing to arouse congregations and insur rections in the said county; and appointment of the same to arrest all ships and other vessels late of the said Earl of Warwick and all the tackling thereof and to keep the same for the king's use. By K.
Patent Rolls. Membrane 27d. 8th November 1459. Commission to John de Clyfford [aged 24] to arrest all lands, possessions and goods of any rebels in Westmoreland, except of those whom the king has taken into his protection. By K.
Patent Rolls. 10th December 1459. Coventry, Warwickshire [Map]. Commission to Richard Wydevyle of Ryvers [aged 54], knight, Thomas Broun, knight, and the mayor of Sandwich to take near Sandwich, Kent [Map] the muster of the men at arms and archers ordered to go on the safe keeping of the sea in the company of Gervase Clyfton [aged 54], knight, and to certify the king thereof in Chancery. By K.
Commission to Thomas Kyryell [aged 63], knight, John Cheyne, knight, Thomas Broun, knight, John Seyncler, esquire, and Richard Dalafeld, esquire, to take near Sandwich, Kent [Map] the muster of the men at arms and archers ordered to go on the safe-keeping of the sea in the company of Richard Wydevyle of Ryvers, knight, as above. By K.
An English Chronicle. January 1460. And whanne the seyde erle of Warrewyk sawe a conuenient tyme, he sent some of his men to Sandwhyche by nyghte, the whyche took the sayde lorde Ryuers [aged 55] and Antony [Woodvill] [aged 20]1 his sone, in theyre beddes, and lad theym ouer to Caleys, and took with theym alle the grete shyppes, saue on called "Grace Dieu," the whyche myghte nat be had awey because she was broke in the botome.
Note 1. Insertion by the hand of Stowe.
Chronicle of Gregory. 15th January 1460. But the Erle of Warwycke [aged 31] come unto Sondewyche [Map], and there he toke the Lord Rivers [aged 55] with his ladye [aged 45], the lady and Duchyes of Bedfordeb and brought them to Calys, for he was commaundyd to have londyd at C[a]lys by the King, but he was brought there sonner then him lekyd.
Note b. Jaquetta, widow of the Regent Bedford. She was the daughter of Peter of Luxemburg, Count of St. Pol, and soon after her first husband's death married Sir Richard Woodville, who was created Baron Rivers by Henry VI. in 1448, and Earl Rivers by Edward IV. (who was his son-in law) in 1466.
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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Chronicle of William of Worcester. [15th January 1460]. And shortly after the said feast, John Dynham [aged 27], with others from Calais, secretly entered Sandwich [Map], and there captured Lord Rivers [aged 55] and Anthony Woodville [aged 20] his son, with many large ships, and brought them to Calais, where the Earls of March [aged 17], Warwick [aged 31], and Salisbury [aged 60] were present.
Et cito post dictum festum Johannes Denham cum aliis de Calesiæ secrete intravit Sandwycum, ac ibidem cepit dominum de Reverys et Antonium Widwele filium ejus, cum multis magnis navibus, et adduxit Calisiæ, comitibus Marchiæ et Warrewici et Sarum, Calisiæ existentibus.
Around 5th June 1460 when the relief expedition led by Osbert Mountfort was ready to leave Sandwich, Kent [Map] for Guînes, waiting only for a fair wind, the Yorkists John Dynham 1st Baron Dynham [aged 27], John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock [aged 60], William Neville Baron Fauconberg [aged 55] crossed from Calais and attacked Sandwich, Kent [Map] killing many of Osbert's men. Osbert Mountfort was captured. William Neville Baron Fauconberg remained at Sandwich is preparation for the subsequent landing by Yorkist forces at the end of the month.
On 25th June 1460 Osbert Mountfort and two of his associates were beheaded on the sands at the foot of the Rysbank Tower [Map] by Yorkist sailors.
On 26th June 1460 Edward, Earl of March [aged 18] and Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury [aged 31] landed at Sandwich, Kent [Map].
