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.

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Biography of Hugh Segrave 1296-1387

Paternal Family Tree: Segrave

In 1270 [his father] John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 14) and Christiana Plessey Baroness Segrave were married.

In 1296 Hugh Segrave was born to [his father] John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 40) at Seagrave, Leicestershire.

In 1300 William Ferrers 1st Baron Ferrers of Groby (age 27) was created 1st Baron Ferrers of Groby. [his half-sister] Ellen or Margaret Segrave Baroness Ferrers Groby (age 18) by marriage Baroness Ferrers of Groby.

Before 4th May 1315 [his half-brother] Stephen Segrave 3rd Baron Segrave (age 30) and [his sister-in-law] Alice Fitzalan Baroness Segrave were married. She by marriage Baroness Segrave. She the daughter of Richard Fitzalan 1st or 8th Earl of Arundel and Alice Saluzzo Countess Arundel.

In 1318 [his half-sister] Ellen or Margaret Segrave Baroness Ferrers Groby (age 36) died.

On 4th October 1325 [his father] John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 69) died at Chacombe Priory [Map]. His son [his half-brother] Stephen (age 40) succeeded 3rd Baron Segrave.

Before 12th December 1325 [his half-brother] Stephen Segrave 3rd Baron Segrave (age 40) died. His son [his nephew] John (age 10) succeeded 4th Baron Segrave.

In 1381 Hugh Segrave (age 85) was appointed Lord Keeper of the Great Seal.

On 10th August 1381 Hugh Segrave (age 85) was appointed Lord Treasurer.

Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.

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Patent Rolls. 12th February 1385. Commission to W. Bishop of Winchester (age 65), Thomas, Bishop of Exeter, Richard, Earl of Arundel (age 39), Robert, Earl of Oxford (age 23), Thomas, Earl of Nottingham (age 16), Hugh de Segrave (age 89), treasurer of England, Simon de Burley (age 45), under-chamberlain, Nicholas Brembre, mayor of London, John Clanvowe and Robert Plesyngton, knights, Master Walter Skirlawe, keeper of the privy seal, John Waltham, keeper of the rolls of Chancery, John Appelby, dean of St. Paul's, London, Richard Rounhale and Thomas Bacton, clerks,