The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Biography of Bishop Richard Cox 1493-1581

Around 1493 Bishop Richard Cox was born in Whaddon, Buckinghamshire. He was educated at Eton College [Map] and King's College, Cambridge University [Map].

Henry Machyn's Diary. 5th August 1553. The v day of August cam to the Towre [Map] doctur dene of Westmynster, master Cokes [aged 60].

Henry Machyn's Diary. 5th August 1553. The sam day cam out of the Marsalsay [Map] the old bysshop of London, Bonar [aged 53], and dyvers bysshopes bryng hym home unto ys plasse at Powlles; and doctur Cokes [aged 60] whent to the sam plasse in the Marselsay [Map] that the bysshope was in.

In 1559 Bishop Richard Cox [aged 66] was appointed Bishop of Ely where he remained for twenty-one years.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 8th February 1559. The viij day (of) Feybruary dyd pryche a-for the quen, wyche was Aswedynsday, doctur Kokes [aged 66] sumtyme dene of Westmynster.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th February 1559. The (blank) dyd pryche doctur Kokes [aged 66].

Henry Machyn's Diary. 28th March 1559. The xxviij day of Marche, the wyche was Ester-tuwysday, doctur Cokes [aged 66] sum-tyme dene of Westmynster dyd pryche.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23rd June 1559. The xxiij day of June was electyd vj nuw byshopes, com from beyond the see, master Parker [aged 54] bysshope of Canturbere, master Gryndall [aged 40] bysshope of London, docthur Score [aged 49] bysshope of Harfford, Barlow [aged 61] Chechastur, doctur Bylle of Salysbere [Note. Possibly a reference to William Bill [aged 54] although he wasn't Bishop of Salisbury, doctur Cokes [aged 66] (of) Norwyche [Note. He was elected but the Queen changed her mind and appointed him to Ely].

Henry Machyn's Diary. 19th May 1560. The xix day of May dyd pryche at Powlles [cross] [Map] my lord byshope of Ele, docthur Kokes [aged 67], sum-tyme dene of Westmynster, and ther was browth hym word that one had fond a (blank) of money, and any man cold or cane tell what money yt was, lett cum, and they shall have yt.

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23rd March 1561. The sam day dyd pryche at the cowrte the byshope of Ely, docthur Cokes [aged 68], and he w[ould that none] shuld pryche of he [high] matters butt they that were well le[arned.]

1562 News Years Day Gift Giving

On 1st January 1562 the New Years Gift Giving was held. Those who gave gifts provide an interesting who's who of the Elizabethan Court soon after Elizabeth I's Coronation. Queen Elizabeth [aged 28] was present since a number are described as "With the Qene her Majestie."

For 'dimy' read 'demi' ie half-sovereigns.

Neweeyeur's Gyftes gevon to the Quene her Majestie by those Parsons whose Names hereafter ensue, the first of January, the Yere above wrytten.

By the Lady Margaret Strainge [aged 22], a little round mounte of golde to conteyne a pomaunder in it. With the Qene her Majestie. Note. Lady Margaret Strange married Henry Stanley Lord Strange [aged 30] on 07 Feb 1555. In 1561 he had not succeeded to Earldom of Derby and was known by the courtesy title Lord Strange. She is listed first since she was one of the few remaining direct descendants of Henry VII, being a great-granddaughter by his daughter Mary Tudor. Margaret Clifford was first in line to succeed in 1568 but died in 1596 before Elizabeth I.

Dukes, Marquises and Earls.

By the Duke of Norfolke [aged 25], in a purse of purple silke and golde knit, in sundry coynes of golde £20 0s 0d.

By the Marquis of Winchester [aged 79], High Threasourer of Englande, in a purse of crymsen satten, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Marquis of Northampton [aged 50], in a purse of crymsen silke and gold knit, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Arundell [aged 49], Lord Steward, in a paper, in angels, £30 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Shrewesburye [aged 34], in a red silke purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Darbye [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen satten, embraudered with golde, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Pembroke [aged 61], in a purse of black silk and silver knit, in new angells £30 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Bedforde [aged 35], in a purse of black silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Rutlande [aged 35], in a purse of red silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraigns and angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Huntingdon, in a red silk purse, in angells £15 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Westmerlande [aged 37], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Oxforde [aged 46], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Northumberlande [aged 34], in a purse of black silke and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d. With the Quene her Highness.

By the Earle of Warwike [aged 32], a smocke wrought with black silk, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke. Delivered to the Baroness Cobham [aged 23].

By the Viscounte Mountague [aged 33], in a purse of cloth of golde, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

Bishops. The list of Bishops ends with "With her said Majestie"; unclear whether this refers to all the Bishops listed.

By the Archbusshop of Caunterbury [aged 57], in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £40 0s 0d.

By the Archbusshop of York [aged 61], in soveraigns £30 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Duresme [aged 42], in a purse of crymson silk and gold knytt, in angells £30 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Ely [aged 69], in a red vellat purse, in angells £30 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Wynchester [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt and set with pearles, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of London [aged 43], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Salisbury [aged 39], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Worcester [aged 43], in a black vellat purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Lyncoln [aged 42], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Chychester [aged 64], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Norwich [aged 50], in a blew silk purse £13 6s 8d.

By the Busshop of Hereforde [aged 52], in a green silk purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Lychfield and Coventry [aged 48], in a red satten purse, in angells £13 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Rochester [aged 48], in a red purse, in gold £13 6s 8d.

By the Busshop of Saint Davies [aged 55], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Bathe, in a purse of red silk, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Exetour, in a blew silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Peterborowe, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Chester, in a red purse, in angells and soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

Duchesses and Countesses.

