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 5th August 759 Æthelwald Moll King of Northumbria was crowned King Northumbria.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 761. This year Bregowin was invested archbishop at Michaelmas, and continued four years. Mull Ethelwold this year succeeded to the Northumbrian kingdom, held it six winters, and then resigned it.
On 6th August 761 Oswine Aetheling was killed by Æthelwald Moll King of Northumbria.
Around 762 [his son] Æthelred I of Northumbria was born to Æthelwald Moll King of Northumbria. He married 29th September 792 Queen Ælfflæd of Northumbria.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 763. This year was the severe winter; and Mull, king of the Northumbrians, slew Oswin at Edwin's-Cliff, on the eighth day before the ides of August.
In 765 Æthelwald Moll King of Northumbria was deposed as King Northumbria. Alhred King of Northumbria was appointed King Northumbria.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 774. This year the Northumbrians banished their king, Alred, from York at Easter-tide; and chose [his son] Ethelred (age 12), the son of Mull, for their lord, who reigned four winters. This year also appeared in the heavens a red crucifix, after sunset; the Mercians and the men of Kent fought at Otford; and wonderful serpents were seen in the land of the South-Saxons.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 792. This year Archbishop Eanbert died, and Abbot Ethelherd was chosen archbishop the same year. Osred, king of the Northumbrians, was betrayed and banished from his kingdom, and [his son] Ethelred (age 30), the son of Ethelwald, succeeded him.