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.
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Paternal Family Tree: Leighton
Before 1802 [his father] Baldwin Leighton 6th Baronet (age 54) and Anne Pigott Lady Leighton were married. She by marriage Lady Leighton of Wattlesborough.
In 1802 [his father] Baldwin Leighton 6th Baronet (age 54) and [his mother] Louisa Margaret Anne Lady Leighton were married. She by marriage Lady Leighton of Wattlesborough.
On 14th May 1805 Baldwin Leighton 7th Baronet was born to [his father] Baldwin Leighton 6th Baronet (age 58) and [his mother] Louisa Margaret Anne Lady Leighton.
In 1819 Robert Leighton 5th Baronet (age 67) died. His first cousin [his father] Baldwin (age 71) succeeded 6th Baronet Leighton of Wattlesborough.
On 13th November 1828 [his father] Baldwin Leighton 6th Baronet (age 81) died. His son Baldwin (age 23) succeeded 7th Baronet Leighton of Wattlesborough.
In 1832 Baldwin Leighton 7th Baronet (age 26) and Mary Parker Lady Leighton were married. She by marriage Lady Leighton of Wattlesborough.
In 1835 Baldwin Leighton 7th Baronet (age 29) was appointed High Sheriff of Shropshire.
On 27th October 1836 [his son] Baldwin Leighton 8th Baronet was born to Baldwin Leighton 7th Baronet (age 31) and [his wife] Mary Parker Lady Leighton. He married 1864 Eleanor Warren Lady Leighton and had issue.
On 21st October 1858 [his son-in-law] Beriah Botfield (age 51) and [his daughter] Isabel Leighton were married at Alderbury, Shropshire. There was no issue from the marriage.
In 1859 Baldwin Leighton 7th Baronet (age 53) was elected MP South Shropshire which seat he held until 1865.
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 1864 [his son] Baldwin Leighton 8th Baronet (age 27) and [his daughter-in-law] Eleanor Warren Lady Leighton (age 23) were married.
On 26th February 1871 Baldwin Leighton 7th Baronet (age 65) died at Norton Hall. He was buried at St Michael's and All Angels Church, Alberbury. His son Baldwin (age 34) succeeded 8th Baronet Leighton of Wattlesborough. [his daughter-in-law] Eleanor Warren Lady Leighton (age 30) by marriage Lady Leighton of Wattlesborough.
[his daughter] Isabel Leighton was born to Baldwin Leighton 7th Baronet and Mary Parker Lady Leighton. She married 21st October 1858 Beriah Botfield.
Kings Wessex: Great x 22 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 19 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 25 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 20 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 23 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 13 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 21 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 19 Grand Son of Louis VII King of the Franks
Kings France: Great x 22 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 26 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Leighton of Wattlesborough Castle
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edward Leighton 1st Baronet
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Baldwin of Diddlebury in Shropshire
Great x 3 Grandmother: Gertrude Baldwin
Great x 1 Grandfather: Edward Leighton 2nd Baronet
GrandFather: Baldwin Leighton 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Francis Forester of Dothill
Great x 3 Grandfather: Francis Forester of Dothill
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Forester 12 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Newport 1st Baron Newport 
10 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Mary Newport 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Frances Leveson Baroness Gower 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Rachel Forester Lady Leighton 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Charles Cecil 
8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: James Cecil 3rd Earl Salisbury 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Diana Maxwell 
Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Cecil 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Manners 8th Earl of Rutland 
7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Manners Countess of Salisbury 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Frances Montagu Countess Rutland 
10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Father: Baldwin Leighton 6th Baronet 12 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Baldwin Leighton 7th Baronet 13 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Stanley 
9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Stanley 1st Baronet 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Peter Stanley 2nd Baronet 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Stanley 3rd Baronet 12 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
GrandFather: Edward Stanley 5th Baronet 13 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Mother: Louisa Margaret Anne Lady Leighton 14 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England