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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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Paternal Family Tree: Archer
On 21st September 1581 Simon Archer was born.
Before 1619 Simon Archer (age 37) and Anne Ferrers were married.
On or before 14th January 1619, the date he was baptised, [his son] Thomas Archer was born to Simon Archer (age 37) and [his wife] Anne Ferrers. He married before 1650 Anne Leigh and had issue.
On 12th August 1624 Simon Archer (age 42) was knighted at Warwick Castle [Map].
In 1626 Simon Archer (age 44) was appointed High Sheriff of Warwickshire.
In April 1640 Simon Archer (age 58) was elected MP Tamworth during the Short Parliament.
Before 1650 [his son] Thomas Archer (age 30) and [his daughter-in-law] Anne Leigh (age 16) were married.
In 1654 Simon Archer (age 72) purchased at Lord Leycester Hotel, Jury Street, Warwick.
Before 4th June 1662 Simon Archer (age 80) died.
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.
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[his son] John Archer was born to Simon Archer and Anne Ferrers.
[his daughter] Anne Archer was born to Simon Archer and Anne Ferrers.
[his daughter] Elizabeth Archer was born to Simon Archer and Anne Ferrers.
[his daughter] Penelope Archer was born to Simon Archer and Anne Ferrers.