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: Evelyn
On 4th December 1641 George Evelyn of Nutfield was born to [his father] George Evelyn of West Dean [aged 60].
In 1664 [his father] George Evelyn of West Dean [aged 82] died.
On 8th September 1664 George Evelyn of Nutfield [aged 22] and Mary Longley [aged 21] were married. There was no issue from the marriage.
In 1673 [his wife] Mary Longley [aged 30] died.
In June 1673 George Evelyn of Nutfield [aged 31] and Margaret Webb [aged 20] were married.
On 7th April 1674 [his daughter] Margaret Evelyn was born to George Evelyn of Nutfield [aged 32] and [his wife] Margaret Webb [aged 21]. She married 5th February 1695 Peter Hussey.
On 3rd October 1677 [his son] John Evelyn of Nutfield was born to George Evelyn of Nutfield [aged 35] and [his wife] Margaret Webb [aged 24].
Before 24th May 1683 [his wife] Margaret Webb [aged 30] died.
Before 19th August 1685 [his son] Richard Evelyn of Dublin was born to George Evelyn of Nutfield [aged 43].
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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On 4th December 1686 [his son] William Evelyn Evelyn was born to George Evelyn of Nutfield [aged 45].
John Evelyn's Diary. 30th March 1694. I went to the Duke of Norfolk [aged 39], to desire him to make cousin Evelyn of Nutfield [aged 52] one of the Deputy-Lieutenants of Surrey, and entreat him to dismiss my brother [aged 76], now unable to serve by reason of age and infirmity. The Duke granted the one, but would not suffer my brother to resign his commission, desiring he should keep the honor of it during his life, though he could not act. He professed great kindness to our family.
John Evelyn's Diary. 4th August 1694. I went to visit my cousin, George Evelyn of Nutfield [aged 52], where I found a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters-all beautiful women grown, and extremely well-fashioned. All painted in one piece, very well, by Mr. Lutterell, in crayon on copper, and seeming to be as finely painted as the best miniature. They are the children of two extraordinary beautiful wives. The boys were at school.
John Evelyn's Diary. 1st February 1695. Lord Spencer [aged 19] married the Duke of Newcastle's daughter [aged 21], and our neighbour, Mr. Hussey, married a daughter of my cousin, George Evelyn, of Nutfield [aged 53].
Around 5th February 1695 [his son-in-law] Peter Hussey [aged 28] and [his daughter] Margaret Evelyn [aged 20] were married.
In June 1699 George Evelyn of Nutfield [aged 57] died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 19th June 1699. My cousin, George Evelyn, of Nutfield [deceased], died suddenly.
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Evelyn of Kingston
Great x 1 Grandfather: George Evelyn of Long Ditton
GrandFather: John Evelyn of Godstone
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Williams
Great x 1 Grandmother: Rose Williams
Father: George Evelyn of West Dean