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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James Smetham is in Painters.
On 9th September 1821 James Smetham was born to [his father] Reverend James Smetham (age 28) at Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire [Map].
Around 1845. James Smetham (age 23). The artist's father [his father] Reverend James Smetham (age 52).
Reverend James Smetham: In 1793 he was born. In 1847 he died.
In 1847 [his father] Reverend James Smetham (age 54) died.
In 1854 James Smetham (age 32) and Sarah Goble were married. They had six children.
1855. James Smetham (age 33). The artist's wife and Baby John.
1861. James Smetham (age 39). "The Death of Earl Siward".
1869. James Smetham (age 47). "That bedesman, old".
1874. James Smetham (age 52). Portrait of Anna Kull.
Around 1874. James Smetham (age 52). Imogen and the Shepherds, from 'Cymbeline', Act IV, Scene II.
1886. James Smetham (age 64). "The Mandolin".
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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Before 5th February 1889. James Smetham (age 67). "Afternoon Rest".
Before 5th February 1889. James Smetham (age 67). "Pandora".
Before 5th February 1889. James Smetham (age 67). Self-Portrait.
On 5th February 1889 James Smetham (age 67) died. He was buried at Highgate Cemetery.