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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Paternal Family Tree: Howard
Maternal Family Tree: Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset 1487-1535
Before 22nd August 1553 Henry Dudley (age 22) and [his mother] Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk (age 13) were married. He the son of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland (age 49) and Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland (age 44). They were third cousin once removed.
In 1556 [his father] Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 19) and Mary Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk (age 16) were married. She by marriage Duchess Norfolk, Countess Surrey. She the daughter of Henry Fitzalan 12th or 19th Earl of Arundel (age 43) and Katherine Grey. They were second cousin once removed.
In 1558 [his father] Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 21) and [his mother] Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk (age 18) were married. She by marriage Duchess Norfolk, Countess Surrey. They were fourth cousins.
On 24th August 1561 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk was born to [his father] Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 25) and [his mother] Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk (age 21).
On 9th January 1564 [his mother] Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk (age 24) died at Norwich, Norfolk [Map] following the birth of her fourth child. She was initially buried at Church of St John the Baptist, Norwich [Map]. Her remains were moved to the Church of St Michael the Archangel, Framlingham [Map].
On 11th January 1564 Richard Southwell (age 61) died at Windham Manor, Norfolk. He was buried in the north side of the chancel of St Nicholas' Church, Woodrising [Map]. His will of 24 Jul 1561, to which he had added a codicil on the day of his death, was proved on 22 June by Norfolk, Thomas Cornwallis and Thomas aka Francis Gawdy (age 36). He bequeathed over 10,000 sheep to members of his family and left his personal armour to his 'cousin and friend' Henry Bedingfield (age 55) and other armour to the young [his father] 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 27), whom he named an executor
In 1567 [his father] Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 30) and [his step-mother] Elizabeth Leybourne Duchess Norfolk (age 31) were married. She by marriage Duchess Norfolk, Countess Surrey.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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On 17th May 1569 George Dacre 5th Baron Dacre Gilsland 9th Baron Greystoke (age 8) died. Baron Greystoke abeyant. There was a dispute as to whether his uncle Leonard Dacre should inherit Baron Dacre Gilsland which would be the case if it was created by letters patent, or whether the Barony was in abeyance between the 5th Baron's three sisters which would be the case of the barony had been created through a writ of summons. Such decisions would normally be referred to the [his father] Duke of Norfolk (age 33) in his capacity as Earl Marshal but he, Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk, had married [his step-mother] Elizabeth Leybourne Duchess Norfolk, the mother of the three daughters although she had died in the meantime; he was not impartial - the three daughters were now his step-daughters. The matter was referred to Commissioners who decided the Barony had been created by writ between and was, therefore, abeyant between the three daughters who were now the step-daughters of Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk. He, Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk subsequently married his eldest son [his half-brother] Philip Howard 13th or 20th Earl of Arundel (age 11) to his eldest step-daughter [his future sister-in-law] Anne Dacre Countess Arundel (age 12). After Thomas Howard's execution in 1572 the two remaining daughters, [his future wife] Mary Dacre (age 5) and Elizabeth Dacre (age 4) were married to his two remaining sons Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 7) and William Howard (age 5) respectively ensuring all of the Dacre and Greystoke wealth and estates in Cumberland, Yorkshire and Northumberland would become the property of the Howard family.
In 1571 [his half-brother] Philip Howard 13th or 20th Earl of Arundel (age 13) and [his sister-in-law] Anne Dacre Countess Arundel (age 13) were married. She being his step-sister. An unusual example of a Marriage of Three Sets of Siblings where, in this case, three brothers, married three sisters, who were also step-siblings, as a means of keeping the sisters inheritance. She the daughter of Thomas Dacre 4th Baron Dacre Gilsland 8th Baron Greystoke and [his step-mother] Elizabeth Leybourne Duchess Norfolk. He the son of [his father] Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 34) and Mary Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk. They were half third cousin once removed.
Before 1572 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 10) and Mary Dacre (age 8) were married. She by marriage Baroness Audley Walden in Essex. She died six years later three months short of her fifteenth birthday. She being his step-sister. An unusual example of a Marriage of Three Sets of Siblings where, in this case, three brothers, married three sisters, who were also step-siblings, as a means of keeping the sisters inheritance. She the daughter of Thomas Dacre 4th Baron Dacre Gilsland 8th Baron Greystoke and Elizabeth Leybourne Duchess Norfolk. He the son of Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 35) and Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk. They were half third cousin once removed.
