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.
Paternal Family Tree: Ivrea
Maternal Family Tree: Beatrix de Ramerupt Montdidier Countess Mortain and Perche 1129
In 1151 [his father] Sancho III King Castile [aged 17] and [his mother] Blanche Ramirez Queen Consort Castile [aged 17] were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Castile. She the daughter of [his grandfather] García "Restorer" IV King Navarre and [his grandmother] Marguerite Aigle Queen Consort Navarre. He the son of Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon [aged 45] and Berenguela Barcelona Queen Consort Castile and Leon. They were fourth cousins.
On 11th November 1155 Alfonso VIII King Castile was born to Sancho III King Castile [aged 21] and Blanche Ramirez Queen Consort Castile [aged 22].
On 12th August 1156 [his mother] Blanche Ramirez Queen Consort Castile [aged 23] died.
On 21st August 1157 [his grandfather] Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon [aged 52] died. His son [his father] Sancho [aged 23] succeeded III King Castile. His son [his uncle] Ferdinand [aged 20] succeeded II King Leon.
On 31st August 1158 [his father] Sancho III King Castile [aged 24] died. His son Alfonso [aged 2] succeeded VIII King Castile.
Before 17th September 1177 Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 21] and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 15] were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Castile. She the daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England [aged 44] and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [aged 55]. He the son of Sancho III King Castile and Blanche Ramirez Queen Consort Castile. They were half fourth cousins.
In 1179 [his daughter] Berengaria Ivrea I Queen Castile was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 23] and [his wife] Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 17]. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. She married 1197 her first cousin once removed Alfonso IX King Leon, son of Ferdinand II King Leon and Urraca Burgundy Queen Consort Leon, and had issue.
In July 1181 [his brother-in-law] Geoffrey Plantagenet 2nd Duke Brittany [aged 22] and Constance Penthièvre Duchess Brittany [aged 20] were married. She by marriage Duchess Brittany. He by marriage Duke Brittany. She the daughter of Conan "The Young" Penthièvre IV Duke Brittany and Margaret Dunkeld Duchess Brittany [aged 36]. He the son of [his father-in-law] King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England [aged 48] and [his mother-in-law] Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [aged 59]. They were half second cousin once removed. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
On 19th August 1186 [his brother-in-law] Geoffrey Plantagenet 2nd Duke Brittany [aged 27] died at Paris [Map].
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 28th May 1187 [his daughter] Urraca Ivrea Queen Consort Portugal was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 31] and [his wife] Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 25]. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. She married 1206 her second cousin once removed Alfonso "Fat" II King Portugal, son of Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal and Dulce Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal, and had issue.
On 4th March 1188 [his daughter] Blanche Ivrea Queen Consort France was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 32] and [his wife] Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 26]. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. She married 23rd May 1200 her third cousin King Louis VIII of France, son of King Philip II of France and Isabelle Flanders Queen Consort France, and had issue.
On 28th June 1189 [his sister-in-law] Matilda Plantagenet Duchess Saxony [aged 33] died. She was buried at Brunswick Cathedral [Map].
On 6th July 1189 [his father-in-law] King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England [aged 56] died at Chinon Castle [Map]. William Mandeville 3rd Earl Essex Count Aumale was present. He was buried at Fontevraud Abbey [Map]. His son [his brother-in-law] Richard [aged 31] succeeded I King of England.
On 29th August 1189 [his brother-in-law] King John of England [aged 22] and Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 16] were married at Marlborough Castle [Map]. He by marriage Earl Gloucester. See Gesta Regis Henrici and Gesta Regis Henrici by Benedict of Peterborough. She the daughter of William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester. He the son of [his father-in-law] King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and [his mother-in-law] Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [aged 67]. They were half second cousins. She a great granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
On 15th September 1189 [his brother-in-law] King Richard "Lionheart" I of England [aged 32] held a Council meeting at Pipewell [Map] at which he appointed a number of Bishops:
Bishop William Longchamp was elected Bishop of Ely.
Bishop Godfrey Lucy was elected Bishop of Winchester.
Bishop Richard Fitzneal [aged 59] was elected Bishop of London.
Archbishop Hubert Walter [aged 29] was elected Bishop of Salisbury.
In 1191 [his illegitimate brother-in-law] Archbishop Geoffrey Plantagenet [aged 39] was appointed Archbishop of York.
On 12th May 1191 [his brother-in-law] King Richard "Lionheart" I of England [aged 33] and Berengaria of Navarre Queen Consort England [aged 26] were married at Chapel of St George at Limassol Castle [Map]. She was crowned Queen Consort England the same day by the Hélie de Malemort, archbishop of Bordeaux, Jean aka John Fitz Luke, bishop of Évreux and Bernard II de Lacarre, Bishop of Bayonne. She the daughter of [his uncle] Sancho "Wise" King Navarre [aged 59] and [his aunt] Sancha Ivrea. He the son of [his father-in-law] King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and [his mother-in-law] Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [aged 69]. They were half fourth cousins.
Richard's mother and sister Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England and [his sister-in-law] Joan Plantagenet Queen Consort Sicily [aged 25] were present.
