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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Biography of Cardinal William "White Hands" Blois 1135-1202

Paternal Family Tree: Blois

Maternal Family Tree: Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois

In 1123 [his father] Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois (age 33) and [his mother] Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois were married. She by marriage Countess Champagne, Countess Blois. He the son of [his grandfather] Stephen Blois II Count Blois and Chartres (age 78) and [his grandmother] Adela Normandy Countess Blois (age 56).

In 1135 William "White Hands" Blois was born to [his father] Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois (age 45) and [his mother] Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. He a great grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

Around 1150 [his uncle] William "Simple" Blois Count Blois Count Chartres (age 65) died. His brother [his father] Theobald (age 60) succeeded II Count Champagne, IV Count Blois.

In 1152 [his father] Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois (age 62) died. His son [his brother] Henry (age 24) succeeded I Count Champagne. His son [his brother] Theobald (age 22) succeeded V Count Blois.

In 1164 [his brother] Theobald "Good" Blois V Count Blois (age 34) and [his sister-in-law] Alix Capet Countess Blois (age 13) were married. She by marriage Countess Blois. The difference in their ages was 20 years. She the daughter of Louis VII King of the Franks (age 44) and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 42). He the son of [his father] Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois and [his mother] Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. They were fourth cousins. He a great grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

In 1164 [his brother] Henry Blois I Count Champagne (age 36) and [his sister-in-law] Marie Capet Countess Champagne (age 19) were married. She by marriage Countess Champagne. She the daughter of Louis VII King of the Franks (age 44) and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 42). He the son of [his father] Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois and [his mother] Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. They were fourth cousins. He a great grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

In 1176 William "White Hands" Blois (age 41) was appointed Archbishop of Reims.

In 1179 William "White Hands" Blois (age 44) was appointed Cardinal.

On 16th March 1181 [his brother] Henry Blois I Count Champagne (age 53) died. His son [his nephew] Henry (age 14) succeeded II Count Champagne.

In 1191 [his brother] Stephen Blois I Count Sancerre (age 58) died at Acre [Map].

On 20th January 1191 [his brother] Theobald "Good" Blois V Count Blois (age 61) died. His son [his nephew] Louis (age 19) succeeded I Count Blois.

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 1202 William "White Hands" Blois (age 67) died.