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: Burrell
On 14th March 1723 [his father] Peter Burrell [aged 30] and [his mother] Amy Raymond [aged 24] were married.
On 10th October 1732 William Burrell 2nd Baronet was born to [his father] Peter Burrell [aged 40] and [his mother] Amy Raymond [aged 33] in Leadenhall Street [Map].
On 16th April 1756 [his father] Peter Burrell [aged 63] died.
In 1768 William Burrell 2nd Baronet [aged 35] was elected at MP Haslemere.
On 13th April 1773 William Burrell 2nd Baronet [aged 40] and Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell [aged 20] were married. The difference in their ages was 20 years. They were half second cousins.
In 1774 [his father-in-law] Charles Raymond 1st Baronet [aged 61] was created 1st Baronet Raymond of Valentine House in Essex with a special remainder to his son-in-law William Burrell 2nd Baronet [aged 41] and male issue of William Burrell 2nd Baronet and his wife Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell [aged 20]. Sarah Webster Lady Raymond [aged 51] by marriage Lady Raymond of Valentine House in Essex.
On 24th May 1774 [his son] Charles Merrik Burrell 3rd Baronet was born to William Burrell 2nd Baronet [aged 41] at Golden Square Soho. He married 4th July 1808 Frances Wyndham Lady Burrell, daughter of George O'Brien Wyndham 3rd Earl Egremont and Elizabeth Ilive Countess Egremont, and had issue.
In 1788 [his father-in-law] Charles Raymond 1st Baronet [aged 75] died. His son-in-law His first cousin once removed William [aged 55] succeeded 2nd Baronet Burrell of Valentine House. [his wife] Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell [aged 34] by marriage Lady Burrell of Valentine House.
On 16th August 1789 [his mother] Amy Raymond [aged 90] died.
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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On 20th January 1796 William Burrell 2nd Baronet [aged 63] died at Deepdene, Surrey. His son Charles [aged 21] succeeded 3rd Baronet Burrell of Valentine House in Essex.
On 23rd May 1797 Reverend William Clay and [his former wife] Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell [aged 44] were married at St Marylebone Church.
On 20th June 1802 [his former wife] Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell [aged 49] died at Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Father: Peter Burrell
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Raymond
GrandFather: Hugh Raymond
Mother: Amy Raymond