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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Paternal Family Tree: Ponsonby
Maternal Family Tree: Anna Maria Mordaunt 1771
On 27th November 1780 [his father] Frederick Ponsonby 3rd Earl Bessborough (age 22) and [his mother] Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough (age 19) were married. She by marriage Countess Bessborough. She the daughter of [his grandfather] John Spencer 1st Earl Spencer (age 45) and [his grandmother] Margaret Georgiana Poyntz Countess Spencer (age 43). He the son of [his grandfather] William Ponsonby 2nd Earl Bessborough (age 76) and [his grandmother] Caroline Cavendish Countess Bessborough. They were fifth cousins.
On 31st July 1787 William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley was born to [his father] Frederick Ponsonby 3rd Earl Bessborough (age 29) and [his mother] Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough (age 26).
On 11th March 1793 [his grandfather] William Ponsonby 2nd Earl Bessborough (age 89) died. His son [his father] Frederick (age 35) succeeded 3rd Earl Bessborough, 4th Viscount Duncannon of Duncannon in Wexford, 4th Baron Bessborough of Bessborough in Kilkenny.
On 16th November 1805 [his brother] John Ponsonby 4th Earl Bessborough (age 24) and [his sister-in-law] Maria Fane (age 18) were married at Berkeley Square, Mayfair. She the daughter of John Fane 10th Earl of Westmoreland (age 46) and Sarah Anne Child Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of [his father] Frederick Ponsonby 3rd Earl Bessborough (age 47) and [his mother] Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough (age 44).
On 30th March 1806 [his aunt] Georgiana Spencer Duchess Devonshire (age 48) died at Devonshire House [Map]. She was buried at Derby Cathedral [Map]. Her husband William Cavendish 5th Duke Devonshire (age 58), her mother [his grandmother] Margaret Georgiana Poyntz Countess Spencer (age 68), her sister [his mother] Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough (age 44) and her eight months pregnant daughter Georgiana Cavendish Countess Carlisle (age 22) were present, as was Elizabeth Christiana Hervey Duchess Devonshire (age 48), her husband's mistress and future wife.
On 8th August 1814 William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley (age 27) and Barbara Ashley-Cooper Baroness Mauley (age 25) were married. She the daughter of Anthony Ashley-Cooper 5th Earl Shaftesbury and Barbara Webb Countess Shaftesbury (age 52). He the son of Frederick Ponsonby 3rd Earl Bessborough (age 56) and Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough (age 53).
On 12th September 1815 [his son] Charles Frederick Ashley-Cooper Ponsonby 2nd Baron de Mauley was born to William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley (age 28) and [his wife] Barbara Ashley-Cooper Baroness Mauley (age 26). He married 9th August 1838 his first cousin Maria Jane Elizabeth Ponsonby Baroness Mauley, daughter of John Ponsonby 4th Earl Bessborough and Maria Fane, and had issue.
In 1817 [his daughter] Frances Anne Georgiana Ponsonby was born to William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley (age 29) and [his wife] Barbara Ashley-Cooper Baroness Mauley (age 28).
On 11th November 1821 [his mother] Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough (age 60) died.
On 21st October 1824 [his brother-in-law] George Godolphin Osborne 8th Duke Leeds (age 22) and [his illegitimate half-sister] Harriet Emma Arundel Stewart (age 24) were married at the British Embassy, Paris. She the illegitmate daughter of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Earl Granville (age 51) and [his mother] Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough. They were fourth cousins.
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.
In 1826 William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley (age 38) was elected MP Poole.
On 24th June 1831 [his son] Ashley George John Ponsonby was born to William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley (age 43) and [his wife] Barbara Ashley-Cooper Baroness Mauley (age 42). He married 1857 Frances Charlotte Gordon and had issue.
In June 1832 William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley (age 44) was elected MP Knaresborough.
After June 1832 William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley (age 44) was elected MP Dorset.
The London Gazette 19629. [Whitehall, June 23, 1838.] The Queen has also been pleased to direct letters patent to be passed under the Great Seal, granting the dignity of a Baron of the said United "Kingdom to the following persons, and the heirs male of theii bodies lawfully begotten:
Anthony Adrian Earl of Kintore, by the name, stile and title of Baron Kintore.
Cornelius Viscount Lismore, by the name, stile, and title of Baron Lismore, of Shanbally-castle, in the county of Tipperary.
Warner William Baron Rossmore, by the name stile, and title of Baron Rossmore, of the county of Monaghan.
Robert Shapland Baron Carew, by the name, stile and title of Baron Carew, of Castlebore, in the county of Wexford.
The Honourable William Francis Spencer Ponsonby (age 50) by the name, stile, and title of Baron De Mauley of Canford, in ihe county of Dorset. [[his wife] Barbara Ashley-Cooper Baroness Mauley (age 49) by marriage Baroness de Mauley.]
Sir John Wrottesley (age 66), Bart, by the name, stile, and title of Baron Wrottesley, of Wrottesley, in the county of Stafford.
Charles Hanbury Tracy (age 59), Esq. by the name, stile and title of Baron Sudeley, of Toddington, in the county of Gloucester.
Paul Methuen (age 59), Esq. by the name, stile, amd title of Baron Methuen, of Corsham, in the county of Wilts.
