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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Biography of William de Braose -1210

Paternal Family Tree: Braose

William de Braose was born to [his father] William de Braose 4th Baron Bramber and [his mother] Maud "Lady of Hay" St Valery Baroness Bramber.

Around 1166 [his father] William de Braose 4th Baron Bramber (age 22) and [his mother] Maud "Lady of Hay" St Valery Baroness Bramber (age 11) were married.

Abergavenny Massacre

Around 25th December 1175, Christmas, [his father] William de Braose 4th Baron Bramber (age 31) invited the local Welsh nobles to his Christmas court at Abergavenny Castle [Map] as an act of reconciliation. Seisyll ap Dyfnwal Gwent and his elder son Geoffrey Gwent were murdered. William de Braose 4th Baron Bramber and his men then rode to Seisyll's home. There his younger son Cadwalladr Gwent (age 7) was murdered and his wife captured.

In 1179 [his grandfather] William de Braose 3rd Baron Bramber (age 64) died. His son [his father] William (age 35) succeeded 4th Baron Bramber Feudal, 6th Baron Abergavenny Feudal Creation. [his mother] Maud "Lady of Hay" St Valery Baroness Bramber (age 24) by marriage Baroness Bramber Feudal and Baroness Abergavenny Feudal Creation.

In 1190 Robert Beaumont 3rd Earl of Leicester died. His son [his future brother-in-law] Robert succeeded 4th Earl of Leicester. [his sister] Loretta de Braose Countess Leicester (age 5) by marriage Countess of Leicester.

Around 1196 [his brother-in-law] Robert Beaumont 4th Earl of Leicester and [his sister] Loretta de Braose Countess Leicester (age 11) were married. She by marriage Countess of Leicester. He the son of Robert Beaumont 3rd Earl of Leicester and Petronilla Grandesmil Countess Leicester (age 61).

In 1197 [his son] John "Tadody aka Fatherless" Braose 8th Baron Bramber was born to William de Braose and [his future wife] Maud de Clare (age 13). He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England. He married 1219 his half fourth cousin Margred verch Llewellyn Baroness Clifford, daughter of Llewellyn "The Great" Aberffraw and Joan Plantagenet, and had issue.

In 1200 [his brother] Bishop Giles de Braose 7th Baron Braose 5th Baron Bramber was appointed Bishop of Hereford.

In 1206 William de Braose and Maud de Clare (age 22) were married. She the daughter of Richard Clare 3rd Earl Hertford (age 53) and Amice Fitzrobert Countess Hertford.

In 1210 [his mother] Maud "Lady of Hay" St Valery Baroness Bramber (age 55) and her son William de Braose were captured at Galloway.

Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'

This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.

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In 1210 William de Braose was starved to death at Corfe Castle, Dorset [Map].

In 1210 William de Braose was imprisoned at Corfe Castle, Dorset [Map].

In 1210 William de Braose was imprisoned at Windsor Castle [Map].

In 1210 [his mother] Maud "Lady of Hay" St Valery Baroness Bramber (age 55) starved to death at Corfe Castle, Dorset [Map].

In 1213 [his former wife] Maud de Clare (age 29) starved to death.