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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Biography of Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr Prince Deheubarth -1201

Paternal Family Tree: Aberffraw

Maternal Family Tree: Angharad Queen Consort Gwynedd 1065-1162

Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr was appointed Prince Deheubarth.

Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr was born to [his father] Rhys ap Gruffydd "The Lord Rhys" Dinefwr and [his mother] Gwenllian ferch Madog Mathrafal. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.94%.

Around 1155 [his father] Rhys ap Gruffydd "The Lord Rhys" Dinefwr (age 23) and [his mother] Gwenllian ferch Madog Mathrafal were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Madog ap Maredudd Mathrafal Prince Powys and [his grandmother] Susanna Aberffraw (age 18). He the son of [his grandfather] Gruffudd ap Rhys King Deheubarth and [his grandmother] Gwenllian Aberffraw Queen Consort Deheubarth. They were first cousins.

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 2 Chapter 2. We slept that night in the monastery of St. Dogmael [Map], where, as well as on the next day at Aberteivi [Map], we were handsomely entertained by [his father] prince Rhys (age 55). On the Cemmeis side of the river, not far from the bridge, the people of the neighbourhood being assembled together, and Rhys and his two sons, [his brother] Malgon (age 17) and Gruffydd, being present, the word of the Lord was persuasively preached both by the archbishop and the archdeacon, and many were induced to take the cross; one of whom was an only son, and the sole comfort of his mother, far advanced in years, who, steadfastly gazing on him, as if inspired by the Deity, uttered these words:- "O, most beloved Lord Jesus Christ, I return thee hearty thanks for having conferred on me the blessing of bringing forth a son, whom thou mayest think worthy of thy service." Another woman at Aberteivi, of a very different way of thinking, held her husband fast by his cloak and girdle, and publicly and audaciously prevented him from going to the archbishop to take the cross; but, three nights afterwards, she heard a terrible voice, saying, "Thou hast taken away my servant from me, therefore what thou most lovest shall be taken away from thee." On her relating this vision to her husband, they were struck with mutual terror and amazement; and on falling asleep again, she unhappily overlaid her little boy, whom, with more affection than prudence, she had taken to bed with her. The husband, relating to the bishop of the diocese both the vision and its fatal prediction, took the cross, which his wife spontaneously sewed on her husband's arm.

In 1189 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr and Maud de Braose were married. They were half fourth cousin twice removed.

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

Around 1196 Robert Beaumont 4th Earl of Leicester and [his sister-in-law] 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).

The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy

The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

In 1197 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr was released.

In 1197 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr was imprisoned at Corfe Castle, Dorset [Map].

On 28th April 1197 [his father] Rhys ap Gruffydd "The Lord Rhys" Dinefwr (age 65) died. He was buried at St David's Cathedral, Pembrokeshire [Map].

In 1199 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr was captured by Gwenwynwyn ap Owain Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn (age 22) at Cilgerran Castle [Map].

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

On 25th July 1201 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr died. He was buried at Strata Florida Abbey [Map].

On 29th December 1210 [his former wife] Maud de Braose died.

[his daughter] Lleucu verch Gruffydd was born to Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr and Maud de Braose. She married before 1210 Geoffrey Camville of Llanstephan and had issue.

[his son] Rhys Dinefwr was born to Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr and Maud de Braose.

[his son] Owain Dinefwr was born to Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr and Maud de Braose.