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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Maternal Family Tree: Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter 1397-1462
Around 1397 Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter was born to [her father] Thomas Clarell of Aldwarke.
Before 1398 [her future husband] Robert Waterton (age 37) and Cecily Fleming were married.
In 1399 [her future husband] Robert Waterton (age 39) was appointed Constable of Pontefract Castle. In January 1400 he was given custody of King Richard II of England (age 31) who died shortly thereafter.
On 20th November 1399 [her future husband] Robert Waterton (age 39) was appointed Master of the Horse to the newly crowned King Henry IV of England (age 32).
In 1417 [her son] William Fitzwilliam was born to [her future husband] John Fitzwilliam (age 19) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter (age 20) at Sprotbrough, South Yorkshire. He married before 1st December 1474 Elizabeth Chaworth and had issue.
In 1419 [her daughter] Eleanor Fitzwilliam was born to [her future husband] John Fitzwilliam (age 21) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter (age 22) at Sprotbrough, South Yorkshire. She married in or before 1450 William Rhyther and had issue.
In or before 1422 Robert Waterton (age 61) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter (age 24) were married. The difference in their ages was 37 years.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 17th January 1425 [her husband] Robert Waterton (age 65) died.
On 7th February 1426 William Gascoigne XII (age 17) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter (age 29) were married.
Around 1428 [her daughter] Joan Gascoigne was born to [her husband] William Gascoigne XII (age 19) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter (age 31). She married in or before 1460 Henry Vavasour, son of Henry Vavasour, and had issue.
Around 1430 [her son] William Gascoigne XIII was born to [her husband] William Gascoigne XII (age 21) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter (age 33). He married (1) before 1463 Unknown Beckwith and had issue (2) before 1463 Joan Neville and had issue.
In 1436 [her daughter] Anne Gascoigne Baroness Hastings was born to [her husband] William Gascoigne XII (age 27) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter (age 39). She married in or before 1466 Hugh Hastings 10th Baron Hastings, son of John Hastings 9th Baron Hastings and Anne Morley Baroness Hastings, and had issue.
In 1445 [her daughter] Elizabeth Gascoigne was born to [her husband] William Gascoigne XII (age 36) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter (age 48).
In or before 1450 [her son-in-law] William Rhyther (age 41) and [her daughter] Eleanor Fitzwilliam (age 30) were married.
In or before 1460 [her son-in-law] Henry Vavasour (age 38) and [her daughter] Joan Gascoigne (age 31) were married.
Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
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In 1462 Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter (age 65) died.
Around 1465. All Saints Church Harewood [Map]. Monument to [her former husband] William Gascoigne XII (age 56) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter. Fluted Period. Suns and Roses Collar. His bare head, with finely detailed hair, no facial hair, rests on an unusual helm which appears to be a Maiden's Face, with an orle. Below the waist faulds and tassets under which mail may be seen. Both rest on a chest tomb with finely detailed weepers on each side. She, on his right, with a Widow's Barbe drawn up to her chin at the finely carved end of her dress two dogs, one pulling at the folds. Dogs chewing at her dress with Studded Collar. Dress Folds at Feet.
William Gascoigne XII: Around 1409 he was born to William Gascoigne at Gawthorpe Hall [Map]. On 7th February 1426 William Gascoigne XII and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter were married. Around 1465 William Gascoigne XII died at Gawthorpe Hall [Map]. All Saints Church Harewood [Map].
Around 1465 [her former husband] William Gascoigne XII (age 56) died at Gawthorpe Hall [Map]. All Saints Church Harewood [Map].
Before 17th September 1474 John Fitzwilliam (age 77) and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter were married.
On 17th September 1474 [her former husband] John Fitzwilliam (age 77) died at Rouen, France [Map].
[her daughter] Margaret Gascoigne was born to William Gascoigne XII and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter.
[her son] John Gascoigne was born to William Gascoigne XII and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter.
[her son] Robert Gascoigne was born to William Gascoigne XII and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter.
[her daughter] Amy Gascoigne was born to William Gascoigne XII and Margaret Clarell Lady of the Garter.