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: Brereton
Maternal Family Tree: Elizabeth Freville 1398-1468
Before 13th September 1604 [his uncle] William Brereton (age 20) and [his mother] Margaret Holland (age 19) were married.
On 13th September 1604 William Brereton 1st Baronet was born to [his uncle] William Brereton (age 20) and [his mother] Margaret Holland (age 19) at Handforth Hall, Cheshire [Map].
In 1609 [his mother] Margaret Holland (age 24) died.
In 1610 [his uncle] William Brereton (age 26) died. William Brereton 1st Baronet (age 5) inherited Handforth Hall, Cheshire [Map] and over 3000 acres.
In 1623 William Brereton 1st Baronet (age 18) and Susan Booth Lady Brereton (age 23) were married.
On 10th March 1627 William Brereton 1st Baronet (age 22) was created 1st Baronet Brereton of Hanford in Cheshire. [his wife] Susan Booth Lady Brereton (age 27) by marriage Lady Brereton of Hanford in Cheshire. [his future wife] Cicely Skeffington Lady Brereton (age 12) by marriage Lady Brereton of Hanford in Cheshire.
In 1632 [his son] Thomas Brereton 2nd Baronet was born to William Brereton 1st Baronet (age 27) and [his wife] Susan Booth Lady Brereton (age 32).
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 1635 [his daughter] Frances Brereton was born to William Brereton 1st Baronet (age 30) and [his wife] Susan Booth Lady Brereton (age 35). She married before 1659 Edward Ward 7th Baron Dudley 2nd Baron Ward, son of Humble Ward 1st Baron Ward of Birmingham Baron Dudley and Frances Sutton 6th Baroness Dudley, and had issue.
After May 1637 William Brereton 1st Baronet (age 32) and Cicely Skeffington Lady Brereton (age 22) were married.
On 31st May 1637 [his wife] Susan Booth Lady Brereton (age 37) died.
Around 1640 [his daughter] Cicely Brereton Countess Meath was born to William Brereton 1st Baronet (age 35) and [his wife] Cicely Skeffington Lady Brereton (age 25). She married before 1677 Edward Brabazon 4th Earl Meath, son of Edward Brabazon 2nd Earl Meath and Mary Chambré Countess Meath.
On 10th August 1643 Thomas Myddelton of Chirk Castle (age 57) reached Nantwich, Cheshire [Map] where he was joined by William Brereton 1st Baronet (age 38). The proceeded on 4th September 1643 to Market Drayton, Shropshire, Wem, Shropshire on 11th September 1643, which they seized, garrisoned and made their Shropshire headquarters.
On 10th October 1649 [his wife] Cicely Skeffington Lady Brereton (age 34) died.
Before 1659 [his son-in-law] Edward Ward 7th Baron Dudley 2nd Baron Ward (age 27) and [his daughter] Frances Brereton (age 23) were married.
In 1661 William Brereton 1st Baronet (age 56) died. His son Thomas (age 29) succeeded 2nd Baronet Brereton of Hanford in Cheshire.
Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 14 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 20 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 15 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 10 Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 14 Grand Son of Louis VII King of the Franks
Kings France: Great x 17 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 22 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Randle Brereton of Ipstones and Malpas
Great x 3 Grandfather: Randle Brereton of Malpas
Great x 2 Grandfather: Randle Brereton of Malpas
Great x 1 Grandfather: Urian Brereton 11 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Peter Dutton 
8 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: Peter Dutton 9 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Dutton 10 x Great Grand Daughter of
GrandFather: William Brereton 12 x Great Grand Son of
Father: William Brereton 13 x Great Grand Son of
William Brereton 1st Baronet 10 x Great Grand Son of
GrandFather: Richard Holland 
Mother: Margaret Holland 9 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Langley
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Langley of Agecroft
GrandMother: Margaret Langley 8 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Trafford
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Trafford
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Ashton
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edmund Trafford 6 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Savage 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Savage 5 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Katherine Stanley 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 1 Grandmother: Cecilia Trafford 7 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Longford 8 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: Ralph Longford 7 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Melton 6 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Longford 7 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Ferrers 
5 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandmother: Mabel Ferrers 6 x Great Grand Daughter of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Freville