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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Robert Walker is in Painters.
In 1599 Robert Walker was born.
Around 1637. Robert Walker (age 38). Self-Portrait.
Around 1644. Robert Walker (age 45). Portrait of John Acland 1st Baronet (age 53).
After 1st July 1644. Robert Walker (age 45). Portrait of John Evelyn (age 23). See Diary Entry 1st July 1664.
Around 1645. Robert Walker (age 46). Self-Portrait.
John Evelyn's Diary. 1st July 1648. I sate for my picture, in which there is a Death's head, to Mr. Walker (age 49), that excellent painter.
Note 1. See Portrait by Robert Walker.
Around 1649. Robert Walker (age 50). Oliver Cromwell (age 49).
Around 1650. Robert Walker (age 51). Portrait of Henry Ireton (age 39).
Around 1650. Robert Walker (age 51). Portrait of Richard Sackville 5th Earl Dorset (age 27).
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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John Evelyn's Diary. 6th August 1650. To Mr. Walker's (age 51), a good painter, who showed me an excellent copy of Titian.
Around 1652. Robert Walker (age 53). Portrait of General John Lambert (age 32).
In 1653. Robert Walker (age 54). Portrait of Elizabeth Bourchier (age 55).
Elizabeth Bourchier: In 1598 she was born to John Bourchier. On 22nd August 1620 Oliver Cromwell and she were married. In 1665 she died.
In 1654. Robert Walker (age 55). Portrait of William Wentworth 2nd Earl Strafford (age 27).
Around 1654. Robert Walker (age 55). Portrait of Major General Charles Fleetwood (age 36).
Before 1658. Robert Walker (age 58). Portrait of Conyers Darcy 2nd Earl Holderness (age 35).
In 1658 Robert Walker (age 59) died.