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: Drury
Before 12th November 1712 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet was born to [his father] Richard Drury (age 39).
On 12th November 1712 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet was baptised at St Andrew's Church, Holborn [Map].
Around 1728 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 15) educated at Merton College, Oxford University.
On 11th October 1737 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 24) and Martha Tyrrell Lady Drury (age 20) were married at Chapel, Somerset House.
On 1st November 1738 [his father] Richard Drury (age 65) died.
On 16th February 1739 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 26) was created 1st Baronet Drury of Overstone in Northamptonshire. [his wife] Martha Tyrrell Lady Drury (age 22) by marriage Lady Drury of Overstone in Northamptonshire.
In 1740 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 27) was appointed High Sheriff of Essex.
In 1740 [his daughter] Mary Anne Drury Countess Buckinghamshire was born to Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 27) and [his wife] Martha Tyrrell Lady Drury (age 23). She married her sixth cousin John Hobart 2nd Earl Buckinghamshire, son of John Hobart 1st Earl Buckinghamshire and Judith Britiffe, and had issue.
In 1741 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 28) was elected MP Maldon.
In 1748 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 35) was appointed High Sheriff of Northamptonshire.
On 19th April 1749 [his daughter] Jocosa Drury Lady Cust was born to Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 36) and [his wife] Martha Tyrrell Lady Drury (age 32). She married 16th October 1770 Brownlow Cust 1st Baron Brownlow, son of John Cust 3rd Baronet and Etheldreda Payne Lady Cust, and had issue.
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 1754 Thomas Hudson (age 53). Portrait of Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 41).
In 1758 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 45) was elected Fellow of the Royal Society.
On 19th January 1759 Thomas Drury 1st Baronet (age 46) died. Baronet Drury of Overstone in Northamptonshire extinct.
On 17th June 1768 [his former wife] Martha Tyrrell Lady Drury (age 51) died.
Kings Wessex: Great x 21 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 18 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 24 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 19 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 14 Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 20 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 28 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 22 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 26 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Drury 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Drury 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Sothill
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Drury 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Rich 1st Baron Rich 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Audrey Rich
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Jenks Baroness Rich
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Drury 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Catherine Beswick
GrandFather: Richard Drury 12 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Father: Richard Drury 13 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Thomas Drury 1st Baronet 14 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England