In 1194 Raymond Count of Toulouse [aged 37] succeeded Marquess Provence. [his sister-in-law] Joan Plantagenet Queen Consort Sicily [aged 28] by marriage Marchioness Provence.
In 1196 [his illegitimate brother-in-law] William Longespée Earl Salisbury [aged 20] and Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury [aged 9] were married. He by marriage Earl Salisbury. She the daughter of William of Salisbury 2nd Earl Salisbury [aged 46] and Eleanor Vitre Countess of Salisbury [aged 38]. He the illegitmate son of [his father-in-law] King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and Ida Tosny Countess Norfolk [aged 40]. They were fifth cousin once removed.
In October 1196 Raymond Count of Toulouse [aged 39] and [his sister-in-law] Joan Plantagenet Queen Consort Sicily [aged 31] were married at Rouen, France [Map]. She by marriage Countess Toulouse. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and [his mother-in-law] Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [aged 74]. He the son of Raymond Rouerge V Count Toulouse and Constance Capet Countess Boulogne and Toulouse. They were third cousin once removed.
In 1197 [his son-in-law] Alfonso IX King Leon [aged 25] and Berengaria Ivrea I Queen Castile [aged 18] were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Leon. She the daughter of Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 41] and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 35]. He the son of Ferdinand II King Leon and Urraca Burgundy Queen Consort Leon [aged 49]. They were first cousin once removed. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
In 1197 [his sister-in-law] Alix Capet Countess Blois [aged 46] 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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 11th March 1198 [his sister-in-law] Marie Capet Countess Champagne [aged 53] died.
On 26th March 1199 [his brother-in-law] King Richard "Lionheart" I of England [aged 41] was besieging Châlus Chabrol Castle. During the course of the evening King Richard "Lionheart" I of England was shot by a crossbow. Richard died on 6th April 1199. His brother John [aged 32] succeeded I King of England.
His mother Eleanor appears to have been present at his death as confirmed in a Charter by her on 21st April: 'quia dilectus noster Lucas, abjbas de Torpiniaco, affuit nobiscum infirmitati et funeri karissimi filii nostri regis, et circa eiusdem exequias pre omnibus aliis religiosis laboravit.' i.e. 'because our beloved Luke, abbot of Turpenay, was with us during the illness and at the funeral of our most dear son the king, and worked more than all other religious men in carrying out his obsequies.' 
Coggeshall also mentioned that Richard 'summoned by letter his mother, who was dwelling at Fontevraud'.
There was a brother between Richard and John named Geoffrey Duke of Brittany who had a son Arthur [aged 11], who was around twelve, and a daughter Eleanor [aged 15], who was around fifteen, whose mother was Constance Penthièvre Duchess Brittany [aged 38].
King Philip II of France [aged 33] had planned for Eleanor to marry his son, probably to bring Brittany into the French Royal family, possibly to pursue a claim on England.
King Philip II of France supported Arthur's claim to the English throne. In the resulting war Arthur was captured, imprisoned and never seen again. Eleanor was captured, probably around the same time as Arthur, and imprisoned, more or less, for the remainder of her life, even after King John's death through the reign of King Henry III since she represented a threat to Henry's succession.
On 4th September 1199 [his sister-in-law] Joan Plantagenet Queen Consort Sicily [aged 33] died at Rouen, France [Map]. She was buried at Fontevraud Abbey [Map].
Around April 1200 [his brother-in-law] King John of England [aged 33] and Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 27] marriage annulled due to consanuinity but more likely because John's new status as heir to the English throne mean't he had better prospects. He may have already decided to marry Isabella of Angoulême Queen Consort England [aged 12] who he married on 24th August 1200.
23rd May 1200 [his son-in-law] King Louis VIII of France [aged 12] and Blanche Ivrea Queen Consort France [aged 12] were married. She the daughter of Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 44] and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 38]. He the son of King Philip II of France [aged 34] and Isabelle Flanders Queen Consort France. They were third cousins. He a great x 3 grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
On 24th August 1200 [his brother-in-law] King John of England [aged 33] and Isabella of Angoulême Queen Consort England [aged 12] were married. She had been engaged to Hugh IX of Lusignan IV Count of La Marche [aged 37] who subsequently appealed to King Philip II of France [aged 35], their feudal overlord, who used the position to justify a war against John. The difference in their ages was 21 years. She the daughter of Aymer Angoulême I Count Angoulême [aged 40] and Alice Courtenay Countess Angoulême. He the son of [his father-in-law] King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and [his mother-in-law] Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [aged 78]. They were fourth cousin once removed.
Around 1202 [his daughter] Constance Ivrea was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 46] and [his wife] Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 40]. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
On 14th April 1204 [his son] Henry I King Castile was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 48] and [his wife] Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 42]. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. He married (1) 1215 his second cousin once removed Mafalda Burgundy Queen Consort Castile, daughter of Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal and Dulce Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal (2) 1216 his second cousin Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Castile, daughter of Alfonso IX King Leon and Theresa of Portugal Queen Consort Leon.
