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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Biography of Margaret Say 6th Baroness Burford 1182-1242

Paternal Family Tree: Scrope

Maternal Family Tree: Mabel Marmion Baroness Burford 1160-1210

Around 1182 Margaret Say 6th Baroness Burford was born to [her father] Hugh Say 5th Baron Burford (age 21) and [her mother] Mabel Marmion Baroness Burford (age 22) at Richard's Castle, Herefordshire [Map].

Around 1190 [her son] Hugh Mortimer 1st Baron Mortimer was born to [her future husband] Robert Mortimer (age 21) and Margaret Say 6th Baroness Burford (age 8) at Richard's Castle, Herefordshire [Map].

Around 1191 [her grandfather] Hugh Say 4th Baron Burford (age 55) died at Richard's Castle, Herefordshire [Map]. His son [her father] Hugh (age 30) succeeded 5th Baron Burford Feudal.

In 1197 [her father] Hugh Say 5th Baron Burford (age 36) died at Richard's Castle, Herefordshire [Map]. His daughter Margaret (age 15) succeeded 6th Baroness Burford Feudal.

In 1197 Hugh Ferrers 6th Baron Burford (age 30) and Margaret Say 6th Baroness Burford (age 15) were married. She by marriage Lord Lechalde. He by marriage Baron Burford Feudal.

In 1201 [her father-in-law] Walchelin Ferrers (age 60) died. His son [her husband] Hugh (age 34) succeeded Lord Lechalde.

Around 1204 [her husband] Hugh Ferrers 6th Baron Burford (age 37) died at Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire [Map].

On 29th September 1210 [her mother] Mabel Marmion Baroness Burford (age 50) died at Worcestershire.

In June 1211 Robert Mortimer (age 42) and Margaret Say 6th Baroness Burford (age 29) were married.

In or before 1216 [her son] William Mortimer was born to [her husband] Robert Mortimer (age 46) and Margaret Say 6th Baroness Burford (age 33) at Richard's Castle, Herefordshire [Map].

In July 1216 [her husband] Robert Mortimer (age 47) died at Amberden Hall Widdington, Saffron Walden.

Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough

A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'

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On 23rd November 1219 William Stuteville (age 30) and Margaret Say 6th Baroness Burford (age 37) were married.

Around 1224 [her daughter] Margery Stuteville was born to [her husband] William Stuteville (age 35) and Margaret Say 6th Baroness Burford (age 42). She married before 1290 Richard Foliot and had issue.

In October 1242 Margaret Say 6th Baroness Burford (age 60) died at Gressenhall, Norfolk [Map].

On 20th May 1259 [her former husband] William Stuteville (age 70) died at Cowsby Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

[her father] Hugh Say 5th Baron Burford and [her mother] Mabel Marmion Baroness Burford were married. She by marriage Baroness Burford Feudal.