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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Wem, Shropshire is in Shropshire.
Around 1289 Isabel Boteler was born to William Boteler 1st Baron Wem and Oversley (age 14) and Beatrice Unknown at Wem, Shropshire.
In or before 1309 Ankaret Boteler Baroness Strange Blackmere was born to William Boteler 1st Baron Wem and Oversley (age 34) and Ela Herdeburgh Baroness Wem and Oversley at Wem, Shropshire. She married before 1320 her fifth cousin John Strange 2nd Baron Strange Blackmere, son of Fulk Strange 1st Baron Strange Blackmere and Eleanor Giffard Baroness Strange Blackmere, and had issue.
On 14th September 1335 William Boteler 1st Baron Wem and Oversley (age 61) died at Wem, Shropshire. His son William (age 39) succeeded 2nd Baron Wem and Oversley. Margaret Fitzalan Baroness Wem and Oversley (age 47) by marriage Baroness Wem and Oversley.
In 1340 Alice Boteler was born to William Boteler 3rd Baron Wem and Oversley (age 30) at Wem, Shropshire.
In 1345 Elizabeth Boteler Baroness Ferrers Wem was born to William Boteler 3rd Baron Wem and Oversley (age 35) at Wem, Shropshire. She married (1) her fifth cousin once removed John Saye, son of Geoffrey Saye 2nd Baron Say and Maud Beauchamp Baroness Say, and had issue (2) before 1373 her fourth cousin once removed Robert Ferrers Baron Wem and Oversley, son of Robert Ferrers 3rd Baron Ferrers of Chartley and Joan Mote Baroness Ferrers Chartley, and had issue.
In 1375 Alice Boteler (age 35) died at Wem, Shropshire. Her sister Elizabeth (age 30) abeyance terminated 4th Baroness Wem and Oversley. Robert Ferrers Baron Wem and Oversley (age 34) by marriage Baron Wem and Oversley. Some sources suggest her husband was created Baron Ferrers of Wem and Oversley in this own right. Since his son Robert Ferrers (age 2) didn't succeed to a title when his father died it appears Robert Ferrers was summoned to Parliament in right of his wife ie jure uxoris, rather than being created a Baron in his won right.
Around 1385 John Boteler 5th Baron Sudeley was born to Thomas Boteler 4th Baron Sudeley (age 26) and Alice Beauchamp Baroness Sudeley (age 19) at Wem, Shropshire.
In 1389 Ralph Boteler 6th and 1st Baron Sudeley was born to Thomas Boteler 4th Baron Sudeley (age 30) and Alice Beauchamp Baroness Sudeley (age 23) at Wem, Shropshire. He married (1) 1418 Elizabeth Norbury Baroness Sudeley and had issue (2) 1463 his fifth cousin once removed Alice Deincourt 6th Baroness Deincourt and Grey, Baroness Lovel and Sudeley, daughter of John Deincourt 5th Baron Deincourt and Joan Grey 5th Baroness Grey.
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.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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On 24th June 1724 John Astley was born at Wem, Shropshire. He married (1) 7th December 1759 Penelope Vernon (2) 1777 Mary Wagstaffe.