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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Paternal Family Tree: Cheney
William Cheney and Isabella Boleyn were married.
William Cheney and Margaret aka Agnes Young were married.
In 1444 William Cheney was born to [his father] John Cheney (age 29) at Shurland House, Kent.
In 1460 [his brother] John Cheney 1st Baron Cheyne (age 18) was appointed Esquire to the Body to Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 23).
In 1467 [his father] John Cheney (age 52) died at Eastchurch, Kent.
In 1477 William Cheney (age 33) was appointed High Sheriff of Kent.
In 1477 William Cheney (age 33) was appointed Constable of Queenborough Castle.
In 1479 [his brother] John Cheney 1st Baron Cheyne (age 37) was appointed Master of the Horse.
In 1481 [his son] Francis Cheney was born to William Cheney (age 37) and Isabella Boleyn (age 47).
Around 1485 [his son] Thomas Cheney was born to William Cheney (age 41) and Margaret aka Agnes Young. He married (1) before 1513 Frideswide Frowyk and had issue (2) 24th May 1539 Anne Broughton, daughter of John Broughton of Toddington, Bedfordshire and Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford, and had issue.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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In 1486 [his brother] John Cheney 1st Baron Cheyne (age 44) was appointed 229th Knight of the Garter by King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 28).
In 1486 [his brother] John Cheney 1st Baron Cheyne (age 44) was created 1st Baron Cheyne.
On 8th May 1487 William Cheney (age 43) died.
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Cheney
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Cheney
Great x 4 Grandmother: Agnes Saye 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Cheney
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Shurland
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Shurland
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard Cheney
GrandFather: William Cheney
Father: John Cheney