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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Orders of Chivalry is in Crown.
In June 1919 Brigadier-General Claude Berners Westmacott (age 53) was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
On 1st March 1851 Henry Watkin Williams-Wynn (age 67) was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
On 10th March 1863 Thomas Myddelton-Biddulph (age 53) was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire being knighted on 27th March 1863.
In March 1918 Emily Fenton Armitage (age 54) was awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
On 7th February 1958 Arthur Valerian Wellesley 8th Duke Wellington (age 42) was awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire "in recognition of distinguished services in Cyprus for the period 1st July to 31st December, 1957".
In 1866 Albert aka Abdullah Sassoon 1st Baronet (age 47) was made a Companion of the Order of the Star of India.
In 1927 Frank Bernard Dicksee (age 73) was appointed to the Royal Victorian Order.
The London Gazette 27493. Chancery of the Royal Victorian Order, St. James's Palace, November 9,1902.
The King has been graciously pleased to make the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Royal Victorian Order:-
To be Knights Grand Cross:
Victor Albert Francis Charles (age 38), Viscount Churchill, K.C.V.O. (Lord in Waiting).
General Frederick Augustus, Baron Chelmsford, G.C.B. (Gold Stick in Waiting).
Horace Brand, Baron Farquhar, K.C.V.O. (Master of the Household).
Colonel Sir Edward Ridley Colborne Bradford, Bart, G.C.B., K.C.S.L (Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police).
Colonel Sir Robert Nigel Fitz-Hardinge Kingscote (age 72), K.C.B. (Extra Equerry to His Majesty).
Admiral Sir Henry Frederick Stephenson, K.C.B. (Extra Equerry to His Majesty).
Major-General Sir Henry Trotter, K.C.V.O. (Commanding Home District).
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In 1984 Arthur Valerian Wellesley 8th Duke Wellington (age 68) was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.
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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On 15th March 1952 Arthur Valerian Wellesley 8th Duke Wellington (age 36) was appointed Member of the Royal Victorian Order Fourth Class.