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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Wall Monument

Wall Monument is in Architectural Detail.

After 1634. Monument to Brian Jansen. Alabaster Wall Monument with kneeling figures and children below in Saint Leodegarius Church, Ashby St Ledgers [Map].

After 1740. Monument to Moses Ashley in Saint Leodegarius Church, Ashby St Ledgers [Map]. Grey and white marble Wall Monument with portrait bust in roundel sculpted by Nathaniel Hedges.

Moses Ashley: he was born to Joseph Ashley of Great Broughton. In 1740 he died.

On 21st September 1761 John Bentley Ashley (age 59) died. Monument to John Bentley Ashley in Saint Leodegarius Church, Ashby St Ledgers [Map]. Sculpted by John "The Elder" Bacon (age 20). Standing wall monument with two large allegorical figures flanking the inscription. Above them is a Sarcophagus on which is a Roman lamp on front of a black Obelisk. Also to James Ashley -1798. Simple Wall Monument with Urn and Obelisk. Also to Jane Pocock (age 51) and by whose will the. Monument was erected.

John Bentley Ashley: he and Jane Pocock were married. Around 1702 he was born to Joseph Ashley of Great Broughton.

Jane Pocock: In 1710 she was born. On 13th June 1784 she died.