Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Paternal Family Tree: Ridley of Blagdon Hall, Northumberland
On 14th November 1711 Matthew Ridley was born to [his father] Richard Ridley of Heaton and Newcastle upon Tyne.
In 1724 Matthew Ridley [aged 12] commenced his education at Westminster School [Map].
In December 1727 Matthew Ridley [aged 16] matriculated St John's College, Oxford University.
In 1730 Matthew Ridley [aged 18] was awarded Master of Arts.
In 1733 Matthew Ridley [aged 21] was elected Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne.
On 18th November 1742 Matthew Ridley [aged 31] and Elizabeth White [aged 21] were married.
On 28th October 1745 [his son] Matthew White Ridley 2nd Baronet was born to Matthew Ridley [aged 33] and [his wife] Elizabeth White [aged 24].
On 5th March 1749 [his son] Nicholas Ridley of Link House, Blyth was born to Matthew Ridley [aged 37] and [his wife] Elizabeth White [aged 28]. He married 23rd November 1790 Letitia Atkins.
In 1756 [his brother-in-law] Matthew White 1st Baronet [aged 29] was created 1st Baronet White of Blagdon in Northumberland, with remainder to the heirs male of his sister Elizabeth White [aged 35], wife of Matthew Ridley [aged 44].
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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In 1764 [his wife] Elizabeth White [aged 43] died.
On 6th April 1778 Matthew Ridley [aged 66] died. Monument at the Cathedral Church St Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne [Map] sculpted by John "The Elder" Bacon [aged 37].