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 April 1855 Caroline Wood was born at New Mills, Derbyshire [Map].
On 30th December 1905 Charles Hadfield [aged 19] and Caroline Wood [aged 50] were married. The difference in their ages was 31 years; she, unusually, being older than him.
Around 1909 [her son] George Hadfield was born to [her husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 22] and Caroline Wood [aged 53] at Mellor, Cheshire [Map].
Before 1911 [her husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 24] and Caroline Wood [aged 55] had two children who died in infancy. See 1911 Census.
1911. 1911 Census Mellor. Lower Bradshaw Farm [Map].
George Henry Moorcroft [aged 54]. Head. 55.
Caroline Wood [aged 55]. Wife. 55.
Arthur Moorcroft [aged 24]. Son. 24.
Caroline Moorcroft [aged 21]. Daughter. 21.
George Henry Moorcroft [aged 19]. Son. 19.
Thomas Willam Moorcroft [aged 15]. Son. 15.
2nd April 1911. 1911 Census Derbyshire New Mills Back Meal Street. 2 Back Meal Street [Map]
[her husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 24]. Head. 24. Carter Coal Merchant.
Caroline Wood [aged 56]. Wife. 24.
[her son] George Hadfield [aged 2]. Son. 2.
In January 1920 [her husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 33] and Edith Fletcher [aged 23] were married.
Before 11th October 1937 Caroline Wood [aged 82] was living at 139 Hayfield Road [Map].
On 11th October 1937 Caroline Wood [aged 82] died at 139 Hayfield Road [Map].
In January 1959 [her former husband] Charles Hadfield [aged 72] died.