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.

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Biography of James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton 1606-1649

Paternal Family Tree: Hamilton

Maternal Family Tree: Ann Cunningham Marchioness Hamilton 1585-1647

1630 Knight of the Garter Appointments

1649 Execution of Three Lords

In 1603 [his father] James Hamilton 2nd Marquess Hamilton [aged 14] and [his mother] Ann Cunningham Marchioness Hamilton [aged 18] were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] James Cunningham 7th Earl Glencairn [aged 51]. He the son of John Hamilton 1st Marquess Hamilton [aged 68] and Margaret Lyon Marchioness Hamilton. They were second cousin once removed.

On 19th June 1606 James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton was born to [his father] James Hamilton 2nd Marquess Hamilton [aged 17] and [his mother] Ann Cunningham Marchioness Hamilton [aged 21] at Hamilton Palace, Hamilton.

On 16th June 1622 James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 15] and Margaret aka Mary Feilding [aged 9] were married. She the daughter of William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh [aged 35] and Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh [aged 39]. He the son of James Hamilton 2nd Marquess Hamilton [aged 33] and Ann Cunningham Marchioness Hamilton [aged 37].

On 2nd March 1625 [his father] James Hamilton 2nd Marquess Hamilton [aged 36] died at Whitehall Palace [Map]. His son James [aged 18] succeeded 3rd Marquess Hamilton, 2nd Earl Cambridge, 2nd Baron Innerdale. [his wife] Margaret aka Mary Feilding [aged 12] by marriage Marchioness Hamilton.

Around 1630 [his brother-in-law] John Lindsay 1st Earl Lindsay 17th Earl Crawford [aged 18] and [his sister] Margaret Hamilton Countess Lindsay and Crawford [aged 18] were married. She the daughter of [his father] James Hamilton 2nd Marquess Hamilton and [his mother] Ann Cunningham Marchioness Hamilton [aged 45]. They were sixth cousins.

1630 Knight of the Garter Appointments

In 1630 King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland [aged 29] created four Knights of the Garter..

428th Richard Weston 1st Earl of Portland [aged 52].

429th Robert Bertie 1st Earl Lindsey [aged 47].

430th William Cecil 2nd Earl Exeter [aged 64].

431st James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 23].

Around 1630 [his son] Charles Hamilton was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 23] and [his wife] Margaret aka Mary Feilding [aged 17]. He died aged ten in 1640.

In 1631 [his daughter] Henrietta Mary Hamilton was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 24] and [his wife] Margaret aka Mary Feilding [aged 18]. She died aged one in 1632.

In 1632 [his daughter] Henrietta Mary Hamilton [aged 1] died.

Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes

Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.

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In 1632 [his daughter] Anne Hamilton 3rd Duchess Hamilton was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 25] and [his wife] Margaret aka Mary Feilding [aged 19] in Whitehall Palace [Map]. She married 29th April 1656 her third cousin William Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton, son of William Douglas 1st Marquess Douglas and Mary Gordon Marchioness Douglas, and had issue.

In 1633 [his daughter] Susannah Hamilton Countess Cassilis was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 26] and [his wife] Margaret aka Mary Feilding [aged 20]. She married December 1668 her half second cousin John Kennedy 7th Earl Cassilis, son of John Kennedy 6th Earl Cassilis and Margaret Hay Countess Cassilis, and had issue.

On 8th May 1633 [his brother-in-law] John Lindsay 1st Earl Lindsay 17th Earl Crawford [aged 21] was created 1st Earl Lindsay. [his sister] Margaret Hamilton Countess Lindsay and Crawford [aged 21] by marriage Countess Lindsay.

In 1635 [his son] James Hamilton was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 28] and [his wife] Margaret aka Mary Feilding [aged 22]. He died aged four in 1639.

Before 10th March 1635 [his brother-in-law] Basil Feilding 2nd Earl Denbigh [aged 27] and Anne Weston were married. She the daughter of Richard Weston 1st Earl of Portland [aged 58] and Frances Waldegrave Countess Portland [aged 58]. He the son of [his father-in-law] William Feilding 1st Earl Denbigh [aged 48] and [his mother-in-law] Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh [aged 52].

In 1636 [his son] William Hamilton was born to James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 29] and [his wife] Margaret aka Mary Feilding [aged 23]. He died aged two in 1638.

In 1638 [his son] William Hamilton [aged 2] died.

Before 10th May 1638 [his wife] Margaret aka Mary Feilding [aged 25] died.

