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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Cecil Papers is in Tudor Books.
1597. Lord Hunsdon, Lord Chamberlain (age 50), to the QUEEN. [1597]. Through the present weakness of my joints not able to bend by knee before you, I beseech you to pardon my writing about my suit, where means of speaking are denied me.
How long the suit has depended between Lord Rich and others and myself respecting your due and birthright, you know, and how great the charges on my estate; but now finding that there are only two means to raise my loss and expense, either a peremptory command from your Majesty for a speedier proceeding in the cause, or that you should transfer your right to me, and leave to my industry to perform the trial thereof. Considering the fear to offend and the private partiality of those that should do justice I think the second the better course, wherein you shall pass nothing whereof any wise you are possessed, or by the course now held are ever likely to enjoy; and should I succeed I dare assure your Majesty a most honourable present from the fruits of my efforts.
My first proceedings were by the advice of the best learned in the law, and that I am now grown tired proceeds from the law's delays and the cunning of my adversaries.
Furthermore, three years since it pleased you to promise the reference and hearing of my claim to the Earldom of Ormond to your Judges and learned counsel, which claim I put forward to disprove the reproaches which the adversaries direct against the house of which you are descended by the mother's side. And I may not neglect to seek what in right and honour descends upon me.
Lastly, I humbly pray you to signify your pleasure to Mr. Secretary, lest I trouble you with further demands than agree with your liking.
Signed "G. Hunsdon". (58. 28.)