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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

William and Mary

William and Mary is in Church Monument Periods.

On 4th February 1698 Thomas Strode of Parnham [aged 70] died. Monument in Church of St Mary, Beaminster [Map]. William and Mary. Marble with standing figure in wig, gown, side pilasters support cornice. Possibly by John Nost.

To God, the Best and Greatest. Here lie the mortal remains of THOMAS STRODE, Serjeant-at-Law, who peacefully fell asleep in Christ on February 4th, 1698, in the 70th year of his age. A man consecrated to immortal memory, renowned for jurisprudence, piety, and wisdom; of integrity no less than gentleness of character; always faithful to God, to his sovereign, and to his friends. He was the son of Sir John Strode, Knight, of Parnham in the county of Dorset. He chose for himself a most beloved wife, Mary Adams, widow of Parkinson Odber, Esquire, by whom he had one daughter, still surviving. She, most sorrowfully and with tears, set up this monument of final devotion.

D.O.M.P.Q. Mortalitatis Exuvias hic deposuit THOMAS STRODE Serviens ad Legem; Qui in Christo placidè obdormivit Feb: 4o. 1698. Ætat.: suae 70. Vir Immortali Memoriæ sacratus; Jurisprudentiâ, pietate, & Consilio, Insignis; Moribus Integris Juxta ac Suavissimis: Deo, Principi & amicis semper fidus: Patre JOHANE STRODE Equite Aurato de Parnham in Comitatu Dorset oriundus; Charissmam sibi adscîvit Conjugem MARIAM ADAMS relic: de PARKINSON ODBER Armigero; Ex quâ filiam suscepit unicam adhue superstitem. Quæ hoc supræmu: pietatis Monument:, Mœsstissima & cum lacrymis gemens, L.M.D.P.Q. To God the Greatest and Best and to Posterity

Thomas Strode of Parnham: In 1628 he was born to John Strode of Parnham and Anne Wyndham. On 1st July 1642 he matriculated Oxford University. On 1st February 1665 Thomas Strode of Parnham and Mary Adams were married. In 1677 he was appointed Serjeant at Law.

Sherborne Abbey [Map]. On 12th September 1698 John Digby 3rd Earl Bristol [aged 64] died without issue. Earl Bristol extinct. In May 1658 Alice Bourne died. On 16th February 1709 Rachel Wyndham Countess of Bristol [aged 53] died. William and Mary. Monument sculpted by John Nost.

Alice Bourne: she was born to Robert Bourne of Blake Hall in Essex. On 26th May 1656 John Digby 3rd Earl Bristol and she were married. He the son of George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol and Anne Russell Countess Bristol.

Rachel Wyndham Countess of Bristol: Around 1645 she was born to Hugh Wyndham Baron of the Exchequer and Jane Wodehouse. On or after 13th July 1663, the date of the licence, John Digby 3rd Earl Bristol and she were married. He the son of George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol and Anne Russell Countess Bristol. They were fifth cousin once removed. On 20th March 1677 George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol died. His son John succeeded 3rd Earl Bristol. She by marriage Countess Bristol.