Patent Rolls. Membrane 17d. 8th May 1460. Commission to Thomas Kiriell [aged 64], knight, John Cheyne, knight, Thomas Westminster. Broun, knight, John Fogge, Robert Home and William Hexstall, to take near Sandwich, Kent [Map] the muster of all men at arms and archers ordered to go with Henry, duke of Exeter [aged 29], on the safe-keeping of the sea to resist the king's rebels and enemies, and to certify the king thereof in Chancery.
Patent Rolls. Membrane 13d. 23rd May 1460. Commission to Osbert Mountford and John Baker, esquires, ordered, Coventry, by advice of the council, to bring 200 men at arms and archers to Henry, duke of Somerset [aged 24], for the safe keeping and defence of the castle and town of Guysnes and to resist the king's rebels and enemies, appointing them to arrest ships and vessels necessary herein and masters and mariners therefor.
Commission to Thomas Thorp, Thomas Kiriell [aged 64], knight, John Cheyne, knight, Thomas Broun, knight, Henry Lowes, esquire, John Scot and Robert Home, to take the muster of the said Osbert Mountfort and John Baker and the said men at arms, and to certify the king thereof in Chancery.
An English Chronicle. 1460 June Yorkist Landing at SandwichJune 1460. Thanne the noble erles of Marche, Warrewyk, and Salysbury, hauyng wynde and weder at thayre plesaunce, arryued graciously at Sandwyche; where met wythe thaym master Thomas Bourchier archebysshop of Caunterbury, and a grete multitude of peple wythe hym; and wythe hys crosse before hym, [he] went forthe wythe the sayde erles and theyre peple toward Londoun, and sente an herowde to the cyte to knowe howe they were dysposed, and whether they wolde stand with theyme in thayre iust quarelle, and graunte hem leve for to passe thoroughe the cite. They that were nat frendely [folio 204b] to the erles, counseyled the mayre and the comynalte for to ley gunneȝ at the brege for to kepe thaym owte, and so a lytelle diuision there was among the citeȝens, but yt was sone ceased.
Chronicle of Gregory. 21st June 1460. Alle soo thes for said lordys come agayne unto Sondewyche [Map] the xxj [21] day of June nexte folowyng. And the comyns of Kente and there welle-wyllers brought them to Lundon, and so forthe to Northehampton.
A Brief Latin Chronicle. 25th June 1460. In the year of our Lord 1460, around the feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, the aforementioned three earls returned to England with a moderate retinue, and many, hearing of their arrival, joined them. They peacefully entered the city of London within the octave of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and, after some were beheaded in Cheapside for their crimes, two earls took the road towards the king.
On 20th July 1460 Thomas Scales 7th Baron Scales [aged 63] was murdered by boatmen whilst travelling from the Tower of London [Map] to Sanctuary, Westminster Abbey [Map]. His daughter Elizabeth succeeded 8th Baroness Scales. She was, or had been married to, Henry Bourchier (the year of his death may been 1458). She was in 1466 married to Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers [aged 20], brother of King Edward IV's [aged 18] wife Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England [aged 23]; an example of the Woodville family marrying rich heiresses.
A Brief Latin Chronicle. Meanwhile, with Lord Scales [aged 62] and many others guarding the Tower of London, after cannon shots were fired at the besiegers outside the Tower and sailors on the Thames, many were killed. Eventually, after the Tower was surrendered to Sir John Wenlock [aged 59], who was besieging it, Lord Scales, on the night of Saint Margaret1, attempting to escape by boat from those lying in wait for him, was captured and killed. And shortly thereafter, Sir Thomas Browne [aged 57] along with five others, who were condemned for extortion, robbery, and treason, were beheaded at Tyburn.
Note 1. The Feast of Saint Margaret the Virgin i.e. 20th July.
Interim, domino Scales cum multis aliis Turrim London. servante, factis jacturis gunnorum in extra existentes obsessores Turris et nautas in Tamesi, multi interfecti sunt. Tandem, reddita Turre predicta Johanni Wenloc militi obsidenti eam, dominus Scales in nocte Sancte Margarete volens in cimba evadere ab insidiantibus sibi, captus et interfectus est. Et infra breve Thomas Browne miles cum aliis quinque qui super extorcione rapinis et prodicione damnati sunt apud Tyburne decapitati sunt.
