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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On 26th April 1765 Amy Lyon aka Emma Hart Lady Hamilton was born to [her father] Henry Lyon [aged 28] in Swan Cottage, Ness Necton. He died two months later.
On 12th May 1765 Amy Lyon aka Emma Hart Lady Hamilton was baptised.
Around 26th June 1765 [her father] Henry Lyon [aged 28] died.
In 1779 Mary "Perdita" Darby aka Robinson [aged 21] gained popularity when she played the role of Perdita in Florizel and Perdita, an adaptation of Shakespeare's Winter's Tale. It was during this performance that she attracted the notice of the young Prince of Wales, the future King George IV of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 16]. At this time Amy Lyon aka Emma Hart Lady Hamilton [aged 13] sometimes worked as her maid and dresser at the theatre.
Around 1782 George Romney [aged 47]. Portrait of Amy Lyon aka Emma Hart Lady Hamilton [aged 16] as Circe.
Around 1782 George Romney [aged 47]. Portrait of Amy Lyon aka Emma Hart Lady Hamilton [aged 16] as Circe.
Around 1782 George Romney [aged 47]. Portrait of Amy Lyon aka Emma Hart Lady Hamilton [aged 16] as Circe.
On 29th January 1801 [her illegitimate daughter] Horatia Nelson was born illegitimately to Horatio Nelson 1st Viscount Nelson [aged 42] and Amy Lyon aka Emma Hart Lady Hamilton [aged 35].
Letters of Harriet, Countess Granville. To the Duke of Devonshire [aged 21]. London: May 10, 1812.
Granville is gone to vote against Reform1, and G. is at Spencer House. I am quite alone, very tired, have seen nobody, heard nothing, and it is therefore only upon the score of brotherly love that you can be glad to hear from me. My last gaiety was at Lady Essex's on Sunday, where Lady Hamilton [aged 47] did attitudes in a shawl of Lady Essex's [aged 52], who looked inspired and will I hope shortly take to doing them herself.
I was at Mrs. Gordon's on Monday. It was very pleasant. She did the honours so sturdily and goodhumouredly, that it made everything go off well. I saw my Aunt Spencer, grunting and elbowing through the crowd and afterwards squatting down with a bevy of respectable women about her. It must be dull for Georgiana2, who seems to have no acquaintance but Lady Cork, the Dowager Lady Pembroke [aged 75], and Mrs. Howe.
Dear Rawdon was pushing about in a fury, her shawl upon her arm and in her countenance 'I will endure it no longer.' The daughter very pretty, but her blooming little face quite lost in curls and nosegays. Lady Sandon, with her eyes shut, steered about between them.
Lord Byron [aged 24] is still upon a pedestal and Caroline William [aged 26] doing homage. I have made acquaintance with him. He is agreeable, but I feel no wish for any further intimacy. His countenance is fine when it is in repose, but the moment it is in play, suspicious, malignant, and consequently repulsive. His manner is either remarkably gracious and conciliatory, with a tinge of affectation, or irritable and impetuous, and then I am afraid perfectly natural.
Note 1. Mr. Canning and his Mends had gradually adopted Liberal opinions on most questions except Beform. After his death they most of them supported, Lord Grey in his Reform policy.
Note 2. Her daughter.
Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
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Before 1815 Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun [aged 59]. Portrait of Amy Lyon aka Emma Hart Lady Hamilton [aged 49]. In the collection of the Lady Lever Art Gallery [Map].
On 15th January 1815 Amy Lyon aka Emma Hart Lady Hamilton [aged 49] died.