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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Birth and Death of Prince Henry is in May 1509-1519 Coronation of Henry VIII and Marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
On 1st January 1511 Prince Henry Duke of Cornwall was born to Henry VIII [aged 19] and Catherine of Aragon [aged 25] at Richmond Palace [Map]. He was appointed Duke of Cornwall at birth.
On 22nd February 1511 Prince Henry Duke of Cornwall died. He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map]. He died aged less than one years old.
In February 1511 Henry VIII [aged 19] celebrated the birth of his son by holding a magnificent tournament at Westminster [Map]. The challengers included Henry VIII who fought as Cuere Loyall, Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 15] as Bon Vouloir, Edward Neville [aged 40] as Joyeulx Penser, Thomas Knyvet [aged 26] as Valiant Desyr and Thomas Tyrrell.
On Day 1 of the tournament the Answerers included: William Parr 1st Baron Parr of Horton [aged 28], Henry Grey 4th Earl Kent [aged 16], Thomas Cheney [aged 26], Richard Blount and Robert Morton.
On Day 2 of the tournament the Answerers included: Richard Tempest of Bracewell [aged 31], Thomas Lucy, Henry Guildford [aged 22], Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 27], Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde [aged 34], Richard Grey, Leonard Grey 1st Viscount Grane [aged 32], Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 38], Edmund Howard [aged 33] and Henry Stafford 1st Earl Wiltshire [aged 32].
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 1st January 1511. This yeare, Prince Henrie, the Kings [aged 19] first sonne, was borne at Richmonde [Map] on Newe Yeares dayeb, and on St. Mathie's day [Note. 23 Feb] after the saide Prince died, and was buried at Westminster [Map].
Note b. On the 1st January, 1510 [Note. 1511 if years are adjusted to begin on 01 Jan.]
Note c. Or rather St. Mathias' eve, February 23. Hall, howerer, says that this Prince died on "the 22 Feb. being the Even of Saint Mathy," which would seem to show that St. Mathias' day was sometimes kept on the 23rd, instead of the 24th February, in which case our text is correct.
Vesta Monumenta. 1726. A nearly sixty-foot vellum roll that illustrates the jousting tournament held by Henry VIII on 12 and 13 February 1510/11, along with the "articles of the tilt". Engravings by George Vertue [aged 42] after the original manuscript.
A description of the Solemn Jousts held at Westminster the 13th day of February in the first year of King Henry VIII in honour of his Queen Katherin upon the birth of their eldest son Prince Henry AD 1510 taken from the original roll now in the College of Arms, London.
