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: Burrell
On 14th March 1723 [his father] Peter Burrell [aged 30] and [his mother] Amy Raymond [aged 24] were married.
On 10th October 1732 William Burrell 2nd Baronet was born to [his father] Peter Burrell [aged 40] and [his mother] Amy Raymond [aged 33] in Leadenhall Street [Map].
On 16th April 1756 [his father] Peter Burrell [aged 63] died.
In 1768 William Burrell 2nd Baronet [aged 35] was elected at MP Haslemere.
On 13th April 1773 William Burrell 2nd Baronet [aged 40] and Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell [aged 20] were married. The difference in their ages was 20 years. They were half second cousins.
In 1774 [his father-in-law] Charles Raymond 1st Baronet [aged 61] was created 1st Baronet Raymond of Valentine House in Essex with a special remainder to his son-in-law William Burrell 2nd Baronet [aged 41] and male issue of William Burrell 2nd Baronet and his wife Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell [aged 20]. Sarah Webster Lady Raymond [aged 51] by marriage Lady Raymond of Valentine House in Essex.
On 24th May 1774 [his son] Charles Merrik Burrell 3rd Baronet was born to William Burrell 2nd Baronet [aged 41] at Golden Square Soho. He married 4th July 1808 Frances Wyndham Lady Burrell, daughter of George O'Brien Wyndham 3rd Earl Egremont and Elizabeth Ilive Countess Egremont, and had issue.
In 1788 [his father-in-law] Charles Raymond 1st Baronet [aged 75] died. His son-in-law His first cousin once removed William [aged 55] succeeded 2nd Baronet Burrell of Valentine House. [his wife] Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell [aged 34] by marriage Lady Burrell of Valentine House.
On 16th August 1789 [his mother] Amy Raymond [aged 90] died.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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On 20th January 1796 William Burrell 2nd Baronet [aged 63] died at Deepdene, Surrey. His son Charles [aged 21] succeeded 3rd Baronet Burrell of Valentine House in Essex.
On 23rd May 1797 Reverend William Clay and [his former wife] Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell [aged 44] were married at St Marylebone Church.
On 20th June 1802 [his former wife] Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell [aged 49] died at Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Father: Peter Burrell
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Raymond
GrandFather: Hugh Raymond
Mother: Amy Raymond