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.
Chronicle of Gregory. 20th July 1460. As for the sege of the Towre, it is com1 and opyn i-knowe, I passe ovyr. But son aftyr the ende of the sege the Lord Schalys [aged 63], that notabylle warryoure, was slayne at Synt Mary Overeyes [Map] with water men, and laye there dyspoyly nakyd as a worme. But the lordys were full sory of his dethe.
Note 1. Apparently the writer intended to say "commonly."
An English Chronicle. 20th July 1460. The lord Scales, for as meche as men of Londoun loued hym nat, he thoughte that he myghte haue stande in the more sewrte in the saintwary of Westmynstre thanne in the toure. Late in the euyn, [he] entred a boote with iij [3] persones rowyng toward Westmynstre, and a wommanne the whiche that knewe hym ascryed hym, and anone the boote men gadered theym togedre and folowed hym, and fylle vpponne hym, and kylde hym and caste hym on the lond, besyde seynt Mary Ouerey. And grete pyte it was, that so noble and so worshypfulle a knyghte, and so welle approued in the warrys of Normandy and Fraunce, shuld dy so myscheuously.
On 3rd August 1460 King James II of Scotland [aged 29] was killed accidentally whilst besieging Roxburgh Castle when a cannon exploded and he was hit by debris. He was buried at Holyrood Abbey, Holyrood. His son James [aged 9] succeeded III King Scotland.
William Douglas 3rd Lord Drumlanrig [aged 20] was present.
A Brief Latin Chronicle. 1460. About this time, James, King of Scotland [aged 29], nobly governed his people, restraining thieves and oppressors, expanding agriculture, and maintaining holy justice. In the year of our Lord 1460, with his army, he besieged Roxburgh Castle and was killed by his own cannon, which burst while he stood by it. However, his army demolished the same castle and then withdrew.
Circiter istud tempus Jacobus rex Scocie populum suum nobiliter rexit, fures et oppressores cohibens, agriculturam amplians, sanctam(?) justiciam servans. Hic anno Domini 1460, cum suo exercitu obsedit castrum Rokisburgh et per propriam gunnam suam diruptam, cui astitit, interfectus est. Exercitus tamen ejus idem castrum prostravit et recessit.
An English Chronicle. 10th August 1460. Thys same yeere, in the monethe of August, the kyng of Scottes beseged the castelle of Rokesburghe in Northumbreland, and on seynt Laurence day in the mornyng, er he had herde masse, he wolde haue fyred a grete gonne for to have shot to the castelle, and the chambre of the gonne brake and slowe hym.
On 16th December 1460 a Lancastrian force ambushed the forces of the Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York [aged 49] near Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Andrew Trollope fought for the Lancastrians. The only source for the battle is William of Worcester's book Annales rerum Anglicarum. See our translation from the Latin text to English on Amazon.
Chronicle of William of Worcester. 16th December 1460. And in December [....], the parliament was adjourned. The Duke of York, with the Earl of Salisbury and many armed men, headed from London towards York, where their supporters, numbering [....], were ambushed and killed by the forces of the Duke of Somerset at Worksop.
Et mensis Decembris [....] parliamentnm adjornatur. Et dux Eboraci cum comite Sarum, et aliis multis millibus armatis, de Londone versus Eboracum tetenderunt, ubi præeuntes sui ad numerum [....] per gentes ducis Somercetiæ interimuntur apud Worsop.
On 8th February 1461 King Edward IV of England [aged 18] created four Garter Knights two of whom, Bonville and Kyriell, would be executed nine days later after their capture at the Second Battle of St Albans:
181st Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury [aged 32].
182nd William Bonville 1st Baron Bonville [aged 68].
183rd Thomas Kyriell [aged 65].
184th John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock [aged 61].
On 4th March 1461 King Edward IV of England [aged 18] declared himself King of England. William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [aged 30] was present.
