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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Paternal Family Tree: Giffard
Before 18th March 1217 [his father] Hugh Giffard (age 22) and [his mother] Sibyl Cormeilles (age 24) were married.
In 1235 Godfrey Giffard Bishop of Worcester was born to [his father] Hugh Giffard (age 40) and [his mother] Sibyl Cormeilles (age 42).
Around 1246 [his father] Hugh Giffard (age 51) died at Warminster, Wiltshire [Map].
On 22nd May 1264 [his brother] Archbishop Walter Giffard (age 39) was elected Bishop of Bath and Wells.
On 4th January 1265 [his brother] Archbishop Walter Giffard (age 40) was consecrated as Bishop of Bath and Wells at Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral [Map].
After 10th August 1265 [his brother] Archbishop Walter Giffard (age 40) was appointed Lord Chancellor.
In 1266 Godfrey Giffard Bishop of Worcester (age 31) was appointed Lord Chancellor.
On 15th October 1266 [his brother] Archbishop Walter Giffard (age 41) was appointed Archbishop of York.
On 1st November 1266 [his brother] Archbishop Walter Giffard (age 41) was enthroned as Archbishop of York.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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Before May 1268 Godfrey Giffard Bishop of Worcester (age 33) was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Around 20th May 1268 Godfrey Giffard Bishop of Worcester (age 33) was appointed Bishop of Worcester.
On 25th April 1279 [his brother] Archbishop Walter Giffard (age 54) died at York [Map]. He was buried at York Minster [Map].
On 26th January 1302 Godfrey Giffard Bishop of Worcester (age 67) died.
On 4th February 1302 Godfrey Giffard Bishop of Worcester (deceased) was buried by John Monmouth Bishop of Llandaff at Worcester Cathedral [Map].
Great x 4 Grandfather: Osberne de Bolbec Giffard 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Osberne Giffard
Great x 4 Grandmother: Avelina Unknown
Great x 2 Grandfather: Elias Giffard
Great x 1 Grandfather: Elias "The Boy" Giffard
GrandFather: Walter Giffard
Father: Hugh Giffard
Godfrey Giffard Bishop of Worcester
GrandFather: Walter Cormeilles
Mother: Sibyl Cormeilles