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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Meaux is in France.
On 8th May 1411 William Beauchamp 1st Baron Abergavenny [aged 68] died at Meaux [Map]. He was buried at Tewkesbury Abbey [Map]. His son Richard [aged 15] succeeded 2nd Baron Abergavenny.
In October 1421 King Henry V of England [aged 35] commenced the Siege of Meaux. John Cornwall 1st Baron Fanhope 1st Baron Milbroke [aged 57] fought. His son John Cornwall [aged 18] was killed; his head being blown off by a cannon ball witnessed by his father. Meaux [Map] was eventually captured on 11th May 1422.