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: Harrington
Maternal Family Tree: Isabel English
William Harrington and Margaret Neville were married.
Before 1364 [his father] Nicholas Harrington of Hornby [aged 17] and [his mother] Isabel English were married.
Around 1373 William Harrington was born to Nicholas Harrington of Hornby [aged 27] and Isabel English at Farleton, Lancashire.
Before August 1397 [his father] Nicholas Harrington of Hornby [aged 51] and [his step-mother] Joan or Jennet Venables [aged 52] were married.
Around 1398 [his daughter] Helen Harrington was born to William Harrington [aged 25] and Margaret Neville [aged 42]. She married 1415 Richard Molyneux and had issue.
Around 1400 [his son] Thomas Harrington was born to William Harrington [aged 27] and Margaret Neville [aged 44]. He married 1419 his half fourth cousin twice removed Elizabeth Dacre, daughter of Thomas Dacre 6th Baron Dacre Gilsland and Philippa Neville Baroness Dacre of Gilsland, and had issue.
Before February 1404 [his father] Nicholas Harrington of Hornby [aged 58] died at Farleton, Lancashire.
In 1406 [his daughter] Isabel Harrington was born to William Harrington [aged 33] and Margaret Neville [aged 50]. She married before 29th August 1429 John Boteler of Bewsey and had issue.
In 1415 [his son-in-law] Richard Molyneux [aged 18] and [his daughter] Helen Harrington [aged 17] were married.
25th October 1415. At the Battle of Agincourt the English included: Louis Robbessart [aged 25], Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick [aged 33], William Botreaux 3rd Baron Botreaux [aged 26], William Bourchier 1st Count of Eu [aged 41], Thomas Rokeby [aged 35], John Cornwall 1st Baron Fanhope 1st Baron Milbroke [aged 51], Edward Courtenay [aged 30], Ralph Cromwell 3rd Baron Cromwell [aged 12], Thomas Dutton [aged 19], Edmund Ferrers 6th Baron Ferrers of Chartley [aged 29], Roger Fiennes [aged 31], Henry Fitzhugh 3rd Baron Fitzhugh [aged 57], John Grey [aged 28], John Grey 1st Earl Tankerville [aged 31], William Harrington [aged 42] as the King's Standard Bearer, Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford [aged 37], Piers Legh [aged 26] (wounded), Alfred Longford, Thomas Montagu 1st Count Perche 4th Earl Salisbury [aged 27], Thomas Morley 6th Baron Marshal 5th Baron Morley [aged 22], John Rodney, Richard Scrope 3rd Baron Scrope of Bolton [aged 22], Robert Strelley [aged 18], James Tuchet 5th Baron Audley, 2nd Baron Tuchet [aged 17], Robert Umfraville [aged 52], Thomas West 2nd Baron West [aged 35], Robert Willoughby 6th Baron Willoughby [aged 30]. Thomas Erpingham [aged 60] commanded the archers. Thomas Rempston [aged 26] was present. Thomas Strickland [aged 48] carried the Banner of St George.
Thomas Tunstall [aged 57] was killed.
The Welsh included: William ap Thomas "Blue Knight of Gwent" Herbert [aged 35], Walter Sais [aged 95], Roger Vaughan [aged 70] and his son Roger Vaughan [aged 5]. Owen Tudor [aged 15] is believed to have been present as a squire.
In 1416 William Harrington [aged 43] was appointed 123rd Knight of the Garter by King Henry V of England [aged 29].
On 29th July 1418 the English forces commenced the Siege of Rouen. Robert Willoughby 6th Baron Willoughby [aged 33] fought. John Blount [aged 30] died. William Harrington [aged 45], the King's Standard Bearer, was wounded.
Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford [aged 40] fought.
Henry Beaufort 2nd Earl Somerset [aged 17] was killed. His brother John [aged 15] succeeded 3rd Earl Somerset.
In 1419 [his son] Thomas Harrington [aged 19] and [his daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Dacre [aged 11] were married. They were half fourth cousin twice removed. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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On 16th June 1422 [his daughter] Helen Harrington [aged 24] died.
Before 29th August 1429 [his son-in-law] John Boteler of Bewsey [aged 27] and [his daughter] Isabel Harrington [aged 23] were married.
On 22nd February 1440 William Harrington [aged 67] died at Hornby Castle [Map]. He was buried at Urswick, Cumberland.
Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Harrington 
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Harrington 1st Baron Harington
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Cansfield
Great x 2 Grandmother: Agnes Cansfield
GrandFather: John Harrington of Farleton
Great x 1 Grandmother: Juliana Barlingham
Father: Nicholas Harrington of Hornby
GrandMother: Katherine Banastre
Mother: Isabel English