In January 1572 [his father] Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 35) was tried for high treason for his involvement in the Ridolphi Plot. Thomas Sackville 1st Earl Dorset (age 36) acted as judge.
George Talbot 6th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 44) was appointed Lord High Steward for the trial.
Walter Mildmay (age 51) helped prepare evidence against Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk.
On 2nd June 1572 [his father] Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 36) was executed for his involvement in the Ridolphi Plot. He was buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map]. Duke Norfolk, Earl Surrey, Baron Mowbray, Baron Segrave forfeit.
On 7th April 1578 [his wife] Mary Dacre (age 14) died in Naworth Castle [Map].
Before 1580 Richard Rich and [his future wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 15) were married.
On 24th February 1580 Henry Fitzalan 12th or 19th Earl of Arundel (age 67) died. His grandson [his half-brother] Philip (age 22) succeeded 13th or 20th Earl Arundel, 10th Baron Maltravers, 10th Baron Arundel. [his sister-in-law] Anne Dacre Countess Arundel (age 22) by marriage Countess Arundel.
Before 1582 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 20) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 17) were married. She by marriage Baroness Audley Walden in Essex. He the son of Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk and Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk. They were third cousins.
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 13th August 1582 [his son] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 20) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 18) at Saffron Walden, Essex [Map]. He married 1612 Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk, daughter of George Home 1st Earl Dunbar and Elizabeth Gordon Countess Dunbar, and had issue.
Around 1583 [his daughter] Elizabeth Howard Countess Banbury was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 21) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 19). She married (1) 23rd December 1605 her third cousin once removed William Knollys 1st Earl Banbury and had issue (2) 30th June 1632 her fifth cousin once removed Edward Vaux 4th Baron Vaux Harrowden.
In 1584 [his son] Robert Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 22) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 20). He married 1648 his sixth cousin Catherine Neville, daughter of Henry Neville 2nd Baron Abergavenny and Catherine Vaux Baroness Bergavenny.
Around 1584 Thomas Clinton 3rd Earl Lincoln (age 13) and [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Knyvet Countess Lincoln (age 6) were married. He the son of Henry Clinton 2nd Earl Lincoln (age 42) and Catherine Hastings Countess Lincoln (age 41). They were half sixth cousins.
On 8th October 1587 [his son] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Berkshire was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 26) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 23) at Saffron Walden, Essex [Map]. He married 1614 his fourth cousin Elizabeth Cecil Countess Berkshire, daughter of William Cecil 2nd Earl Exeter and Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter, and had issue.
On 25th July 1588 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 26) was captain of the Golden Lion in the attack on the Spanish Armada.
On 26th July 1588 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 26) was knighted by Admiral Lord Howard of Effingham on the Ark Royal.
Around 1590 [his daughter] Catherine Howard Countess Salisbury was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 28) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 26). She married 1st December 1608 her fifth cousin William Cecil 2nd Earl Salisbury, son of Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury and Elizabeth Brooke, and had issue.
On 31st May 1590 [his daughter] Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 28) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 26). She married (1) 1603 her fourth cousin Robert Devereux 3rd Earl Essex, son of Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex and Frances Walsingham Countess Essex (2) 26th December 1613 Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset and had issue.
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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In 1591 [his son] Charles Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 29) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 27). He married 1613 Mary Fitz.
In 1592 [his son] Henry Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 30) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 28) in Henley In Arden, Warwickshire. He married before 1616 Elizabeth Bassett Countess Newcastle upon Tyne and had issue.
On 19th October 1595 [his half-brother] Philip Howard 13th or 20th Earl of Arundel (age 38) died of dysentery at Tower of London [Map]. He was buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map], reburied at Arundel Cathedral, Sussex [Map] and then reburied in the Fitzalan Chapel, Arundel Castle [Map]. Earl Arundel, Baron Maltravers, Baron Arundel forfeit.
