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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Biography of King Haakon V 1270-1319

Paternal Family Tree: Sverre

On 11th September 1261 [his father] King Magnus VI of Norway [aged 23] and [his mother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway [aged 17] were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] King Eric IV of Denmark and [his grandmother] Jutta of Saxony [aged 38]. He the son of King Haakon IV of Norway [aged 57].

On 10th April 1270 King Haakon V was born to [his father] King Magnus VI of Norway [aged 31] and [his mother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway [aged 26].

On 9th May 1280 [his father] King Magnus VI of Norway [aged 42] died. His son [his brother] Eric [aged 12] succeeded King Norway.

On 31st August 1281 [his brother] Eric II King Norway [aged 13] and [his sister-in-law] Margaret Dunkeld Queen Consort Norway [aged 20] were married at Bergen. She the daughter of King Alexander III of Scotland [aged 39] and Margaret Queen of Scotland. He the son of [his father] King Magnus VI of Norway and [his mother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway [aged 37]. They were half fourth cousin once removed. She a granddaughter of King Henry III of England.

On 24th March 1287 or 26th March 1287 [his mother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway [aged 43] died.

In 1293 [his brother] Eric II King Norway [aged 25] and [his sister-in-law] Isabel Bruce Queen Norway [aged 21] were married. She by marriage Queen Norway. She the daughter of Robert Bruce Earl Carrick [aged 49] and Marjorie Carrick 3rd Countess Carrick. He the son of [his father] King Magnus VI of Norway and [his mother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway.

In 1295 King Haakon V [aged 24] and Isabel Joigny were married. He the son of King Magnus VI of Norway and Queen Ingeborg of Norway.

In 1297 [his wife] Isabel Joigny died.

In 1299 King Haakon V [aged 28] and Euphemia of Rügen Queen Norway [aged 19] were married. He the son of King Magnus VI of Norway and Queen Ingeborg of Norway.

On 15th July 1299 Eric II King Norway [aged 31] died. His brother Haakon [aged 29] succeeded V King Norway. Euphemia of Rügen Queen Norway [aged 19] by marriage Queen Norway.

Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'

This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.

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In 1301 [his son] Ingeborg of Norway was born to King Haakon V [aged 30]. He died aged less than one years old.

On 17th June 1301 [his son] Ingeborg of Norway died.

In May 1312 [his wife] Euphemia of Rügen Queen Norway [aged 32] died.

On 8th May 1319 King Haakon V [aged 49] died.