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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Paternal Family Tree: Robinson Family 1
Before 27th May 1730 [his father] John Robinson 4th Baronet (age 25) and [his mother] Mary Morgan were married.
On or before 27th May 1730 George Robinson 5th Baronet was born to [his father] John Robinson 4th Baronet (age 25) and [his mother] Mary Morgan. He was baptised on 27th May 1730.
On 28th August 1731 [his grandfather] James Robinson 3rd Baronet (age 62) died. His son [his father] John (age 26) succeeded 4th Baronet Robinson of London.
On 2nd December 1764 George Robinson 5th Baronet (age 34) and Dorothea Chester Lady Robinson were married.
On 31st August 1765 [his father] John Robinson 4th Baronet (age 60) died. His son George (age 35) succeeded 5th Baronet Robinson of London. [his wife] Dorothea Chester Lady Robinson by marriage Lady Robinson of London.
In 1766 George Robinson 5th Baronet (age 35) was appointed High Sheriff of Northamptonshire.
On 12th January 1766 [his son] George Robinson 6th Baronet was born to George Robinson 5th Baronet (age 35) and [his wife] Dorothea Chester Lady Robinson.
In 1767 [his son] William Villiers Robinson was born to George Robinson 5th Baronet (age 36) and [his wife] Dorothea Chester Lady Robinson.
In 1774 George Robinson 5th Baronet (age 43) was elected MP Northamptonshire.
On 10th October 1815 George Robinson 5th Baronet (age 85) died. His son George (age 49) succeeded 6th Baronet Robinson of London.
Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1830 George Robinson 5th Baronet was elected MP Northampton which seat he held until 1832.
Kings Wessex: Great x 22 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 20 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 26 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 21 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 16 Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 21 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 29 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 23 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 27 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 2 Grandfather: Archdeacon William Robinson
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Robinson 1st Baronet
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Webbe
Great x 2 Grandmother: Lucy Webbe
GrandFather: James Robinson 3rd Baronet
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Whitmore of Balmes Manor in Hackney
Great x 2 Grandfather: George Whitmore
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Bond
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Whitmore Lady Robinson
Father: John Robinson 4th Baronet
15 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Jesson
GrandMother: Anne Jesson Lady Robinson 14 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Villiers of Brokesby
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Villiers 1st Baronet
Great x 4 Grandmother: Audrey Saunders
Great x 2 Grandfather: George Villiers 2nd Baronet
Great x 1 Grandmother: Penelope Villiers
13 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Dynham 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Dynham 12 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Dynham Lady Villiers 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Wenman 1st Viscount Wenman 10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Penelope Wenman 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Agnes Fermor
15 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
George Robinson 5th Baronet
16 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England