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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Biography of Hugh Segrave 1296-1387

Paternal Family Tree: Segrave

In 1270 [his father] John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 14) and Christiana Plessey Baroness Segrave were married.

In 1296 Hugh Segrave was born to [his father] John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 40) at Seagrave, Leicestershire.

In 1300 William Ferrers 1st Baron Ferrers of Groby (age 27) was created 1st Baron Ferrers of Groby. [his half-sister] Ellen or Margaret Segrave Baroness Ferrers Groby (age 18) by marriage Baroness Ferrers of Groby.

Before 4th May 1315 [his half-brother] Stephen Segrave 3rd Baron Segrave (age 30) and [his sister-in-law] Alice Fitzalan Baroness Segrave were married. She by marriage Baroness Segrave. She the daughter of Richard Fitzalan 1st or 8th Earl of Arundel and Alice Saluzzo Countess Arundel.

In 1318 [his half-sister] Ellen or Margaret Segrave Baroness Ferrers Groby (age 36) died.

On 4th October 1325 [his father] John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 69) died at Chacombe Priory [Map]. His son [his half-brother] Stephen (age 40) succeeded 3rd Baron Segrave.

Before 12th December 1325 [his half-brother] Stephen Segrave 3rd Baron Segrave (age 40) died. His son [his nephew] John (age 10) succeeded 4th Baron Segrave.

In 1381 Hugh Segrave (age 85) was appointed Lord Keeper of the Great Seal.

On 10th August 1381 Hugh Segrave (age 85) was appointed Lord Treasurer.

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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Patent Rolls. 12th February 1385. Commission to W. Bishop of Winchester (age 65), Thomas, Bishop of Exeter, Richard, Earl of Arundel (age 39), Robert, Earl of Oxford (age 23), Thomas, Earl of Nottingham (age 16), Hugh de Segrave (age 89), treasurer of England, Simon de Burley (age 45), under-chamberlain, Nicholas Brembre, mayor of London, John Clanvowe and Robert Plesyngton, knights, Master Walter Skirlawe, keeper of the privy seal, John Waltham, keeper of the rolls of Chancery, John Appelby, dean of St. Paul's, London, Richard Rounhale and Thomas Bacton, clerks,