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.
In April 1855 Caroline Wood was born at New Mills, Derbyshire [Map].
On 30th December 1905 Charles Hadfield (age 19) and Caroline Wood (age 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 (age 22) and Caroline Wood (age 53) at Mellor, Cheshire [Map].
Before 1911 [her husband] Charles Hadfield (age 24) and Caroline Wood (age 55) had two children who died in infancy. See 1911 Census.
1911. 1911 Census Mellor. Lower Bradshaw Farm [Map].
George Henry Moorcroft (age 54). Head. 55.
Caroline Wood (age 55). Wife. 55.
Arthur Moorcroft (age 24). Son. 24.
Caroline Moorcroft (age 21). Daughter. 21.
George Henry Moorcroft (age 19). Son. 19.
Thomas Willam Moorcroft (age 15). Son. 15.
Become a Member via our Buy Me a Coffee page to read more.
2nd April 1911. 1911 Census Derbyshire New Mills Back Meal Street. 2 Back Meal Street [Map]
[her husband] Charles Hadfield (age 24). Head. 24. Carter Coal Merchant.
Caroline Wood (age 56). Wife. 24.
[her son] George Hadfield (age 2). Son. 2.
In January 1920 [her husband] Charles Hadfield (age 33) and Edith Fletcher (age 23) were married.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Before 11th October 1937 Caroline Wood (age 82) was living at 139 Hayfield Road [Map].
On 11th October 1937 Caroline Wood (age 82) died at 139 Hayfield Road [Map].
In January 1959 [her former husband] Charles Hadfield (age 72) died.