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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Around 1639 Robert Crichton was born to [his father] Bishop Robert Crichton [aged 46].
John Evelyn's Diary. 17th November 1661. Dr. Creighton [aged 22], a Scot, author of the "Florentine Council", and a most eloquent man and admirable Grecian, preached on Cant. vi. 13, celebrating the return and restoration of the Church and King.
John Evelyn's Diary. 29th May 1663. Dr. Creighton [aged 24] preached his extravagant sermon at St. Margaret's [Map], before the House of Commons.
On 25th May 1670 [his father] Bishop Robert Crichton [aged 77] was elected Bishop of Bath and Wells.
In 1672 [his father] Bishop Robert Crichton [aged 79] died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 14th September 1673. Dr. Creighton [aged 34], son to the late eloquent [his father] Bishop of Bath and Wells, preached to the Household on Isaiah, lvii. 8.
On 2nd May 1674 Robert Crichton [aged 35] was appointed Canon Wells and installed as Precentor Wells.
John Evelyn's Diary. 6th September 1685. Sunday. I went to prayer in the Chapell, and heard Dr. Standish. The second sermon was preach'd by Dr. Creighton [aged 46], on 1 Thess. 4, 11, persuading to unity and peace, and to be mindfull of our owne businesse, according to the advise of the Apostle. Then I went to heare a Frenchman who preached before the King [aged 51] and Queene [aged 26] in that splendid Chapell [Map] next St. George's Hall. Their Maties going to masse, I withdrew to consider the stupendous painting of ye Hall, which, both for the art and invention, deserve the inscription in honour of the painter, Signior Verrio [aged 49]. The history is Edward the 3rd receiving the Black Prince, coming towards him in a Roman triumph. The whole roofe is the history of St. George. The throne, the carvings, &e. are incomparable, and I think equal to any, and in many circumstances exceeding any, I have seene abroad.
On 17th February 1734 Robert Crichton [aged 95] died at Wells, Somerset [Map].