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 (age 30) and [his mother] Amy Raymond (age 24) were married.
On 10th October 1732 William Burrell 2nd Baronet was born to [his father] Peter Burrell (age 40) and [his mother] Amy Raymond (age 33) in Leadenhall Street [Map].
On 16th April 1756 [his father] Peter Burrell (age 63) died.
In 1768 William Burrell 2nd Baronet (age 35) was elected at MP Haslemere.
On 13th April 1773 William Burrell 2nd Baronet (age 40) and Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell (age 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 (age 61) was created 1st Baronet Raymond of Valentine House in Essex with a special remainder to his son-in-law William Burrell 2nd Baronet (age 41) and male issue of William Burrell 2nd Baronet and his wife [his wife] Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell (age 20). [his mother-in-law] Sarah Webster Lady Raymond (age 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 (age 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 (age 75) died. His son-in-law His first cousin once removed William (age 55) succeeded 2nd Baronet Burrell of Valentine House. [his wife] Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell (age 34) by marriage Lady Burrell of Valentine House.
On 16th August 1789 [his mother] Amy Raymond (age 90) died.
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 20th January 1796 William Burrell 2nd Baronet (age 63) died at Deepdene, Surrey. His son Charles (age 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 (age 44) were married at St Marylebone Church.
On 20th June 1802 [his former wife] Sophia Raymond Lady Burrell (age 49) died at Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Father: Peter Burrell
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Raymond
GrandFather: Hugh Raymond
Mother: Amy Raymond