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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Biography of William Ravenscroft 1561-1627

Paternal Family Tree: Ravenscroft

Before 1561 [his father] George Ravenscroft (age 18) and [his mother] Dorothy Davies (age 11) were married. She the heiress of her father [his grandfather] John Davies of Broadlane.

In 1561 William Ravenscroft was born to [his father] George Ravenscroft (age 19) and [his mother] Dorothy Davies (age 12).

From 1578 William Ravenscroft (age 17) was educated at Brasenose College, Oxford University and awarded Bachelor of Arts in 1580.

In 1586 William Ravenscroft (age 25) was elected MP Flintshire.

Before 1589 William Ravenscroft (age 27) was a barrister at Lincoln's Inn. He was called to the bar in 1589.

On 28th May 1592 [his father] George Ravenscroft (age 50) died.

In 1597 William Ravenscroft (age 36) was elected MP Flintshire.

In 1598 William Ravenscroft (age 37) was appointed Clerk to the Petty Bag for life.

Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough

A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'

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In 1601 William Ravenscroft (age 40) was elected MP Flintshire.

In 1620 William Ravenscroft (age 59) was elected MP Flint Boroughs.

In 1624 William Ravenscroft (age 63) was elected MP Flint Boroughs.

In 1625 William Ravenscroft (age 64) was elected MP Flint Boroughs.

In 1628 William Ravenscroft (age 67) was elected MP Flint Boroughs.

On 27th October 1628 William Ravenscroft (age 67) died unmarried.