By the Duchess of Norfolke [aged 22], in a prse of crymsen silk and gold knyt, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Duchess of Somerset [aged 65], in a purse of silver and black silk, in royalls and ducketts £14 0s 0d. Probably the Dowager Duchess of Somerset since her husband Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset had been executed in 1552, and their children disinherited as a result.

By the Countess of Surrey, in a purse of tawny silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Dowager since her husband Henry Howard 1516-1547, by courtesy Earl Surrey, had been executed in 1547.

By the Countess of Pembroke [aged 38], in a cherry bag of crymsen satten, in new angells £15 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Bedford [aged 36], in a purse of crymsen silk and silver knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Darby [aged 51], in a purse of crymson sattin embrodred with gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Oxford [aged 36], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Shrewisbury, Dowager [aged 62], in a purse of black silk knytt, in dimy soveraignes £12 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Shrewisbury [aged 37], in a red silk purse knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Huntingdon, Dowager [aged 51], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Huntingdon [aged 24], in a red purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Northumberland [aged 24], in a purse of black silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Rutland [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.

Viscountesses.

By the Vicountess Hereford, Dowager [aged 42], six hankercheffes edged with gold delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

By the Vicountess Mountague [aged 23], in a purse of cloth of gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

Lordes.

By the Lorde Keeper of the Great Seale, Bacon [aged 51], in a purse of silver knytt, in angells £13 6s 8d.

By the Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen [aged 52], in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Pagett [aged 56], in a greene purse in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.

By the Lorde Clynton, Lord Admyrall [aged 50], in gold £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Riche [aged 65], in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Lorde North [aged 66], in a purse of purple silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Lumley [aged 29], in a paper, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Hastings of Loughboro [aged 41], in a red silk purse, in French crowns £13 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Stafford [aged 60], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Windsor [aged 30], in a purse of crymsn silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

by Lorde John Graye [aged 38], a haunce pott of allabaster garnished with silver gilt. Delivered in charge to John Asteley, Esq Master and Threasourer of her Highnes Jewels and Plate. Lord John Grey assumed to be a courtesy title his father being Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset.

By the Lorde Barkeley [aged 27], in a red purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Mountejoye [aged 29], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Abergavennye [aged 36], in a purse of red silke, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Scrowpe [aged 28], in a purse of blak silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Caree of Hundesdon [aged 35], in a purse of crymsen silk, in double ducketts £13 6s 8d.

By the Lorde Strainge, in a purse of red silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Lord Strange being the courtesy title for the Earldom of Derby. He wouldn't inherit until 1572.

By the Lorde Darcey of Chichey [aged 30], in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes, £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Shefild [aged 24], in a red silk purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Shandowes [aged 40], in a blak silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

Ladyes.

By the Baroness Howarde [aged 47], in a purse of crymsen silk and knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

By the Baroness Clinton [aged 35], a peire of sleevis of gold, pulled out with lawne. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

By the Baroness Genevillet, in gold £6 13s 4d.

By the Lady Barkeley [aged 24], Lord Barkeley's wife, in gold £5 0s 0d.

By the Lady Mountejoye [aged 30], in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Lady Abergavenny, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Lady Caree of Hundesdon [aged 33], in a blak purse knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Lady Taylboyes, Sir Peter Carewe's [aged 48] wyfe, in a purse of blak silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

By the Baroness Cobham, a partelett and a peire of sleeves of sypers wrought with silver and blak silke. Re-delivered to herself.

By the Lady Dakers [aged 21], a warming ball of gold, per oz. 3 oz. dim. With her said Majestie.

By the Lady Shefilde [aged 20], a paire of sleeves wrought with fringe of blak silk and lozeng of gold. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

By the Margaret Baroness Scrope [aged 18], in a purse of blak silk and silver, in angells £7 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

By the Lady Shandowes [aged 38], a peire of sleeves and a partlett of gold and silver knytt, cawle fashion. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

By the Lady Knowlles [aged 38], a feyne carpett of needleworke, theverende frienged and buttoned with gold and silk. Delivered to John Torneworth, Groom of the Privy Chamber.

By the Lady Butler, in a little white purse, in French crowns £6 0s 0d. With her said Majestie. Unclear as to who Lady Butler refers to.

By the Lady Raclyef, a peire of sleeves of cameryk, all over sett with purle, and two sweet bags. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th May 1562. The xxv day of May was bered master Godderyke [aged 56] sqwyer, the wyche he ded at ys place with-in Whyt-freres, and cared unto sant Andrew's in Holborne [Map] to be bered; and ther was the compene of the Clarkes syngyng pryke-song, and then cam a morner careng ys pennon of armes, and then cam master Yorke beyryng ys cott armur, and after master Clarenshus [aged 52]; and then cam the corse with a ryche palle of tynsell and ryche cloth of sylver with armes of bokeram; and then the morners, and after the byshope of Canturbere [aged 57] and the byshope of Ely [aged 69] and the byshope of London [aged 43], and next my lord keper [aged 51] and my lord cheyffe justus of England and mony worshephull men, and after ij C [200] of the ines of the cowrt folowd; and the dene of Powlles [aged 45] dyd pryche for hym.

Note. P. 283. Funeral of master Godderyke. It seems not improbable, from the attendance at this funeral, that this was a brother or near relative of the late bishop of Ely and lord chancellor. In the register of St. Andrew's he is styled sir Richard Goodricke. (Malcolm.)

In 1571 Unknown Painter. Portrait of Bishop Richard Cox [aged 78].

In 1577 Unknown Painter. Portrait of Bishop Richard Cox [aged 84].

On 22nd July 1581 Bishop Richard Cox [aged 88] died.