Chronicle of Gregory. Alle soo the xxvj [26] day of Februer nexte folowyng Edwarde Erle of Marche [aged 18] com to London owt of Walys and the Erle of Warwycke [aged 32] with hym, and xl M1 [40,000] men with them bothe, and they enteryd unto the cytte of London, and there he toke uppon him the crowne of Inglond by the avysse of the lordys spyrytual and temporalle, and by the elexyon of the comyns. And so he began his rayne the iiij day of Marche, in the year of our lord God M1CCCC lxj [1461], the Sondy letter D as for that year.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Chronicle of William of Worcester. On the following Sunday, namely [….]1 March [1461], in the afternoon, the commoners of the city and part of the army of the said duke, to the number of three or four thousand, assembled in the large field beyond Clerkenwell. The revered father George Neville, then Chancellor of England, arranged for them to stand in order in the said field, and caused a proclamation to be made among them by which the said Edward sought to claim for himself the crown of England and France, and immediately proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city.
Dominica vero sequenti, die viz. [....] Martii, post meridiem, in campo magno ultra Clerkynwelle congregati sunt populares civitatis et de exercitu dicti ducis ad numerum iij. aut iv. millium, quos ordinate stare in dicto campo fecit dictus reverendus pater Georgius Nevyll, tunc Angliæ cancellarius, et fecit publicari inter eos titulus quo potuit dictus Edwardus vendicare sibi coronam Angliæ et Franciæ, et continuo proclamavit omnis ipse populus Edwardum ipsum fore et esse regem. Interfui et audivi, et descendi cum eis continuo in civitatem.
Note 1. The date 1st March 1461 determined by working back from the Battle of Towton, on Palm Sunday, 29th March 1461.
Croyland Chronicle 1461. [4th March 1461] Accordingly, in the year of our Lord, 1461, at the beginning of March, the before-named earl of March arrived in England, having enjoyed a prosperous voyage, the west wind favouring his passage. Here he was immediately received with unbounded joy by the clergy and all the people, and especially by the citizens of London; and, after a short time, Parliament being assembled, amid the acclamations of all he was made king of England. However, he would not at present allow himself to be crowned, but immediately, like unto Gideon or another of the judges,99 acting faithfolly in the Lord, girded himself with the sword of battle; and prosperously hastened his steps, being met by bands of warriors innumerable, to avenge the injuries of the Church and the realm. For, as we have already stated, he was then of vigorous age, and well fitted to endure the conflict of battle, while, at the same time, he was fully equal to the management of the affairs of the state.
Note 99. Of Israel.
Chronicle of Robert Fabyan [-1512]. [4th March 1461]. Than the foresayde erlys of Marche & of Warwyke sped theym towarde London, in such wyse yt they came thyder upon the Thursdaye in the fyrst weke of Lent, to whom resortyd all the gentylmen for ye more party of the South and Eest partye of Englonde. And in this whyle that they thus restyd at London, a great couceyli was callyd of all lordys spyrytuell and temporell that then were there about; by the whiche fynally, after many arguments made, for so moche as kynge Henry, contrary his honour and promesse at ye last parlyament made and assured, and also for that that he was reputyd vnable and insuffycyent to rule ye realme, was then by theyr assentys deposyd and dyschargyd of all kyngelye honour and regally. And incontynentlye by auctoryte of the sayde counceyll, and agrement of the commons there present, Edwarde the eldyst sone unto the duke of Yorke, than was there electyd, & the chosen for kyng of Englonde. After which eleccion and admyssyon, the sayde erle of Marche, geuynge lawde and preyse unto God, upon the iiii. [4] day of Marche, accompanyed with all the foresayd lordys & great multytude of commons, was conveyed unto Westmynster, and there toke possessyon of the realme of Englonde. And syttynge in his astate royall, in the great halle of the same, with his ceptre in hande, a question was axyd of the people then present, if they wolde admytte hym for theyr kyng & soueraygne lord; ye which wt one voyce cryed "ye, ye." And the after the accustumyd vse to kynges to swere, & after $ othe takyn, he went into yeabbay, where he was of the abbot & munkys mette with processyon, and coueyed vino seynt Edwardys shryne, and there offeryd as kyng; & that done, receuyd homage and feaute of all such lordes as there than were present.
