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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Knowsley, Lancashire is in Lancashire.
In 1364 Isabel Lathom was born to Thomas Lathom [aged 35] at Knowsley, Lancashire. She married 1385 John Stanley and had issue.
Around 1405 Thomas Stanley 1st Baron Stanley was born to John Stanley [aged 19] and Elizabeth Harrington [aged 19] at Knowsley, Lancashire. He married before 1423 his fifth cousin once removed Jane Goushill Baroness Stanley, daughter of Robert Goushill and Elizabeth Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk, and had issue.
On 20th February 1459 Thomas Stanley 1st Baron Stanley [aged 54] died at Knowsley, Lancashire. He was buried at Burscough Priory [Map]. His son Thomas [aged 24] succeeded King Mann, 2nd Baron Stanley. Eleanor Neville Baroness Stanley [aged 12] by marriage Baroness Stanley.
In 1460 George Stanley 9th Baron Strange Knockin 5th Baron Mohun Dunster was born to Thomas Stanley 1st Earl of Derby [aged 25] and Eleanor Neville Baroness Stanley [aged 13] at Knowsley, Lancashire. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England. He married 1482 his fourth cousin once removed Joan Strange 9th Baroness Strange of Knockin 5th Baroness Dunster, daughter of John Strange 8th Baron Strange Knockin 4th Baron Mohun Dunster and Jacquetta Woodville Baroness Strange and Mohun, and had issue.
In 1462 Edward Stanley 1st Baron Monteagle was born to Thomas Stanley 1st Earl of Derby [aged 27] and Eleanor Neville Baroness Stanley [aged 15] at Knowsley, Lancashire. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England. He married (1) before November 1501 his half second cousin once removed Anne Harrington (2) before 1507 Elizabeth Vaughan Baroness Grey Wilton and had issue.
On 6th January 1588 Elizabeth Stanley Countess Huntingdon was born to Ferdinando Stanley 5th Earl of Derby [aged 29] and Alice Spencer Countess Derby [aged 38] at Knowsley, Lancashire. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland. She married 15th January 1601 her fourth cousin Henry Hastings 5th Earl Huntingdon and had issue.
On 31st January 1607 James Stanley 7th Earl of Derby was born to William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby [aged 46] and Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby [aged 31] at Knowsley, Lancashire. He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry VII of England and Ireland. He married 26th June 1626 Charlotte Thouars Countess Derby, daughter of Claude de La Tremoille 2nd Duke Thouars and Charlotte Flandrina Orange Nassau, and had issue.
On 21st April 1893 Edward Henry Stanley 15th Earl of Derby [aged 66] died at Knowsley, Lancashire. His brother Frederick [aged 52] succeeded 16th Earl Derby, 10th Baronet Stanley of Bickerstaffe. Constance Villiers Countess Derby [aged 53] by marriage Countess Derby.
On 24th February 1660 John Murray 1st Duke Atholl was born to John Murray 1st Marquess Atholl [aged 28] and Amelia Stanley Marchioness Atholl [aged 27] at Knowsley Hall, Lancashire. He married (1) before 6th May 1684 his half fourth cousin Catherine Hamilton Duchess Atholl, daughter of William Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton and Anne Hamilton 3rd Duchess Hamilton, and had issue (2) 26th June 1710 Mary Ross Duchess Atholl and had issue.
On 23rd April 1829 Elizabeth Farren Countess Derby [aged 70] died at Knowsley Hall, Lancashire.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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On 4th February 1948 Edward George Villiers Stanley 17th Earl of Derby [aged 82] died at Knowsley Hall, Lancashire. His grandson Edward [aged 29] succeeded 18th Earl Derby, 12th Baronet Stanley of Bickerstaffe.
In 1480 Roger Cheney [aged 38] and Anne Stanley were married at The Pype, Knowsley. The difference in their ages was 38 years.