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: Mathrathal
Around 1060 Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal was born to [her father] Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn Mathrafal.
In 1069 at the Battle of Mechain fought in Radnorshire, Powys the brothers Maredudd Cadelling and Idwal Cadelling attempted to regain control of Radnorshire, Powys from brothers [her uncle] Bleddyn ap Cynfyn King Gwynedd King Powys and [her father] Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn Mathrafal. Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn Mathrafal and Idwal Cadelling were killed. Maredudd Cadelling died of exposure following the battle.
Around 1081 [her son] Gruffudd ap Rhys King Deheubarth was born to Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth (age 16) and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal (age 21) at Llandeilo. He married 1113 his half second cousin once removed Gwenllian Aberffraw Queen Consort Deheubarth, daughter of King Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd and Angharad Queen Consort Gwynedd, and had issue.
Around 1085 [her daughter] Nest ferch Rhys Dinefwr was born to Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth (age 20) and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal (age 25). She married before 1135 Gerald of Windsor and had issue.
Around 1113 [her son] Gruffudd ap Rhys King Deheubarth (age 32) and [her daughter-in-law] Gwenllian Aberffraw Queen Consort Deheubarth (age 13) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Deheubarth. She the daughter of King Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd (age 58) and Angharad Queen Consort Gwynedd (age 48). He the son of Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal Queen Consort Deheubarth (age 53). They were half second cousin once removed.
Before 1135 [her son-in-law] Gerald of Windsor (age 59) and [her daughter] Nest ferch Rhys Dinefwr (age 49) were married. She the daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal Queen Consort Deheubarth (age 74).
Before 1136 [her daughter] Nest ferch Rhys Dinefwr (age 50) died.
Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. 1137. [her son] Griffyth-ap-Rhys (age 56), king of Wales, perished through the artifices of his [her former daughter-in-law] wife.1
Note 1. So far from this being the case, Gwenlian, the wife of Griffythap-Rhys, prince of South Wales, a woman of a gallant spirit, seconded her husband's efforts for independence, and, in his absence, took the field in person at the head of her forces. See Giraldus Cambrensis Itin. i., c. iv., and Dr. Powell's notes: see also Warrington's History of Wales, p. 293.
In April 1137 Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal (age 77) died.
Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth succeeded King Deheubarth. Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal by marriage Queen Consort Deheubarth.
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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[her son] Cadwgan Dinefwr was born to Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal .
[her son] Goronwy Dinefwr was born to Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal .
[her son] Hywel ap Rhys Dinefwr was born to Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal .
Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal were married. They were third cousins.
Kings Gwynedd: Great Grand Daughter of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 3 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great Grand Daughter of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Gruffudd ap Rhys King Deheubarth [1]
Philippa Lancaster Queen Consort Denmark [1]
King Richard III of England [2]
Anne Neville Queen Consort England [2]
Queen Anne Boleyn of England [4]
Catherine Parr Queen Consort England [2]
Queen Catherine Howard of England [3]
Jane Grey I Queen England and Ireland [5]
George Wharton [33]
President George Washington [2]
Brigadier-General Charles Fitz-Clarence [121]
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom [506]
Queen Consort Camilla Shand [170]
Diana Spencer Princess Wales [1492]
Great x 1 Grandfather: Gwerystan ap Gwaithfoed Mathrafal
GrandFather: Cynfyn ap Gwersytan Mathrafal
Great x 1 Grandmother: Nest ferch Cadell ap Brochfael King Powys
Father: Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn Mathrafal
Great x 4 Grandfather: Cadell ap Rhodri King Seisyllwg
Great x 3 Grandfather: Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Great x 2 Grandfather: Owain King Deheubarth
Great x 1 Grandfather: Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
GrandMother: Angharad ferch Maredudd