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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Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley is in Ashley, Staffordshire, Churches in Staffordshire.
Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley [Map]. Interior. Restored in 1910 by Cecil Hare, a pupil of Bodley's, under the patronage of F.G. Lindley Meynell, who was responsible for the screens, gilded reredos (blocking the East window), the organ gallery, choir stalls, marble flooring, pulpit, brass chandeliers and the panelled and painted chancel roof; it was also under his direction that the great majority of the present stained glass was installed.
Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley [Map]. Exterior.
After 1603. Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley [Map]. Monument to Gilbert Gerard and Anne Ratclyffe (deceased). A large alabaster rib-vaulted canopy with round arches at either end and obelisks above over two recumbent effigies.
Gilbert Gerard: Around 1534 he was born to James Gerard of Astley and Margaret Holcroft at Sudbury, Lancashire. In or before 1555 Gilbert Gerard and Anne Ratclyffe were married. On 4th February 1593 Gilbert Gerard died at Ashley, Staffordshire.
Anne Ratclyffe: Around 1539 she was born to Thomas Ratclyffe at Winmarleigh, Garstang. After 1603 she died at Chew Magna, Somerset [Map].
After 1617. Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley [Map]. Memorial to six Barons Gerard: Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard (age 53), and Gilbert Gerard 2nd Baron Gerard, Dutton Gerard 3rd Baron Gerard (age 3), Charles Gerard 4th Baron Gerard, Digby Gerard 5th Baron Gerard, Charles Gerard 6th Baron Gerard.
Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard: Around 1564 he was born to Gilbert Gerard and Anne Ratclyffe at Gerard's Bromley, Staffordshire. Before 1588 Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard and Alice Rivet were married. In 1603 Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard was created 1st Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley. On 7th October 1617 Thomas Gerard 1st Baron Gerard died at Ashley, Staffordshire. His son Gilbert succeeded 2nd Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley.
Digby Gerard 5th Baron Gerard: On 17th July 1662 he was born to Charles Gerard 4th Baron Gerard and Jane Digby Baroness Gerard. On 28th December 1667 Charles Gerard 4th Baron Gerard died. His son Digby succeeded 5th Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley. After 3rd September 1678 Digby Gerard 5th Baron Gerard and Elizabeth Gerard Baroness Gerard were married. She by marriage Baroness Gerard of Gerard's Bromley. She the daughter of Charles Gerard 1st Earl Macclesfield and Jeanne de Civelle Countess Macclesfield. They were third cousin once removed. On 8th November 1684 Digby Gerard 5th Baron Gerard died. His second cousin once removed Charles succeeded 6th Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley.
After 1817. Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley [Map]. Monument to Elizabeth Ingram (deceased). Tablet with a standing putto by an urn.
Elizabeth Ingram: Hugo Meynell and she were married. In 1762 she was born to Charles Ingram 9th Viscount Irvine. She became joint heir to her father's estate; 'one of the riches heiresses of high birth to be found in England'. In 1817 Elizabeth Ingram died.
1826. Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley [Map]. Monument to Thomas Kinnersley of Clough Hall in Staffordshire. Sculpted by Francis Leggatt Chantrey (age 44).
Thomas Kinnersley of Clough Hall in Staffordshire: On 18th December 1751 he was born. Before 3rd December 1819 he and Mary Kinnersley were married. On 3rd December 1819 he died.
1859. Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley [Map]. Monument to Thomas Kinnersley of Clough Hall in Staffordshire. Monument commissioned by his sister Elizabeth. Sculpted by Matthew Noble (age 41).
Thomas Kinnersley of Clough Hall in Staffordshire: Around 1782 he was born. On 4th February 1855 he died.
After 4th January 1863. Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley [Map]. Monument to Elizabeth Kinnersley sculpted by Peter Hollins (age 62).
After 1903. Church of St John the Baptist, Ashley [Map]. Memorial to the Meynell Family: Hugo Charles Meynell Ingram, his wife Georgiana Pigou, Elizabeth Meynell Ingram, Colonel Samuel Waymouth, Louisa Meynell Ingram and Georgiana Meynell Ingram.