Hearne's Fragment. [4th March 1461] Chapter 2. The two 'foresaid Earls of Marche and Warwick, from Cotswold kept their way straight to London,5 where they arrived, the Thursday in the first week of Lent; to whom resorted all gentlemen, for the more part of the South parts, and East of England, both spiritual and temporal; and thereupon a council was called, whereat King Harry, for his imbecility and insufficiency was by the whole House deposed, and Edward, eldest son of Richard, late Duke of York, by the sole assent and consent of all present, there elected and solemnly chosen for King of England, then being of the age (of) almost 20; and thereupon he with all the Lords went in general procession, accompanied with all the Nobles there present, and the Commons of the city, and (was) immediately conveyed with great honour to Westminster; taking there possession, with sceptre royal in his hand, sitting at the high dais6 in the Great Hall. The which done, he went into the Abbey, where he was received with procession of the Abbot and Convent there and after that he had offered in kingly estate at the shrine of Saint Edward, he took homage J and fealty of such noblemen as there were present, the which done he returned to the Bishop's palace at London that night the 4th day of March.
Note 5. Edward entered London amidst the acclamation of the citizens. "I was present," says
William Wyrcester, "heard them, and returned with them into the City." The King was in his 20th year, remarkable for the beauty of his person, his activity, bravery and affability. But with these qualities he combined hardness of heart and severity of character. He was revengefiil to such an extreme, that he is said to have ordered the execution of a poor tradesman, who dwelt at the sign of the Crown, for saying "he would leave his son heir to the Crown," — imagining this harmless pleasantry pointed at his assumed title. The unpopularity of Margaret, in treating the country as a conquered province after her recent successes, hastened the downfall of Henry, and "the nobles of the Kingdom and all the people of the midland part of England, and of the East, West and South deserted Henry. They directed solemn ambassadors to Edward in Wales, to declare to him the wishes of the people, and to urge him to hasten into England, to help them, as delay was producing danger." — (Cont. Croy. p. 532.)
Note 6. This signification of the word dais is the same in which it is used by Matthew Paris: "The newly elected Abbot, solus in refectorio prandebit supremus, habens vastellum, Priore prandente ad magnaim mentam, qnam Dais vulgariter appellamus" i.e. "He shall dine alone in the refectory last, having a small vessel (or bowl), while the Prior dines at the great table, which we commonly call the Dais." — Rich akdson.
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A Brief Latin Chronicle. Then, on the fourth day of the same month [4th March 1461], after a general procession had been solemnly made through London, the Bishop of Exeter preached a very commendable sermon at Paul's Cross, and with abundant evidence laid open the title of the said Edward to the kingdom of England; and to the objections which might be made in opposition to it he gave a clear reply and refuted them. When this excellent sermon was finished, Lord Edward, together with the lords spiritual and temporal and with a great crowd of the people, rode that same day to Westminster. There, in Westminster Hall, he took possession of the royal seat. By the monks, who came forth to meet him in procession, he was honourably received; and, with the royal sceptre delivered to him by them, he obtained possession in the king's palace. Yet he was not anointed nor adorned with the royal diadem; but when these things had been very fittingly performed, he returned with joy to his lodging in London, the people rejoicing with him.
Quarto autem die ejusdem mensis post processionem generalem London. solenniter factam, episcopus Excestrensis ad crucem Sancti Pauli sermonem fecit satis landabilem, titulumque dicti Edwardi ad regnum Anglie multiplici evidencia patefecit; objeccionibus que in ejus oppositum fieri possent patulo respondit, et eas excussit. Completo sermone isto eximio, dominus Edwardus cum dominis spiritualibus et temporalibus et magna populi frequencia eodem die ad Westmonasterium equitavit; ubi in Westmonaster hall sedis regalis possessionem suscepit. A monachis quoque ibi cum processione sibi occurrentibus honorifice receptus est. Commendato eidem per eosdem sceptro regali, possessionem in regis palacio obtinuit. Nec dum tamen inunctus est aut regio diademate insignitus; sed his decentissime peractis, ad locum suum London., congaudentibus populis, remeavit.