In 1639 [his son] James Hamilton [aged 4] died.

1640 Anthony Van Dyck [aged 40]. Portrait of the artist's wife James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 33].

On 30th April 1640 [his son] Charles Hamilton [aged 10] died.

On 12th April 1643 James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 36] was created 1st Duke Hamilton.

Memoires of Jacques du Clercq

This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.

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On 16th April 1647 [his mother] Ann Cunningham Marchioness Hamilton [aged 62] died.

Execution of Three Lords

On 9th March 1649 at the Old Palace Yard, Westminster Palace three Royalist Lords were beheaded ...

Arthur Capell 1st Baron Capell Hadham [aged 41] was beheaded. His son Arthur [aged 17] succeeded 2nd Baron Capell Hadham.

Henry Rich 1st Earl Holland [aged 58] was beheaded. His son Robert [aged 30] succeeded 2nd Earl Holland. Elizabeth Ingram Countess Holland [aged 26] by marriage Countess Holland.

James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton [aged 42] was beheaded. His brother William [aged 32] succeeded 2nd Duke Hamilton, 3rd Earl Cambridge, 3rd Baron Innerdale by special remainder.

John Owen [aged 49] had been sentenced to death but was subsequently pardoned.

John Evelyn's Diary. 1st February 1649. Now were Duke Hamilton [aged 42], the Earl of Norwich [aged 63], Lord Capell [aged 40], etc., at their trial before the rebels' New Court of Injustice.

Royal Ancestors of James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton 1606-1649

Kings Wessex: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 13 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 19 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 14 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings Godwinson: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Harold II of England

Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 16 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 24 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor

Kings France: Great x 11 Grand Son of Philip V King France I King Navarre

Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 22 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine

Royal Descendants of James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton 1606-1649
Number after indicates the number of unique routes of descent. Descendants of Kings and Queens not included.

Diana Spencer Princess Wales [2]

Ancestors of James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton 1606-1649

Great x 4 Grandfather: James Hamilton

Great x 3 Grandfather: James Hamilton 1st Lord Hamilton

Great x 2 Grandfather: James Hamilton 1st Earl Arran 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: King James II of Scotland 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Mary Stewart Countess Arran 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary of Guelders Queen Consort Scotland 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: James Hamilton 2nd Earl Arran 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Home

Great x 3 Grandfather: Alexander Home 2nd Lord Home

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Home Countess Arran

GrandFather: John Hamilton 1st Marquess Hamilton 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: James Douglas 1st Earl Morton 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Douglas 2nd Earl Morton 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Stewart Countess Morton 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: James Douglas 3rd Earl Morton 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Patrick Crichton of Cranstoun Riddell

Great x 3 Grandmother: Janet Crichton Countess Morton

Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Douglas Duchess Châtellerault 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: King James III of Scotland 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: King James IV of Scotland 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Catherine Stewart Countess Morton 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Boyd

Father: James Hamilton 2nd Marquess Hamilton 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Lyon 3rd Lord Glamis 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Lyon 4th Lord Glamis 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Lyon 6th Lord Glamis 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: John 7th Lord Glamis Lyon 10 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Archibald "Bell the Cat" Douglas 5th Earl Angus 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: George Douglas 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Boyd Countess Angus

Great x 2 Grandmother: Janet Douglas Lady Glamis 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Drummond 1st Lord Drummond

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Drummond m Douglas

GrandMother: Margaret Lyon Marchioness Hamilton 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Keith 1st Earl Marischal

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Keith 2nd Earl Marischal

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Keith Master of Marischal

Great x 1 Grandmother: Janet Keith 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: James Douglas 1st Earl Morton 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Douglas 2nd Earl Morton 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Stewart Countess Morton 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Douglas 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Patrick Crichton of Cranstoun Riddell

Great x 3 Grandmother: Janet Crichton Countess Morton

James Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Alexander Cunningham 5th Earl Glencairn

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Borthwick 3rd Lord Borthwick

Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Borthwick

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Cunningham 6th Earl Glencairn 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: James Hamilton 1st Lord Hamilton

Great x 3 Grandfather: James Hamilton 1st Earl Arran 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Stewart Countess Arran 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Janet Hamilton Countess Glencairn 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Home 2nd Lord Home

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Home Countess Arran

GrandFather: James Cunningham 7th Earl Glencairn 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: James Gordon of Lochinvar

Great x 1 Grandmother: Janet Gordon Countess of Glencairn

Mother: Ann Cunningham Marchioness Hamilton 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England