He had been imprisoned for ten years and had never seen his son and heir [his nephew] Thomas Howard 14th or 21st Earl of Arundel 4th Earl of Surrey 1st Earl Norfolk (age 10) who had been born three months after he was imprisoned.
On 13th June 1596 Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 30) departed from Plymouth, Devon [Map] with a fleet of 150 English and Dutch ships divided into four squads with 6,360 private soldiers, 1,000 English volunteers, and 6,772 sailors.
Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham (age 60) was admiral in command. Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex commanded the land forces. Edward Conway 1st Viscount Conway (age 32) commanded a foot Regiment.
Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 34), Walter Raleigh (age 42), Francis de Vere (age 35) each commanded a squadron.
Anthony Ashley 1st Baronet (age 35) represented Queen Elizabeth (age 62).
Toby Caulfeild 1st Baron Caulfeild (age 30) was present.
In 1597 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 35) was created 1st Baron Howard de Walden by writ of summons. [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 33) by marriage Baroness Howard de Walden. His [his mother] mother's [his grandfather] father was the first and last Baron Audley Walden in Essex.
In 1597 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 35) was appointed 384th Knight of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 63).
In 1598 Unknown Painter. Portrait of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 36).
In 1599 [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 35) was appointed Keeper of the Jewels to Anne of Denmark Queen Consort Scotland England and Ireland (age 24).
Around 1602 [his son] Edward Howard 1st Baron Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 40) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 38). He married 1624 Mary Boteler Baroness Howard, daughter of John Boteler 1st Baron Boteler and Elizabeth Villiers Baroness Boteler Brantfield, and had issue.
In 1603 [his son-in-law] Robert Devereux 3rd Earl Essex (age 11) and Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset (age 12) were married. They were separated after the wedding given their young age. Essex went on a European tour from 1607 to 1609. When he returned she avoided him having fallen for Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 16) whilst her husband was away. He was ill with smallpox. She sought an annulment with her father Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex and uncle Henry Howard 1st Earl of Northampton (age 62) acting for her. She maintained the marriage had not been consummated and was examined by ten matrons and two midwives who found her hymen intact. It was widely rumoured at the time that Sir Thomas Monson's (age 38) daughter was a substitute, which is possible because she had requested to be veiled during the examination "for modesty's sake". He maintained he was capable with other women, but was unable to consummate his marriage blaming her. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 41) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 39). He the son of Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex and Frances Walsingham Countess Essex (age 36). They were fourth cousins.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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In 1603 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 41) was created 1st Earl Suffolk. [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 39) by marriage Countess Suffolk.
On 4th November 1605 William Parker 4th Baron Monteagle 14th Baron Marshal 13th Baron Morley (age 30) searched the basement with Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 44) and discovered the gunpowder and explosives at Westminster Palace [Map].
State Trials and Proceedings for High Treason. The Trials of ROBERT WINTER, THOMAS WINTER, GUY FAWKES, JOHN GRANT, AMBROSE ROOKWOOD, ROB. KEY ES, THOMAS BATES, and Sir EVERARD DIGBY, at Westminster, for High Treason, being Conspirators in the Gunpowder-Plot: 3 Jac. I. 27th Jan. A. D. 1606.
On 27th January 1606 the trial of the conspirators took place at Westminster Hall [Map].
The Commissioners were: Earl of Nottingham (age 70), Suffolk (age 44), Worcester (age 56), Devonshire (age 43), [his uncle] Northampton (age 65), Salisbury (age 42), John Popham (age 75), the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, Thomas Fleming (age 61), Peter Warburton (age 66), knight, one of the Justices of the Common Pleas.
The Effect of the Indictment.
