The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342

The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.

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Biography of John Fitzgilbert 1105-1165

Paternal Family Tree: Marshall

Around 1105 John Fitzgilbert was born to [his father] Gilbert Giffard.

Around 1130 John Fitzgilbert (age 25) was appointed Earl Marshal.

In 1130 John Fitzgilbert (age 25) and Adelina Pipard were married.

In or after 1131 [his son] John Marshall was born to John Fitzgilbert (age 26) and [his wife] Adelina Pipard.

In or after 1132 [his son] Gilbert Marshall was born to John Fitzgilbert (age 27) and [his wife] Adelina Pipard.

In or before 1141 John Fitzgilbert (age 35) and Adelina Pipard were divorced.

Around 1141 John Fitzgilbert (age 36) and Sybil of Salisbury were married.

In or after 1141 Stephen Gay of Northbrook and [his former wife] Adelina Pipard were married.

In September 1141 John Fitzgilbert (age 36) took refuge at Wherwell Abbey [Map].

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

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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In 1145 [his son] John Marshal was born to John Fitzgilbert (age 40) and [his wife] Sybil of Salisbury at Pembroke [Map]. He married Joan Port and had issue.

In 1146 [his son] William Marshal 1st Earl Pembroke was born to John Fitzgilbert (age 41) and [his wife] Sybil of Salisbury. He married August 1189 Isabel Clare Countess Pembroke, daughter of Richard "Strongbow" Clare 2nd Earl Pembroke and Aoife ni Diarmait Macmurrough Countess Pembroke and Buckingham, and had issue.

In or after 1147 [his son] Ansel Marshal was born to John Fitzgilbert (age 42) and [his wife] Sybil of Salisbury.

In or after 1148 [his son] Bishop Henry Marshal was born to John Fitzgilbert (age 43) and [his wife] Sybil of Salisbury.

In 1150 [his daughter] Matilda Marshal was born to John Fitzgilbert (age 45) and [his wife] Sybil of Salisbury. She married before 1193 Robert de Pont de L'Arches.

In or before 1164 [his son] John Marshall (age 32) died.

In 1165 John Fitzgilbert (age 60) died.

Biography of John Fitzgilbert 1105-1165

Royal Descendants of John Fitzgilbert 1105-1165Number after indicates the number of unique routes of descent. Descendants of Kings and Queens not included.

Royal Descendants of John Fitzgilbert 1105-1165
Number after indicates the number of unique routes of descent. Descendants of Kings and Queens not included.