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: Wriothesley
Before 1489 William Wriothesley was born to [his father] John Writhe.
In 1489 [his brother] Thomas Wriothesley (age 1) was appointed Wallingford Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary in the service of Prince Arthur Tudor (age 2).
In 1504 [his father] John Writhe died.
Before 1505 William Wriothesley (age 16) and Agnes Drayton of London were married.
Around 1505 William Wriothesley (age 16) was appointed Rouge Croix Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary.
On 26th January 1505 [his brother] Thomas Wriothesley (age 17) was appointed Garter King of Arms. Around this time he changed his surname from Writhe to Wriothesley as did his brother William Wriothesley (age 16).
On 21st December 1505 [his son] Thomas Wriothesley 1st Earl of Southampton was born to William Wriothesley (age 16) and [his wife] Agnes Drayton of London. He married 1533 Jane Cheney Countess Southampton and had issue.
In 1509 William Wriothesley (age 20) was appointed York Herald of Arms in Ordinary.
Before 26th April 1513 William Wriothesley (age 24) died.