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 1525 Bishop William Overton was born in Clerkenwell [Map]. He was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
In 1551 Bishop William Overton (age 26) was appointed Rector of St Mary's Church Balcombe.
In 1553 Bishop William Overton (age 28) was elected Bishop Lichfield and Coventry.
In 1553 Bishop William Overton (age 28) was appointed Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall [Map].
Before 1565 Bishop William Overton (age 39) and Margaret Barlow (age 31) were married. She the daughter of Bishop William Barlow (age 66).
In 1601 [his wife] Margaret Barlow (age 68) died.
On 9th April 1609 Bishop William Overton (age 84) died. Monument at Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall [Map] with his two wives.
