The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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On 1st January 1879 [his father] Edward Henry Redfern (age 27) and [his mother] Mary Hadfield Waterhouse (age 31) were married at Glossop.
On 17th November 1879 Jabez Henry Bond Redfern was born to [his father] Edward Henry Redfern (age 27) and [his mother] Mary Hadfield Waterhouse (age 31) in Hayfield, Derbyshire [Map].
On 4th April 1880 Jabez Henry Bond Redfern was baptised at St Matthew's Church, Hayfield [Map].
3rd April 1881. Census. Steeple Fold, Hayfield.
[his father] Edward H Redfern (age 29). Print rks Labourer.
[his mother] Mary Redfern (age 33).
Jabez H B Redfern (age 1)
etc.
5th April 1891. Census. Rock Hall, Hayfield.
[his father] Edward H Redfern (age 39). Labourer in Calico Print Works.
[his mother] Mary Redfern (age 43).
Jabez H B Redfern (age 11)
etc.
31st March 1901. Census. Arden or Chapel Street, Hayfield.
[his father] Edward H Redfern (age 49). Print Works Labourer.
[his mother] Mary Redfern (age 53).
Jabez H B Redfern (age 21)
etc.
On 30th July 1910 [his father] Edward Henry Redfern (age 58) died. He was living at 3 Jumble Lane, Hayfield at the time of his death. He was buried on 3rd August 1910 at St Matthew's Church, Hayfield [Map] where his gravestone is in the churchyard.
2nd April 1911. Census. 3 Jumble Lane, Hayfield.
[his mother] Mary Redfern (age 63).
Jabez H B Redfern (age 31). Single. General Labourer.
etc.
Before 22nd August 1916 Jabez Henry Bond Redfern (age 36) enlisted at Buxton, Derbyshire [Map].
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 22nd August 1916 Jabez Henry Bond Redfern (age 36) was killed in action. He was buried in the Yorkshire Regiment War Graves section of the Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay, Pas de Calais, France. Private 29842 13th Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, formerly 29842 Notts & Derby Regt.
Hayfield War Memorial [Map]. Side 4:
Redfern Jabez H B
Richardson Harold R,
Smith George
Towler Herbert
Wardle William
Waterhouse Fred. Second cousin of Charles Waterhouse ie same great-grandfather William Waterhouse.
Waterhouse Joe. Eldest brother of Charles Waterhouse above.
Waterhouse Willie, Wogan Edward, Woolley James S, Handford Joseph N.
GrandFather: Henry Redfern
Father: Edward Henry Redfern
GrandFather: Jabez Waterhouse
Mother: Mary Hadfield Waterhouse