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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Earl Abercorn is in Earl.
On 10th April 1606 James Hamilton 1st Earl Abercorn (age 30) was created 1st Earl Abercorn. Marion Boyd Countess Abercorn (age 23) by marriage Countess Abercorn.
On 23rd March 1618 James Hamilton 1st Earl Abercorn (age 42) died. His son James (age 14) succeeded 2nd Earl Abercorn.
In 1670 James Hamilton 2nd Earl Abercorn (age 66) died. His son George (age 34) succeeded 3rd Earl Abercorn. His brother Claud succeeded 2nd Baron Hamilton of Strabane.
Before 1683 George Hamilton 3rd Earl Abercorn (age 46) died in Padua on his way to Rome, Italy [Map]. His first cousin once removed Claud (age 23) succeeded 4th Earl Abercorn.
In 1691 Claud Hamilton 4th Earl Abercorn (age 32) died. His brother Charles (age 31) succeeded 5th Earl Abercorn.
In June 1701 Charles Hamilton 5th Earl Abercorn (age 41) died in Strabane without issue. His second cousin James (age 40) succeeded 6th Earl Abercorn.
On 28th November 1734 James Hamilton 6th Earl Abercorn (age 73) died. His son James (age 48) succeeded 7th Earl Abercorn. Anne Plumer Countess Abercorn (age 44) by marriage Countess Abercorn.
On 11th January 1744 James Hamilton 7th Earl Abercorn (age 57) died. His son James (age 31) succeeded 8th Earl Abercorn.
On 9th October 1789 James Hamilton 8th Earl Abercorn (age 76) died. His nephew John (age 33) succeeded 9th Earl Abercorn. Catherine Moyle Marchioness Abercorn (age 29) by marriage Countess Abercorn.
On 27th January 1818 John Hamilton 1st Marquess Abercorn (age 61) died. His grandson James (age 7) succeeded 2nd Marquess Abercorn, 10th Earl Abercorn.
On 31st October 1885 James Hamilton 1st Duke of Abercorn (age 74) died. His son James (age 47) succeeded 2nd Duke Abercorn, 3rd Marquess Abercorn, 11th Earl Abercorn.
On 3rd January 1913 James Hamilton 2nd Duke of Abercorn (age 74) died. His son James (age 43) succeeded 3rd Duke Abercorn, 4th Marquess Abercorn, 12th Earl Abercorn. Rosalind Cecilia Caroline Bingham Duchess Abercorn (age 43) by marriage Duchess Abercorn.
On 12th September 1953 James Albert Edward Hamilton 3rd Duke of Abercorn (age 83) died. His son James (age 49) succeeded 4th Duke Abercorn, 4th Marquess Hamilton, 5th Marquess Abercorn, 13th Earl Abercorn. Kathleen Hamilton Duchess of Abercorn (age 48) by marriage Duchess Abercorn.