THAT whereas our Sovereign Lord the King (age 39) had, by the Advice and Assent of his Council, for divers weighty and urgent Occasions concerning, his Majesty, the State, and Defence of the Church and Kingdom of England, appointed a Parliament to be holden at his City of Westminster; That Henry Garnet (age 50), Superior of the Jesuits within the Realm of England, (called also by the several names of Wally, Darcy, Roberts, Farmer, and Henry Philips), Oswald Tesmond Jesuit (age 43), otherwise called Oswald Greenwell, John Gerrard Jesuit (age 41), (called also by the several names of Lee and Brooke), Robert Winter (age 38), Thomas Winter (age 35), Gentlemen, Guy Fawkes (age 35) Gent. otherwise called Guy Johnson, Robert Keyes (age 41) Gent. and Thomas Bates Yeoman, late Servant to Robert Catesby Esquire; together with the said Robert Catesby and Thomas Percy Esquires, John Wright and Christopher Wright Gentlemen, in open Rebellion and Insurrection against his Majesty, lately slain, and Francis Tresham Esq; lately dead; as false Traitors against our said Sovereign Lord the King, did traitorously meet and assemble themselves together; and being so met, the said Henry Garnet, Oswald Tesmond, John Gerrard, and other Jesuits, did maliciously, falsly, and traitorously move and persuade as well the said Thomas Winter, Guy Fawkes, Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, as the said Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Christopher Wright, and Francis Tresham, That our said Sovereign Lord the King, the Nobility, Clergy, and whole Commonalty of the Realm of England, (Papists excepted) were Hereticks; and that all Hereticks were accursed and excommunicate; and that none Heretick could be a King; but that it was lawful and meritorious to kill our said Sovereign Lord the King, and all other Hereticks within this Realm of England, for the Advancing and Enlargement of the pretended and usurped Authority and Jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome, and for the restoring of the superstitious Romish Religion within this Realm of England.
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On 23rd December 1605 [his son-in-law] William Knollys 1st Earl Banbury (age 61) and Elizabeth Howard Countess Banbury (age 22) were married. She by marriage Baroness Knollys. The difference in their ages was 39 years. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 44) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 41). They were third cousin once removed.
On 1st December 1608 [his son-in-law] William Cecil 2nd Earl Salisbury (age 17) and Catherine Howard Countess Salisbury (age 18) were married. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 47) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 44). He the son of Robert Cecil 1st Earl Salisbury (age 45) and Elizabeth Brooke. They were fifth cousins.
In 1611 John Eyre (age 31) and Dorothy Bulstrode (age 19) attempted to murder Edward Herbert 1st Baron Herbert Chirbury (age 28) who he suspected of having an affair with his wife (Dorothy Bulstrode). Eyre and four accomplices caught up with Herbert and his two footmen at Scotland Yard as he was leaving Whitehall Palace [Map], and wounded his horse several times. Eyre broke Herbert's sword. Twenty more men appeared, Herbert thought them Eyre's supporters and attendants of the Earl of Suffolk (age 49). Two other men helped Herbert, and after a prolonged struggle he wounded Eyre, who was carried to the Thames vomiting. A few days later Eyre sent a message that he would kill Herbert with "a musket out of a window". Meanwhile, because Eyre claimed Dorothy had confessd to being unfaithful, she sent a letter to her aunt Lady Croke (Note. probably Prudence Croke (age 44) possibly Elizabeth Croke denying this, and Herbert was able to give this letter to the Privy Council. The Duke of Lennox (age 36) said that John Eyre was "the most miserable man living" because of the shame of Dorothy's letter, and because his father had disinherited him on hearing of the assault.
In 1612 Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk (age 29) and Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk (age 13) were married. She the daughter of George Home 1st Earl Dunbar and Elizabeth Gordon Countess Dunbar (age 37). He the son of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 50) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 48).
Around 1613 Charles Howard (age 22) and Mary Fitz (age 16) were married. He the son of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 51) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 49).
On 25th September 1613 [his son-in-law] Robert Devereux 3rd Earl Essex (age 22) and [his daughter] Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset (age 23) marriage annulled by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 47). She married Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 26) three months later.
On 26th December 1613 [his son-in-law] Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 26) and Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset (age 23) were married. She by marriage Countess Somerset. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 52) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 49).
Her marriage with her first husband Robert Devereux 3rd Earl Essex (age 22) had been annulled on the grounds of his impotence three months before causing something of a scandal.
In 1614 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Berkshire (age 26) and Elizabeth Cecil Countess Berkshire (age 18) were married. She the daughter of William Cecil 2nd Earl Exeter (age 48) and Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter (age 35). He the son of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 52) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 50). They were fourth cousins.
