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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St Michael's Church, Himley is in Himley, Staffordshire, Churches in Staffordshire.
On 29th June 1932 William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 65] died. He was buried at the Earl of Dudley's Memory Garden, St Michael's Church, Himley [Map]. His son William [aged 38] succeeded 3rd Earl of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire, 13th Baron Ward of Birmingham.
On 25th April 1952 Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 73] died. She was buried at the Earl of Dudley's Memory Garden, St Michael's Church, Himley [Map].
On 26th December 1969 William Humble Eric Ward 3rd Earl of Dudley [aged 75] died. He was buried at the Earl of Dudley's Memory Garden, St Michael's Church, Himley [Map]. His son William [aged 49] succeeded 4th Earl of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire, 14th Baron Ward of Birmingham. Maureen Swanson Countess of Dudley [aged 37] by marriage Countess of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire.
On 16th November 2011 Maureen Swanson Countess of Dudley [aged 78] died. She was buried at the Earl of Dudley's Memory Garden, St Michael's Church, Himley [Map].
On 16th November 2013 William Ward 4th Earl of Dudley [aged 93] died. He was buried at the Earl of Dudley's Memory Garden, St Michael's Church, Himley [Map]. His son William [aged 66] succeeded 5th Earl of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire, 15th Baron Ward of Birmingham.