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.
Maternal Family Tree: Elizabeth Spencer Lady Dashwood 1716-1798
In 1821 [his father] Wilfrid Wybergh aka Lawson 1st Baronet (age 25) and [his mother] Caroline Graham Lady Lawson (age 28) were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly. They had eight children.
On 4th September 1829 Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet was born to [his father] Wilfrid Wybergh aka Lawson 1st Baronet (age 33) and [his mother] Caroline Graham Lady Lawson (age 36) at Brayton Hall, Aspatria.
In 1859 Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet (age 29) was elected MP Carlisle which seat he held until 1865.
On 13th November 1860 Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet (age 31) and Mary Pocklington Senhouse (age 20) were married. They had four boys and four girls.
On 21st October 1862 [his son] Wilfrid Lawson 3rd Baronet was born to Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet (age 33) and [his wife] Mary Pocklington Senhouse (age 22) at Brayton Hall, Aspatria. He married 28th April 1891 Mary Camilla Macan Lady Lawson.
In or after 1864 [his son] Mordaunt Lawson was born to Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet (age 34) and [his wife] Mary Pocklington Senhouse (age 24)
On 12th June 1867 [his father] Wilfrid Wybergh aka Lawson 1st Baronet (age 71) died at Brayton Hall, Aspatria. His son Wilfrid (age 37) succeeded 2nd Baronet Lawson of Brayton House in Cumberland.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1868 Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet (age 38) was elected MP Carlisle which seat he held until 1885.
On 1st November 1870 [his mother] Caroline Graham Lady Lawson (age 77) died at her residence at Arkelby Hall Aspatria.
In 1886 Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet (age 56) was elected MP Cockermouth which seat he held until 1900.
On 28th April 1891 [his son] Wilfrid Lawson 3rd Baronet (age 28) and [his daughter-in-law] Mary Camilla Macan Lady Lawson (age 26) were married.
In 1903 Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet (age 73) was elected MP Camborne which seat he held until 1906.
On 1st July 1906 Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet (age 76) died at 18 Ovington Square, Knightsbridge. His funeral was held at St Margaret's Church, Westminster [Map] amidst a large gathering of members of Parliament, family members, personal friends, and representatives of public bodies. He was buried at St Kentigern's Church, Aspatria. His son Wilfrid (age 43) succeeded 3rd Baronet Lawson of Brayton House in Cumberland. [his daughter-in-law] Mary Camilla Macan Lady Lawson (age 41) by marriage Lady Lawson of Brayton House in Cumberland.
On 21st April 1908 George Howard 9th Earl Carlisle (age 64) unveiled a memorial to Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet, designed by Louis Frederick Roslyn, in the form of a drinking fountain surmounted by a bronze group of St. George and the dragon, at Aspatria, Allerdale, Cumberland. The fourth panel bears the following inscription:
Remember
Wilfrid Lawson
2nd Baronet of Brayton & Isel
In whose honour this fountain is erected by his many friends and admirers. Beloved for the integrity of his life and the height of his ideals. An example for all time for one who gave himself for others, believing in the brotherhood of man. A lover of truth and mercy, a brave and strenuous advocate of temperance, which sacred cause he championed in the House of Commons for forty years with gay wisdom and perseverance.
On 6th June 1908 the Lawson family installed a stained glass window dedicated to the memory of their Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet, in the east end of St Kentigern's Church, Aspatria.
On 18th January 1910 [his former wife] Mary Pocklington Senhouse (age 70) died at Brayton Hall, Aspatria.
Kings Wessex: Great x 24 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 21 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 27 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 22 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 25 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 15 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 23 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 21 Grand Son of Louis VII King of the Franks
Kings France: Great x 19 Grand Son of Philip V King France I King Navarre
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 29 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
GrandFather: Thomas Wybergh
Father: Wilfrid Wybergh aka Lawson 1st Baronet
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Hartley of Whitehaven
GrandMother: Isabella Hartley
Wilfrid Lawson 2nd Baronet 15 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Graham 1st Baronet 
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Graham 2nd Baronet
Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Musgrave 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Very Reverend William Graham
Great x 1 Grandfather: Reverend Robert Graham
Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Offley
GrandFather: James Graham 1st Baronet
Mother: Caroline Graham Lady Lawson 14 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Stewart 3rd Earl Galloway 
Great x 3 Grandfather: James Stewart 5th Earl Galloway 10 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Douglas Countess Galloway 
9 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 2 Grandfather: Alexander Stewart 6th Earl Galloway 11 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alexander Montgomerie 9th Earl Eglinton 10 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Montgomerie Countess Galloway 11 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Cochrane
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Stewart 7th Earl Galloway 12 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Cochrane 2nd Earl Dundonald 10 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Cochrane 4th Earl Dundonald 11 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 2 Grandmother: Catherine Cochrane Countess Galloway 12 x Great Grand Daughter of
GrandMother: Catherine Stewart Lady Graham 13 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Dashwood 1st Baronet 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Dashwood
Great x 4 Grandmother: Penelope Chamberlayne Lady Dashwood
Great x 2 Grandfather: James Dashwood 2nd Baronet
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Reade 2nd Baronet
Great x 3 Grandmother: Dorothy Reade
Great x 4 Grandmother: Love Dring Lady Reade
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Dashwood Countess Galloway
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Spencer 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Spencer
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Spencer Lady Dashwood