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: Ryder
In 1762 [his father] Nathaniel Ryder 1st Baron Harrowby [aged 26] and [his mother] Elizabeth Terrick Baroness Harrowby were married.
On 12th July 1777 Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder was born to [his father] Nathaniel Ryder 1st Baron Harrowby [aged 42] and [his mother] Elizabeth Terrick Baroness Harrowby.
In 1795 [his brother] Dudley Ryder 1st Earl of Harrowby [aged 32] and [his sister-in-law] Susanna Leveson-Gower Countess Harrowby Lincolnshire [aged 22] were married. She the daughter of Granville Leveson-Gower 1st Marquess Stafford [aged 73] and Susanna Stewart Marchioness Stafford.
In 1802 Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder [aged 24] and Sophia March Phillips were married.
On 20th June 1803 [his father] Nathaniel Ryder 1st Baron Harrowby [aged 67] died. His son [his brother] Dudley [aged 40] succeeded 2nd Baron Harrowby of Harrowby in Lincolnshire. [his sister-in-law] Susanna Leveson-Gower Countess Harrowby Lincolnshire [aged 30] by marriage Baroness Harrowby of Harrowby in Lincolnshire.
On 24th August 1804 [his mother] Elizabeth Terrick Baroness Harrowby died.
On 11th May 1805 [his daughter] Anne Sophia Ryder Lady Grey was born to Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder [aged 27]. She married before 21st March 1835 George Grey 2nd Baronet, son of George Grey 1st Baronet and Mary Whitbread Lady Grey, and had issue.
In 1809 [his brother] Dudley Ryder 1st Earl of Harrowby [aged 46] was created 1st Earl of Harrowby. [his sister-in-law] Susanna Leveson-Gower Countess Harrowby Lincolnshire [aged 36] by marriage Countess of Harrowby.
On 11th April 1810 [his son] George Dudley Ryder was born to Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder [aged 32] and [his wife] Sophia March Phillips.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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In 1815 Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder [aged 37] was appointed Bishop of Gloucester.
On 27th June 1820 [his son] Alfred Phillipps Ryder was born to Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder [aged 42] and [his wife] Sophia March Phillips.
In 1824 Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder [aged 46] was appointed Bishop of Lichfield.
In January 1834 [his son] George Dudley Ryder [aged 23] was ordained by his father Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder [aged 56].
Before 21st March 1835 [his son-in-law] George Grey 2nd Baronet [aged 35] and Anne Sophia Ryder Lady Grey [aged 29] were married. She by marriage Lady Grey of Fallodon. She the daughter of Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder [aged 57].
On 31st March 1836 Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder [aged 58] died.
In 1841. Lichfield Cathedral [Map]. Monument to Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder. Sculpted by Francis Leggatt Chantrey [aged 59].
In August 1862 [his former wife] Sophia March Phillips died.
[his son] Spencer Ryder was born to Bishop Henry Dudley Ryder and Sophia March Phillips.
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard Ryder of Hackney in Middlesex
GrandFather: Dudley Ryder
Father: Nathaniel Ryder 1st Baron Harrowby
Great x 1 Grandfather: Nathaniel Newnham of Streatham in Surrey
GrandMother: Anne Newnham
Mother: Elizabeth Terrick Baroness Harrowby