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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Created Marchionesses of England

Created Marchionesses of England is in Marquessates of England.

Anne Boleyn's Investiture as Marchioness of Pembroke

On 1st September 1532 Anne Boleyn [aged 31] was created 1st Marchioness Pembroke with Henry VIII [aged 41] performing the investiture at Windsor Castle [Map]. The Letter of Creation [Harley 303.1; see image] using the Latin 'marchionisse Penbrochie' i.e. "Marchioness of Pembroke". It isn't clear whether the Letter of Creation is a single page - we note the absence of any description of whether the title is to descend to her heir's, male, legitimate, otherwise. We also note the first letter contains Anne's emblem of a 'falcon on a stump' although Anne's falcon was white - age may have affected the colour of the Letter.

Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde [aged 55], Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 48], Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 59], Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland [aged 37], Jean Dinteville, Archbishop Edward Lee [aged 50], Bishop John Stokesley [aged 57] were present.

Bishop Stephen Gardiner [aged 49] read the Patent of Creation.

Mary Howard Duchess Richmond and Somerset [aged 13] carried Anne's train replacing her mother Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk [aged 35] who had been banished from Court. Anne and Mary were cousins.

Charles Wriothesley [aged 24] attended.

Jean Dinteville: he was appointed Ambassador to England. Around 1532 Jean Dinteville posed for Holbein's painting The Ambassadors.

Archbishop Edward Lee: Around 1482 he was born to Richard Lee of Lee Magna. In 1531 he was appointed Archbishop of York. On 13th September 1544 he died.

Charles Wriothesley: On 8th May 1508 he was born to Thomas Wriothesley. After 24th November 1534 he was appointed Windsor Herald of Arms in Ordinary. On 25th January 1562 Charles Wriothesley died.

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