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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Effigy of Sir John de Ifield is in Monumental Effigies of Great Britain.
THIS figure lies on an altar-tomb on the north side of the nave of Ifield church, in Sussex, under the easternmost arch. It is ascribed to Sir John de Ifield, who died in 1317. On his surcoat is painted. Argent, a bend Or cotised Gules. Much plate begins now to be added to the chain-mail defences for the person. It must be observed, however, that the mails of the camail in this figure are effaced.
Details. 1. A portion of the bottom of the surcoat. 2. The figure as originally painted.