In 1206 [his son-in-law] Alfonso "Fat" II King Portugal [aged 20] and Urraca Ivrea Queen Consort Portugal [aged 18] were married. She the daughter of Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 50] and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 44]. He the son of Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal [aged 51] and Dulce Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal. They were second cousin once removed. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
On 12th December 1212 [his illegitimate brother-in-law] Archbishop Geoffrey Plantagenet [aged 60] died at Normandy [Map]. He was buried at Notre Dame du Parc, Rouen.
On 5th October 1214 Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 58] died. He was buried at Abbey of Santa Maria la Real de Huelgas [Map]. His son Henry [aged 10] succeeded I King Castile.
On 31st October 1214 [his former wife] Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 53] died at Burgos [Map]. She was buried at Abbey of Santa Maria la Real de Huelgas [Map].
[his son] Sancho Ivrea was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
[his son] Henry Ivrea was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
[his son] Ferdinand Ivrea was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
[his daughter] Sancha Ivrea was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
[his daughter] Eleanor Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. She married her half second cousin James I King Aragon, son of Peter II King Aragon and Marie Montpellier Queen Consort Aragon, and had issue.
[his daughter] Mafalda Ivrea was born to Alfonso VIII King Castile and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
Kings Franks: Great x 12 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 5 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 9 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Otto William Ivrea I Count Burgundy 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Reginald Ivrea I Count Burgundy
Great x 4 Grandmother: Ermentrude Countess Burgundy
Great x 2 Grandfather: William I Count Burgundy
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard "Good" Normandy II Duke Normandy 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Normandy Countess Burgundy
Great x 4 Grandmother: Judith Penthièvre Duchess Normandy
Great x 1 Grandfather: Raymond Ivrea
Great x 2 Grandmother: Ettiennette Countess Burgundy
GrandFather: Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon
Great x 4 Grandfather: Sancho "Great" III King Pamplona
Great x 3 Grandfather: Ferdinand "Great" I King Leon
Great x 4 Grandmother: Muniadona García Queen Consort Pamplona
Great x 2 Grandfather: Alfonso "Brave" VI King Leon VI King Castile
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alfonso "Noble" V King Leon
Great x 3 Grandmother: Sancha Astur Leonese
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elvira González Queen Consort Leon
Great x 1 Grandmother: Urracca "Reckless" Jiménez Queen Consort Aragon and Pamplona
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert "Pious" II King of the Franks 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert I Duke Burgundy
Great x 4 Grandmother: Constance Arles Queen Consort France
Great x 2 Grandmother: Constance Burgundy Queen Consort Castile and Leon
Great x 3 Grandmother: Helie Samur Duchess Burgundy
Father: Sancho III King Castile
Great x 4 Grandfather: Berenguer Ramon I Count of Barcelona
Great x 3 Grandfather: Ramon Berenguer "Old" Barcelona I Count Barcelona
Great x 2 Grandfather: Ramon Berenguer "Towhead" Barcelona II Count Barcelona
Great x 1 Grandfather: Raymond III Count Barcelona
GrandMother: Berenguela Barcelona Queen Consort Castile and Leon
Great x 2 Grandfather: Gilbert Gevaudan
Great x 1 Grandmother: Douce Gevaudan Countess Barcelona
Great x 4 Grandfather: William "Pious" Arles 2nd Count Provence
Great x 3 Grandfather: Geoffrey Arles 1st Count Arles 1st Count Provence
Great x 4 Grandmother: Gerbergam Ivrea Countess Provence
Great x 2 Grandmother: Gerberga Arles
Great x 3 Grandmother: Etienette Countess Provence and Arles
Great x 4 Grandfather: Sancho "Great" III King Pamplona
Great x 3 Grandfather: García III King Pamplona
Great x 4 Grandmother: Muniadona García Queen Consort Pamplona
Great x 2 Grandfather: Sancho Jiménez
Great x 1 Grandfather: Ramiro Jiménez
Great x 2 Grandmother: Constanza Unknown
GrandFather: García "Restorer" IV King Navarre
Great x 2 Grandfather: Rodrigo Díaz Vivar
Great x 1 Grandmother: Cristina Rodríguez Vivar
Mother: Blanche Ramirez Queen Consort Castile
Great x 2 Grandfather: Engenulphe Aigle
Great x 1 Grandfather: Gilbert Aigle Lord Aigle
Great x 2 Grandmother: Richvaride Unknown
GrandMother: Marguerite Aigle Queen Consort Navarre
Great x 4 Grandfather: Geoffrey Chateaudun I Count Perche
Great x 3 Grandfather: Rotrou Chateaudun II Count Perche
Great x 4 Grandmother: Helvise Corbon Viscountess Châteaudun
Great x 2 Grandfather: Geoffrey Chateaudun II Count Mortain III Count Perche
Great x 4 Grandfather: Guérin de Domfront
Great x 3 Grandmother: Adeliza de Bellême Countess Perche
Great x 1 Grandmother: Juliette du Perche Chateaudun
Great x 4 Grandfather: Hilduin III Count Montdidier
Great x 3 Grandfather: Hilduin Montdidier IV Count Montdidier
Great x 2 Grandmother: Beatrix de Ramerupt Montdidier Countess Mortain and Perche