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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Biography of Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer 1684-1719

Maternal Family Tree: María González Henestrosa Lady Villagera 1356

Before 2nd March 1684 [his father] Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer [aged 27] and [his mother] Elizabeth Montagu were married. They were third cousin once removed.

On 2nd March 1684 Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer was born to Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer [aged 27] and Elizabeth Montagu.

In 1687 [his grandfather] Christopher Wandesford 1st Baronet [aged 59] died. His son [his father] Christopher [aged 30] succeeded 2nd Baronet Wandesford of Kirklington.

On 15th September 1707 [his father] Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer [aged 51] died. His son Christopher [aged 23] succeeded 2nd Viscount Castlecomer, 2nd Baron Wandesford, 3rd Baronet Wandesford of Kirklington.

In 1710 Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer [aged 25] was elected MP Morpeth which seat he held until 1713.

In 1715 Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer [aged 30] was elected MP Ripon which seat he held until his death in 1719.

On 31st May 1715 Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer [aged 31] and Frances Pelham Viscountess Castlecomer were married. They were fifth cousins.

On 11th August 1715 [his brother-in-law] Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne [aged 22] was created 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne, 1st Marquess Clare with a special remainder to his brother Henry Pelham [aged 20].

In 1717 [his son] Christopher Wandesford 3rd Viscount Castlecomer was born to Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer [aged 32] and [his wife] Frances Pelham Viscountess Castlecomer

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.

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On 2nd April 1717 [his brother-in-law] Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne [aged 23] and Henrietta Godolphin Duchess Newcastle under Lyne [aged 16] were married. She by marriage Duchess Newcastle under Lyme. She the daughter of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 38] and Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 35].

On 16th May 1717 Henry Clinton 7th Earl Lincoln [aged 33] and [his sister-in-law] Lucy Pelham Countess Lincoln were married. She by marriage Countess Lincoln. He the son of Francis Clinton 6th Earl Lincoln and Susan Penniston Countess Lincoln.

On 23rd June 1719 Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer [aged 35] died. His son Christopher [aged 2] succeeded 3rd Viscount Castlecomer, 3rd Baron Wandesford, 4th Baronet Wandesford of Kirklington.

On 27th June 1756 [his former wife] Frances Pelham Viscountess Castlecomer died.

Ancestors of Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer 1684-1719

Great x 2 Grandfather: George Wandesford of Kirklington

Great x 1 Grandfather: Christopher Wandesford

Great x 3 Grandfather: Ralph Hansby of Gray's Inn

Great x 2 Grandmother: Catherine Hansby

GrandFather: Christopher Wandesford 1st Baronet

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Osborne

Great x 2 Grandfather: Hewett Osborne

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Hewett

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Hewett

Great x 1 Grandmother: Alice Osborne

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Fleetwood

Great x 2 Grandmother: Joyce Fleetwood

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Spring

Great x 3 Grandmother: Bridget Spring

Great x 4 Grandmother: Dorothy Waldegrave

Father: Christopher Wandesford 1st Viscount Castlecomer

Great x 3 Grandfather: Christopher Lowther

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Lowther of Lowther Hall

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Lowther 1st Baronet

GrandMother: Eleanor Lowther Lady Wandesford

Great x 1 Grandmother: Mary Fletcher

Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer 11 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Montagu 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Montagu 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Agnes Dudley

Great x 2 Grandfather: Edward Montagu 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Roper of Well Hall

Great x 3 Grandmother: Helen Roper

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Montagu 1st Earl Manchester 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Alexander Harrington 17 x Great Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks

Great x 3 Grandfather: James Harrington 18 x Great Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Moton

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Harrington 19 x Great Grand Daughter of Hugh I King of the Franks

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Sidney

Great x 3 Grandmother: Lucy Sidney

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Pakenham

GrandFather: George Montagu 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Crouch of Corneyborough

Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Crouch Countess Manchester

Mother: Elizabeth Montagu 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Anthony Irby

Great x 1 Grandfather: Anthony Irby 12 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Peyton of Isleham in Cambridgeshire 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Peyton 1st Baronet 10 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Rich

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Peyton 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Osborne

Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Osborne

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Hewett

GrandMother: Elizabeth Irby 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Wray

Great x 3 Grandfather: Christopher Wray

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Jackson

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Wray 1st Baronet

Great x 4 Grandfather: Nicholas Girlington

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Girlington

Great x 1 Grandmother: Frances Wray 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Drury 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Drury 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Audrey Rich

Great x 2 Grandmother: Frances Drury Lady Glentworth 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Stafford 12 x Great Grand Son of King David I of Scotland

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stafford 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Dorothy Stafford 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Biography of Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer 1684-1719

Royal Ancestors of Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer 1684-1719

Ancestors of Christopher Wandesford 2nd Viscount Castlecomer 1684-1719