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: Mainwaring
In or before 1577 [his uncle] Edward Mainwaring of Whitmore (age 61) and [his mother] Jane Craddock were married.
In 1577 Edward Mainwaring was born to [his uncle] Edward Mainwaring of Whitmore (age 62) and [his mother] Jane Craddock.
In 1600 Edward Mainwaring (age 23) and Sarah Stone were married.
In 1601 Edward Mainwaring (age 24) was elected MP Newcastle under Lyme.
On 7th April 1603 [his son] Edward Mainwaring was born to Edward Mainwaring (age 26) and [his wife] Sarah Stone. He married in or before 1635 Anne Lomax and had issue.
In 1604 [his uncle] Edward Mainwaring of Whitmore (age 89) died.
In 1609 Edward Mainwaring (age 32) was elected Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
In 1625 [his son-in-law] James Abney of Measham in Derbyshire and [his daughter] Jane Mainwaring were married.
In or before 1635 [his son] Edward Mainwaring (age 31) and [his daughter-in-law] Anne Lomax were married.
In 1640 Edward Mainwaring (age 63) was elected Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
In 1643 Edward Mainwaring (age 66) was elected Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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In 1645 Edward Mainwaring (age 68) was appointed High Sheriff of Staffordshire.
In 1647 Edward Mainwaring (age 70) died.
[his son] John Mainwaring Rector was born to Edward Mainwaring and Sarah Stone. He married (1) Anne Gregson (2) Susanna Piggott.
[his daughter] Jane Mainwaring was born to Edward Mainwaring and Sarah Stone. She married 1625 James Abney of Measham in Derbyshire.
Kings Wessex: Great x 23 Grand Son of King Alfred "The Great" of Wessex
Kings England: Great x 15 Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Kings Franks: Great x 25 Grand Son of Louis "Pious" King Aquitaine I King of the Franks
Kings France: Great x 18 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 23 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Randle Mainwaring of Over Peover 9 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Mainwaring 10 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margery Venables
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Mainwaring 11 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Hankyn Mainwaring 12 x Great Grand Son of
GrandFather: John Mainwaring of Over Peover 13 x Great Grand Son of
Father: Edward Mainwaring of Whitmore 14 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Holford
GrandMother: Katherine Honford
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Savage 
Great x 1 Grandmother: Jane Savage
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Brereton
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Brereton
Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Elizabeth Brereton
Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Venables of Kinderton
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anyll Vanables
Edward Mainwaring 15 x Great Grand Son of
GrandFather: Matthew Craddock of Stafford
Mother: Jane Craddock