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 Rotrou Newburgh Archbishop of Rouen -1183

Paternal Family Tree: Beaumont

Maternal Family Tree: Beatrix de Ramerupt Montdidier Countess Mortain and Perche 1129

Rotrou Newburgh Archbishop of Rouen was born to [his father] Henry Beaumont 1st Earl Warwick and [his mother] Marguerite Chateaudun Countess Warwick.

Rotrou Newburgh Archbishop of Rouen was appointed Bishop Evreux.

Rotrou Newburgh Archbishop of Rouen was appointed Archbishop of Rouen.

In 1088 [his father] Henry Beaumont 1st Earl Warwick (age 38) was created 1st Earl Warwick.

Before 1100 [his father] Henry Beaumont 1st Earl Warwick (age 49) and [his mother] Marguerite Chateaudun Countess Warwick were married. She by marriage Countess Warwick. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Geoffrey Chateaudun II Count Mortain III Count Perche and [his grandmother] Beatrix de Ramerupt Montdidier Countess Mortain and Perche.

Death of King William II

On 2nd August 1100 King William II of England (age 44) died in a hunting accident, not known whether accidentally or otherwise, in the New Forest, Hampshire. His brother Henry (age 32) succeeded I King of England. The brothers [his uncle] Robert Beaumont 1st Earl of Leicester Count Meulan (age 60) and [his father] Henry Beaumont 1st Earl Warwick (age 50), and Roger de Clare (age 34) and Gilbert de Clare (age 34) were present.

On 20th June 1119 [his father] Henry Beaumont 1st Earl Warwick (age 69) died. His son [his brother] Roger (age 17) succeeded 2nd Earl Warwick.

In 1130 [his brother] Roger Beaumont 2nd Earl Warwick (age 28) and [his sister-in-law] Gundred Warenne Countess Warwick were married. She by marriage Countess Warwick. She the daughter of William Warenne 2nd Earl of Surrey and Elizabeth Capet Countess Leicester, Meulan and Surrey (age 45). He the son of [his father] Henry Beaumont 1st Earl Warwick and [his mother] Marguerite Chateaudun Countess Warwick.

On 12th June 1153 [his brother] Roger Beaumont 2nd Earl Warwick (age 51) died. His son [his nephew] William (age 13) succeeded 3rd Earl Warwick.

After 1156 [his mother] Marguerite Chateaudun Countess Warwick died.

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 10th September 1167 Empress Matilda (age 65) died. She was buried under the high alter at Bec Abbey [Map] during a service performed by Rotrou Newburgh Archbishop of Rouen. Her tomb's epitaph reads 'Great by birth, greater by marriage, greatest in her offspring: here lies Matilda, the daughter, wife, and mother of Henry'.

On 27th August 1172 Henry the Young King (age 17) and Margaret Capet (age 15) were married at Winchester Cathedral [Map]. Margaret's dowry included the Vexin; the border between France and Normandy. On the same day they were both crowned by Rotrou Newburgh Archbishop of Rouen. She the daughter of Louis VII King of the Franks (age 52) and Constance of Castile Queen of the Franks. He the son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England (age 39) and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 50). They were half fourth cousins.