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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Unicorn is in Feet Resting On.
After 20th September 1543. Alabaster Monument to Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland [deceased] and Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland [aged 48] in the Chancel of St Mary the Virgin Church, Bottesford, Leicestershire [Map].
Chest with Weepers. Monument sculpted by Richard Parker of Burton on Trent.
Detail of his head with a short haircut and beard. He wearing a circlet, possibly coronet. His head resting on a Great Helm with Peacock in Pride ie with its feathers displayed.
His Mitten Gauntlets with the cloven-hooved foot of the Unicorn visible.
Detail of his Great Helm with Cap of Maintenance and the Manners Peacock in Pride ie with its feathers displayed.
Detail of the panels of the chest.
Detail of her dress with fastenings, heart locket, hands crasped in prayer.
After 17th September 1563. Alabaster Monument to Henry Manners 2nd Earl of Rutland [deceased] and Margaret Neville Countess Rutland at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bottesford, Leicestershire [Map].
Monument an unusual Table Tomb with their effigies beneath surmounted by effigies of their children. The table may once have been raised in the same way as the one at St Lawrence's Church, Snarford [Map] to Thomas St Paul which may be by the same carver.
His arms showing quarterly: 1&4: 
Manners Augmented Arms. 2nd: Top Row: 
Ros Arms, 
Roet Arms, Trusbutt [or Belvoir], Bottom Row: Todeni [Albini ancient], 
Daubeney Arms, 
Badlesmere Arms. 3rd Quarterly: 1 
Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent 1350 1397 Arms, 2 
Tiptoft Arms, 3 
Vaux Arms 4. 
Powys Arms aka Charlton.
Her arms. Quartered 1&4 
Neville Arms, 2 Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent 1350 1397 Arms, 4 Neville Ancient Arms.
Peacock in Pride ie with its feathers displayed.
Detail of their children.
Detail of the corner of the pediment on which the arms are displayed decorated with fruit and detail of one of the legs of the table.
Detail of his armour, in his right hand a prayer-book, his left hand clutching his sword.
Detail of the Unicorn on which his feet rest and Lion on which her feet rest.
The Manners Peacock Crest.
