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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Paternal Family Tree: Hadfield
Charles Hadfield. Son. 4.
29th May 1884. 1884 Marriage Banns New Mills. Thomas Hadfield [aged 27] and Elizabeth Oakes [aged 32] were married. He a Farmer. His father, a farmer, Charles Hadfield deceased. Her father, a Blacksmith, Robert Oakes [aged 66] deceased.
On 25th August 1886 Charles Hadfield was born to [his father] Thomas Hadfield [aged 29] and [his mother] Elizabeth Oakes [aged 34] at Mellor, Cheshire [Map].
1901. 1901 Census Derbyshire 37 Cobden Edge. Cobden Edge [Map].
[his father] Thomas Hadfield [aged 44]. Head. 45. Railway Labourer.
[his mother] Elizabeth Oakes [aged 49]. Wife. 49.
Charles Hadfield [aged 14]. Son. 14. Calico Printer Works Labourer.
[his brother] William Hadfield. Son. 12.
Before 8th January 1903 [his mother] Elizabeth Oakes [aged 51] died. She was living at Cobden Edge [Map]. She was buried on 8th January 1890 at Mellor, Cheshire [Map].
On 30th December 1905 Charles Hadfield [aged 19] and Caroline Wood [aged 50] were married. The difference in their ages was 31 years; she, unusually, being older than him.
Around 1909 [his son] George Hadfield was born to Charles Hadfield [aged 22] and [his wife] Caroline Wood [aged 53] at Mellor, Cheshire [Map].
Before 1911 Charles Hadfield [aged 24] and [his wife] Caroline Wood [aged 55] had two children who died in infancy. See 1911 Census.
2nd April 1911. 1911 Census Derbyshire New Mills Back Meal Street. 2 Back Meal Street [Map]
Charles Hadfield [aged 24]. Head. 24. Carter Coal Merchant.
[his wife] Caroline Wood [aged 56]. Wife. 24.
[his son] George Hadfield [aged 2]. Son. 2.
In December 1916 [his daughter] Edith Hadfield was born to Charles Hadfield [aged 30] at Chapel en le Frith, Derbyshire [Map]. She married September 1938 Harold Hyde aka Oxley and had issue.
In January 1920 Charles Hadfield [aged 33] and Edith Fletcher [aged 23] were married.
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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On 11th October 1937 [his wife] Caroline Wood [aged 82] died at 139 Hayfield Road [Map].
In September 1938 [his son-in-law] Harold Hyde aka Oxley [aged 25] and [his daughter] Edith Hadfield [aged 21] were married at Chapel en le Frith, Derbyshire [Map].
In January 1959 Charles Hadfield [aged 72] died.
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Hadfield
GrandFather: Charles Hadfield
Father: Thomas Hadfield
GrandFather: Robert Oakes
Mother: Elizabeth Oakes