On 9th August 1838 [his son] Charles Frederick Ashley-Cooper Ponsonby 2nd Baron de Mauley (age 22) and [his daughter-in-law] Maria Jane Elizabeth Ponsonby Baroness Mauley (age 19) were married. She the daughter of [his brother] John Ponsonby 4th Earl Bessborough (age 56) and [his former sister-in-law] Maria Fane. They were first cousins.
On 3rd February 1844 [his father] Frederick Ponsonby 3rd Earl Bessborough (age 86) died. His son [his brother] John (age 62) succeeded 4th Earl Bessborough, 5th Viscount Duncannon of Duncannon in Wexford, 5th Baron Bessborough of Bessborough in Kilkenny.
On 5th June 1844 [his wife] Barbara Ashley-Cooper Baroness Mauley (age 55) died. She has a monument at Saint Nicholas' Church, Hatherop.
On 16th May 1847 [his brother] John Ponsonby 4th Earl Bessborough (age 65) died. His son [his nephew] John (age 37) succeeded 5th Earl Bessborough, 6th Viscount Duncannon of Duncannon in Wexford, 6th Baron Bessborough of Bessborough in Kilkenny.
On 15th February 1850 Francis Osborne 1st Baron Godolphin (age 72) died. His son [his brother-in-law] George (age 47) succeeded 2nd Baron Godolphin of Farnham Royal in Buckinghamshire. [his illegitimate half-sister] Harriet Emma Arundel Stewart (age 49) by marriage Baroness Godolphin of Farnham Royal in Buckinghamshire.
On 28th October 1852 [his illegitimate half-sister] Harriet Emma Arundel Stewart (age 52) died.
On 16th May 1855 William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley (age 67) died. His son Charles (age 39) succeeded 2nd Baron de Mauley. [his daughter-in-law] Maria Jane Elizabeth Ponsonby Baroness Mauley (age 36) by marriage Baroness de Mauley.
Kings Wessex: Great x 22 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 19 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 24 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 20 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 23 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 11 Grand Son of King Henry VII of England and Ireland
Kings Scotland: Great x 21 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 28 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 14 Grand Son of Charles "Beloved Mad" VI King France
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 26 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Ponsonby 
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Ponsonby 1st Viscount Duncannon 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Folliott 1st Baron Folliott 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Folliot 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Strode Countess Roscommon 
Great x 1 Grandfather: Brabazon Ponsonby 1st Earl Bessborough 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Charles Moore 2nd Viscount Moore of Drogheda
Great x 3 Grandfather: Randle Moore
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Loftus Viscountess Moore 
Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Moore
GrandFather: William Ponsonby 2nd Earl Bessborough 12 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Archbishop James Margetson
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Margetson
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Bonnett
Great x 1 Grandmother: Sarah Margetson 13 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Caulfeild 2nd Baron Caulfeild
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Caulfeild 1st Viscount Charlemont 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary King 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Caulfeild Baroness Carpenter 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Charles Moore 2nd Viscount Moore of Drogheda
Great x 3 Grandmother: Sarah Moore Viscountess Charlemont
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Loftus Viscountess Moore
Father: Frederick Ponsonby 3rd Earl Bessborough 12 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Cavendish 3rd Earl Devonshire 
10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Cavendish 1st Duke Devonshire 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cecil Countess Devonshire 
8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Cavendish 2nd Duke Devonshire 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde 
9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Mary Butler Duchess Devonshire 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Preston Duchess Ormonde 
9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Cavendish 3rd Duke Devonshire 10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Russell 1st Duke Bedford 
9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Russell 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Carr Countess of Bedford 
9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Rachel Russell Duchess Devonshire 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Wriothesley 4th Earl of Southampton 2nd Earl Chichester 
7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Rachel Wriothesley 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Rachel Massue Countess Southampton
GrandMother: Caroline Cavendish Countess Bessborough 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Charles Hoskins
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Hoskins of Oxted
Great x 1 Grandmother: Catherine Hoskins Duchess Devonshire
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Hale
Great x 2 Grandmother: Catherine Hale
William Francis Spencer Ponsonby 1st Baron de Mauley 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry VII of England and Ireland
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland 
8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland 
8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol 
8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Digby Countess Sunderland 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Russell Countess Bristol 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Spencer 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Winston Churchill 
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough 14 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Drake 13 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland 15 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Jennings
Great x 3 Grandmother: Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough
Great x 4 Grandmother: Frances Thornhurst
GrandFather: John Spencer 1st Earl Spencer 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry VII of England and Ireland
Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Carteret 
13 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Carteret 1st Baron Carteret 12 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jemima Montagu 
11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Carteret 2nd Earl Granville 13 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Granville 1st Earl Bath
Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Granville Baroness Gower
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jane Wyche
Great x 1 Grandmother: Georgiana Caroline Carteret 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Worsley 3rd Baronet 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Worsley 4th Baronet 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Herbert Countess Gainsborough 
9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Frances Worsley Countess Granville 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Thynne 1st Viscount Weymouth 
10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Frances Thynne 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland
Great x 4 Grandmother: Frances Finch Viscountess Weymouth 
5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland
Mother: Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Poyntz 
10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Newdigate Poyntz 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Poyntz 12 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Stephen Poyntz 13 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
GrandMother: Margaret Georgiana Poyntz Countess Spencer 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough 
7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Mordaunt 1st Viscount Mordaunt 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough 
8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Lewis Mordaunt 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Carey 
7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Carey Viscountess Mordaunt 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Smith
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anna Maria Mordaunt 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England