Calendar of State Papers of Milan 1461.78. [7th April 1461] In the meantime our King Edward, then commonly known as the Earl of March, betook himself with an army of 30,000 men to London. With him went my brother the Earl of Warwick, as he had departed from the first battle and gone to join him. On the 25th they entered the city, and were joyfully received by all the people, and on the 4th of March he [Edward] was nominated and practically by force created king by the nobles and people universally, near Westminster (fu nominato et quasi per forza creato Re generalmente et da gentilhomini et da plebei apresso del Monastero Vuest). They postponed the celebration of his coronation only for most urgent reasons. Then on the 12th of March he set out towards the North with a large and magnificent army, having previously, on the 7th, sent on my brother to the West to collect troops.
Calendar of State Papers of Milan 1461.79. [7th April 1461] Thus when after a few days the said duke arrived at the city of London with a stately retinue, they acclaimed him unanimously and with enthusiasm, giving him the royal title and honours, raising him to the sovereign dignity, and recognised him as their liege lord as if he was the sole and true heir of the realm. This ceremony of the new king was celebrated on the 4th of March, but the coronation and anointing were postponed (venienti post pauca dicto Duci ad civitatem Londoniarum cum solenni comitiva unanimi ac admiranda voce virum tituli sui Regias laudes acclamarunt, ipsumque in Regali solio sublimatum ut erat unicus ac verus Regni heres Dominum suum ligium recognoverunt, que solennitas novi Regis, coronatione tum ac unctione dilatis, quarto die mensis Martii celebrata est).13
Note 13. Mr. Rawdon Brown translates: 'which ceremony of the king's coronation was performed … on the 4th March.' He has probably been misled by his transcriber, in a passage not easy to read, though the meaning is perfectly clear, while the postponement of the coronation is mentioned by other writers.
Chronicle of Robert Fabyan [-1512]. Then upon the Saterday folowynge, beynge the day of ....1 Marche, the erle of Warwyke with a great puyssauce of people, departyd out of London northwarde; and upon Wednysdaye [11th March 1461] folowynge ye kynges fotemen went towarde the same journey; & upon Fryday next folowynge [13th March 1461], the kynge toke his voyage throughe the cytie with a great bande of men, and so rode forth at Bysshoppysgate [Map].
Note. The 7th March 1461.
Chronicle of Gregory. The xiij day of Marche [1461] the King, owre newe King Edwarde [aged 18], toke his jornaye unto the Northe, and the Duke of Northefolke [aged 45] with hym. The Erle of Warwycke [aged 32] and the Lord Fauconbrygge [aged 32], with many knyghtes, squyers, and comyns, to the nombyr of iic Mlmen.
Chronicle of Robert Fabyan [-1512]. In whiche selfe same daye, which was the xii. [12] day of Marche [1461]1, a grocer of London, named Walter Walker, for offence by hym done agayne the kynge, was behedyd in Smythfelde; but his wyfe, which after was maryed to lohn Norlande, grocer, and lastlye alderman, had suche frendys about the kynge, that hir goodys were not forfeyted to the kynges vse.
Note 1. If the 'selfe same daye' is the 'Fryday next folowynge' referred to in the previous paragraph then this is Friday 13th of March 1461.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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Around June 1461, the record is very vague, King Edward IV [aged 19] and Eleanor Talbot [aged 25] were possibly secretly married by Bishop Robert Stillington [aged 41]. The marriage came to light after Edward's death. Bishop Robert Stillington provided the information to the future King Richard III of England [aged 8] in 1483; Richard used the information to justify his succeeding to be King since Edward IV's children with Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England [aged 24] were, therefore, illegitimate as a result of their marriage being bigamous and George Duke of Clarence's [aged 11] children were barred from the throne as a consequence of their father's attainder.