Before 1616 Henry Howard (age 23) and Elizabeth Bassett Countess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 23) were married. He the son of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 54) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 51).
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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Around 1616 [his son] Henry Howard (age 24) died 'at his country house' [Blore Hall, Staffordshire?] at breakfast 'suddenly at the table without speaking one word'. He was buried at St Bartholomew's Church, Blore [Map].
On 29th September 1616 Henry Clinton 2nd Earl Lincoln (age 75) died at Sempringham. His son Thomas (age 45) succeeded 3rd Earl Lincoln, 11th Baron Clinton. [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Knyvet Countess Lincoln (age 38) by marriage Countess Lincoln.
Letters of the Court of James I 1618. [20th August 1618]. While the court was at Bewley, a Scottishman stabbed and killed a servant of Humfrey's, that discovered the pot aux roses touching the courses of the Lord (age 56) and [his wife] Lady Suffolk (age 54). The fellow is to suffer for it, if he be not hanged already at the court gate. Sir John Bingley is, like enough, for aught I hear, to pass well through his business, and so may the Lord of Suffolk2, seeing there pass many letters 'twixt the king and him; which some think to be about the parting with Audley End [Map], for the which he is to have £ 2000 land a-year; and as much more as the grounds or lands about it came to.
Note 1. "discover the pot aux roses" i.e. to discover a secret.
Note 2. Accused of corruption in his post of lord treasurer, and many other misdemeanors.
Letters of John Chamberlain Volume 2.315. [30th January 1619] The earle of Suffolke (age 57) and his [his wife] Lady (age 55) entertaine counsaile, and mean to stand to theire innocence. I have not seene the bill put in against them, but I heare that after a large commemoration and as yt were exprobation of the Kings favors and benefits, they are taxed with extortion, concussion, and oppression, besides briberie and false dealing as well in the matter of correns and alume, as specially in false inventaries of jewells, in displacing and altering of stones, and making them away at an undervalue to theyre owne benefit: how these matters can be aunswered I know not, but howsoever yt fall out I doubt yt will prove impar congressus [an uneven match].
Diary of Anne Clifford. 20th November 1619. The 20th my Lord and Lady Suffolk1 were sent to the Tower.
Note 1. Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 58) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 55).
Diary of Anne Clifford. 28th November 1619. The 28th though I kept my chamber altogether yet methinks the time is not so tedious to me as when I used to be abroad.
About this time I received letters from Mr Davis by which I perceived how ill things were likely to go in Westmoreland especially with Mr Hilton and Michael Brunstall.1
Note 1. About this time of my Lord's (age 30) being at London he kept a great table having a great company of Lords and gentlemen that used to dine with him.
All this winter my Lady Margaret's speech was very ill so as strangers cannot understand her, besides she was so apt to take cold and so out of temper that it grieved me to think of it. I verily believe all these inconveniences proceed from some distemper in her head.
The 29th of November was the last time my Lord came to my Lady Penniston's (age 24) at her Mother's lodgings in the Strand. The 30th my Lord and Lady Suffolk1 came out of the Tower.
Note 1. Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 58) and [his wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 55)
Around 1624 Edward Howard 1st Baron Howard (age 22) and Mary Boteler Baroness Howard were married. He the son of Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 62) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 60).
On 28th May 1626 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 64) died at Charing Cross [Map]. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey [Map]. His son Theophilus (age 43) succeeded 2nd Earl Suffolk. Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk (age 27) by marriage Countess Suffolk.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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In 1638 [his former wife] Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 74) died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 31st August 1654. From Cambridge, we went to Audley-End [Map], and spent some time in seeing that goodly place built by Howard, Earl of Suffolk, once Lord Treasurer. It is a mixed fabric, between antique and modern, but observable for its being completely finished, and without comparison is one of the stateliest palaces in the kingdom. It consists of two courts, the first very large, winged with cloisters. The front had a double entrance; the hall is fair, but somewhat too small for so august a pile. The kitchen is very large, as are the cellars, arched with stone, very neat and well disposed; these offices are joined by a wing out of the way very handsomely. The gallery is the most cheerful and I think one of the best in England; a fair dining-room, and the rest of the lodgings answerable, with a pretty chapel. The gardens are not in order, though well inclosed. It has also a bowling-alley, a noble well-walled, wooded and watered park, full of fine collines and ponds: the river glides before the palace, to which is an avenue of lime trees, but all this is much diminished by its being placed in an obscure bottom. For the rest, is a perfectly uniform structure, and shows without like a diadem, by the decorations of the cupolas and other ornaments on the pavilions; instead of rails and balusters, there is a border of capital letters, as was lately also on Suffolk House, Suffolk Street, near Charing-Cross, built by the same Lord Treasurer.
