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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Wimborne Minster, Dorset, South-West England, British Isles [Map]

Wimborne Minster, Dorset is in Wimborne, Dorset, Minsters in England.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 718. This year died Ingild [aged 46], the brother of Ina [aged 48]. Cwenburga and Cuthburga were their sisters. Cuthburga reared the monastery of Wimburn [Map]; and, though given in marriage to Ealdferth, King of Northumberland, they parted during their lives.

In 871 King Æthelred of Wessex [aged 24] was buried at Wimborne Minster, Dorset [Map]. King Alfred "The Great" of Wessex [aged 22] succeeded King of England. Æalhswith of Mercia Queen Consort of England by marriage Queen Consort England.

Assers Life of Alfred 871. 871. 41. Æthelred's Death.92 That same year, after Easter, the aforesaid King Æthelred [aged 24], having bravely, honourably, and with good repute governed his kingdom five years through many tribulations, went the way of all flesh, and was buried in Wimborne Minster [Map]93, where he awaits the coming of the Lord and the first resurrection with the just.

Note 92. Mostly from the Chronicle.

Note 93. In Dorsetshire.

Battle of Merton

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Around 22nd March 871. About two months after this, King Ethered [aged 24] and Alfred [aged 22] his brother fought with the army at Marden. They were in two divisions; and they put them both to flight, enjoying the victory for some time during the day; and there was much slaughter on either hand; but the Danes became masters of the field; and there was slain Bishop Heahmund, with many other good men. After this fight came a vast army in the summer to Reading. And after the Easter of this year died King Ethered. He reigned five years, and his body lies at Winburn-minster [Map]. Then Alfred, his brother, the son of Ethelwulf, took to the kingdom of Wessex.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 961. This year departed Odo, the good archbishop, and St. Dunstan [aged 52] took to the archbishopric. This year also died Elfgar, a relative of the king, in Devonshire; and his body lies at Wilton [Map]: and King Sifferth killed himself; and his body lies at Wimborn [Map]. This year there was a very great pestilence; when the great fever was in London; and St. Paul's minster was consumed with fire, and in the same year was afterwards restored. In this year Athelmod the masspriest, went to Rome, and there died on the eighteenth before the calends of September.

On 8th August 1482 Margaret Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 72] died. She was buried at Wimborne Minster, Dorset [Map].

On 30th November 1769 Admiral Richard King 1st Baronet [aged 39] and Susanna Margaretta Coker [aged 24] were married at Wimborne Minster, Dorset [Map].

On 15th April 1855 William John Bankes [aged 68] died. He was buried at Wimborne Minster, Dorset [Map].

Deeds of King Henry V

Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.

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