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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Paternal Family Tree: Lusignan
Around 1150 Guy I King Jerusalem was born to [his father] Hugh VIII of Lusignan [age 42] and [his mother] Bourgogne Dame de Fontenay Taillebourg Countess Lusignan at Lusignan.
In 1151 [his father] Hugh VIII of Lusignan [age 43] succeeded VIII Seigneur of Lusignan.
On 27th March 1168 Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [age 46] and her party were ambushed by brothers Guy I King Jerusalem [age 18] and Geoffrey Lusignan [age 18].
Patrick of Salisbury 1st Earl Salisbury [age 46] was killed. He was buried at the Church of St Hilary, Poitiers. His son William [age 18] succeeded 2nd Earl Salisbury.
William Marshal 1st Earl Pembroke [age 22] held off the enemy, was wounded and captured whilst Eleanor escaped. Eleanor subsequently paid his ransom.
Around 1170 [his father] Hugh VIII of Lusignan [age 62] died. His grandson Hugh [age 7] succeeded IX Seigneur of Lusignan.
In August 1186 [his step-son] Baldwin V King Jerusalem [age 9] died. His mother [his wife] Sibylla [age 26] succeeded Queen Jerusalem.
In August 1186 [his brother-in-law] Baldwin IV King Jerusalem [age 25] died at Jerusalem [Map]. He was buried in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre [Map]. His nephew [his step-son] Baldwin [age 9] succeeded V King Jerusalem.
In August 1186 Guy I King Jerusalem [age 36] was appointed I King Jerusalem.
In August 1186 Guy I King Jerusalem [age 36] and Sibylla Anjou Queen Jerusalem [age 26] were married. She the daughter of Almaric I King Jerusalem and Agnes Courtenay Queen Jerusalem.
In 1190 Conrad of Montferrat King of Jerusalem [age 44] and [his sister-in-law] Isabella Anjou Queen Jerusalem [age 18] were married; see
Ralph of Coggeshall. The difference in their ages was 26 years. She the daughter of Almaric I King Jerusalem and Maria Komnenos Queen Jerusalem [age 36].
In 1190 [his wife] Sibylla Anjou Queen Jerusalem [age 30] died. Her half sister [his sister-in-law] Isabella [age 18] succeeded Queen Jerusalem.
On 1st May 1191 King Richard "Lionheart" I of England [age 33] arrived in Limassol [Map] where he met with Guy I King Jerusalem [age 41].
In or before 1177 William Montferrat and Sibylla Anjou Queen Jerusalem were married. She the daughter of Almaric I King Jerusalem and Agnes Courtenay Queen Jerusalem.
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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[his father] Hugh VIII of Lusignan and [his mother] Bourgogne Dame de Fontenay Taillebourg Countess Lusignan were married. She by marriage Seigneur of Lusignan. He the son of [his grandfather] Hugh "Brown" VII of Lusignan II Count of La Marche and [his grandmother] Saracine Lezay Countess Lusignan and La Marche.
Great x 2 Grandfather: Hugh "Fair and Pious" Lusignan 
Great x 1 Grandfather: Hugh "Devil" VI of Lusignan I Count of La Marche
Great x 3 Grandfather: Bernard La Marche Count La Marche
Great x 2 Grandmother: Almodis La Marche Margrave Provence
GrandFather: Hugh "Brown" VII of Lusignan II Count of La Marche
Great x 3 Grandfather: Geoffrey Thouars
Great x 2 Grandfather: Aimery Thouars
Great x 1 Grandmother: Hildegarde Thouars Countess Lusignan and La Marche
Great x 2 Grandmother: Aremgarde Mauleon
Father: Hugh VIII of Lusignan
GrandMother: Saracine Lezay Countess Lusignan and La Marche
GrandFather: Geoffroy de Rancon Taillebourg
Mother: Bourgogne Dame de Fontenay Taillebourg Countess Lusignan