Letters of the Court of James I 1618. There is, I hear, a new commission granted; first, to inquire what jewels of the crown have been embezzled; whereby the Earl of Suffolk is like to be called to a further account. There is heating at the Lord Knollys's also; but he resolves stoutly to stand upon his own just position, and hath directly told the marquis as much; with putting him in mind, further, that these precedents may one day prove leading cases to himself.
Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts. After he [Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex] had been in the Tower one night, he sent to the Lord Thomas Howard, being constable of the Tower, by Mr. Warburton, to entreat him to move her Majesty to send unto him the Lord Keeper (Egerton), Lord Treasurer (Buckhurst), Lord Admiral (Nottingham), and me the secretary by name, that he might now discharge his conscience, and confess his great obstinacy in denying those things at his arraignment wherewith he had been charsed, as also to reconcile himself to his enemies, and specially to me, whom he liad wronged as a councillor, when he pretended at the bar that the cause of his taking arms was the rather to save the kingdom of England from the Spaniard, to whom it was bought and sold, particularly urging it upon me, who had been a dealer in the peace; adding also that he had heard that I delivered to a councillor that the Inftint had the best title: to the which when I replied, and pressed that the party that told it him miglit be brought forth, Mr. Controller (Sir Edward Wotton?) was named by the poor Earl of Southampton, who, being sent for into the seat of judgment, very like a gentleman and a Christian cleared me that I did never speak of that in other sort than as reporting what a strange book was come forth of one Doleman dedicated to the Earl of Essex, which did maintain that title to be the best.
[his daughter] Emily Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk.
[his daughter] Margaret Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk.
[his son] John Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk.
[his daughter] Gertrude Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk.
[his son] William Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk.
Kings Wessex: Great x 16 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 13 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 19 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 14 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 7 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 15 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 22 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 17 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 20 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Howard 
4 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Mowbray Baroness Grey Ruthyn 
3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk 
5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Moleyns 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Moleyns 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Tilney 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Frederick Tilney
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Lawrence Cheney
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cheney 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cockayne 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
GrandFather: Henry Howard Earl of Surrey 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Humphrey Stafford 
2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Stafford 2nd Duke of Buckingham 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Beaufort 
2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Woodville Duchess Buckingham and Bedford 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford 
5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Percy 4th Earl of Northumberland 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Poynings Countess Northumberland 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Percy Duchess Buckingham 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Maud Herbert Countess Northumberland 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Devereux 
8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Father: Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard de Vere 11th Earl of Oxford 
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert de Vere 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Sergeaux Countess Oxford
Great x 2 Grandfather: John de Vere 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Courtenay 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Courtenay 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Colbroke
GrandMother: Frances Vere Countess of Surrey 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Trussell
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Trussell
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edward Trussell
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Trussell Countess of Oxford 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Donne
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Donne 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Leonard Hastings 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Hastings 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Camoys 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Ralph Audley 
Great x 1 Grandfather: Geoffrey Audley
GrandFather: Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden
Mother: Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Grey Baron Ferrers of Groby 
6 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Grey 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Ferrers 6th Baroness Ferrers Groby 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Grey 1st Marquess Dorset 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Bonville 
5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Bonville 6th Baron Harington 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Harrington 
Great x 2 Grandmother: Cecily Bonville Marchioness Dorset 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Neville Earl Salisbury Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Neville Baroness Bonville and Hastings 
2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Montagu 5th Countess of Salisbury 
3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
GrandMother: Elizabeth Grey Baroness Audley 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Nicholas Wotton 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Nicholas Wotton
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Corbie
Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Wotton of Boughton Malherbe
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset