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: Farquhar
In 1729 [his father] Robert Farquhar [aged 30] and [his mother] Katherine Turing [aged 17] were married.
In October 1738 Walter Farquhar 1st Baronet was born to [his father] Robert Farquhar [aged 39] and [his mother] Katherine Turing [aged 27] at Chapel of Garioch, Aberdeenshire.
Before 27th June 1755 Walter Farquhar 1st Baronet [aged 16] and Anne Stevenson were married.
In 1760 Walter Farquhar 1st Baronet [aged 21] joined the 19th Regiment of Foot as a surgeon.
On 27th June 1775 [his son] Thomas Harvie Farquhar 2nd Baronet was born to Walter Farquhar 1st Baronet [aged 36].
On 14th October 1776 [his son] Robert Farquhar was born to Walter Farquhar 1st Baronet [aged 38] and [his wife] Anne Stevenson. He married 10th January 1809 Maria Frances Geslip de Lautour and had issue.
From 1786 to 1792 Walter Farquhar 1st Baronet [aged 47] was shown as mortgagee-in-possession of Retreat Pen in St Ann, and from 1785-1790 of Great River in St James. Retreat and Great River were shown in this period as the property of the heirs of William Harvey; the will (proved in 1786) of Elizabeth Harvie, almost certainly the widow of Alexander Harvie the brother of William Harvie, described Walter Farquhar surgeon as her 'brother-in-law' and acknowledged the debt she owed him. Sir Walter Farquhar's wife was Anne Stevenson, from a Barbadian family, whose first husband had been 'Dr Harvie a physician'.
On 4th February 1787 [his father] Robert Farquhar [aged 88] died. He was buried at Blairdaff and Chapel of Garioch Church [Map] on 9th February 1787.
Caledonian Mercury - Thursday 15 February 1787, p 3: Extract of a letter from Aberdeen, Feb 13. "On Sunday, the 4th instant, died at Manse of chapel of Garioch, the Rev. Mr Robert Farquhar, minister of that parish, in the 88th year of his age and 51st of his ministry."
Around 1790 . Henry Raeburn [aged 33]. Portrait of Walter Farquhar 1st Baronet [aged 51].
1792 Retreat Pen, St Ann. Number of enslaved people: 57. Owned by Walter Farquhar 1st Baronet [aged 53].
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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On 23rd September 1793 [his wife] Anne Stevenson died.
Around 1796 Walter Farquhar 1st Baronet [aged 57] was appointed Physician-in-Ordinary to the Prince of Wales [aged 33].
The London Gazette 13868. Whitehall, February 20 [1796]. The King has been pleased to confer the Dignity of a Baronet of the Kingdom of Great Britain upon Walter Farquhar [aged 57], Esq; of London, Doctor in Physic, and to the Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten [Baronet Farquhar of Cadogan House in Middlesex].
On 7th November 1798 [his mother] Katherine Turing [aged 87] died. She was buried at Blairdaff and Chapel of Garioch Church [Map].
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Monday 19 November 1798, p 4: On the 7th current, died here, in the 88th year of her age, Mrs Katherine Turing, widow of the Rev. Mr Robert Farquhar, late minister at Chapel of Garioch.
On 10th January 1809 [his son] Robert Townsend Farquhar 1st Baronet [aged 32] and [his daughter-in-law] Maria Frances Geslip de Lautour were married.
On 30th March 1819 Walter Farquhar 1st Baronet [aged 80] died. He was buried at St Martin in the Fields Church [Map]. His son Thomas [aged 43] succeeded 2nd Baronet Farquhar of Cadogan House in Middlesex.
Father: Robert Farquhar
GrandFather: Reverend Walter Turing
Mother: Katherine Turing