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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Biography of Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery 1621-1669

Paternal Family Tree: Herbert

Maternal Family Tree: Anne Fitzwilliam 1504-1588

Marriage of Philip Herbert and Susan Howard

On 27th December 1605 [his father] Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery [aged 21] and [his mother] Susan Vere Countess Montgomery [aged 18] were married at Whitehall. The bride was escorted into the church by the Queen's [aged 31] brother Prince Ulrik Oldenburg [aged 26] and her son Henry Frederick Stewart Prince of Wales [aged 11]. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford and [his grandmother] Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford. He the son of Henry Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke and Mary Sidney Countess Pembroke [aged 44].

In 1621 Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery was born to [his father] Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery [aged 36] and [his mother] Susan Vere Countess Montgomery [aged 33].

On 27th February 1625 [his brother-in-law] Robert Dormer 1st Earl Carnarvon [aged 15] and [his sister] Anne Sophia Herbert Countess Carnarvon were married. She the daughter of [his father] Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery [aged 40] and [his mother] Susan Vere Countess Montgomery [aged 37]. They were fifth cousins.

In 1628 [his mother] Susan Vere Countess Montgomery [aged 40] died.

In 1628 [his brother-in-law] Robert Dormer 1st Earl Carnarvon [aged 18] was created 1st Earl Carnarvon. [his sister] Anne Sophia Herbert Countess Carnarvon by marriage Countess Carnarvon.

In 1630 [his father] Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery [aged 45] and [his step-mother] Anne Clifford Countess Dorset and Pembroke [aged 39] were married. She the daughter of George Clifford 3rd Earl of Cumberland and Margaret Russell Countess Cumberland. He the son of [his grandfather] Henry Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke and [his grandmother] Mary Sidney Countess Pembroke. They were half third cousin twice removed.

On 10th April 1630 [his uncle] William Herbert 3rd Earl Pembroke [aged 50] died at Baynard's Castle [Map]. His brother [his father] Philip [aged 45] succeeded 4th Earl Pembroke. [his step-mother] Anne Clifford Countess Dorset and Pembroke [aged 40] by marriage Countess Pembroke.

Before 1641 Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery [aged 19] and Penelope Naunton [aged 20] were married. He the son of Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery [aged 56] and Susan Vere Countess Montgomery.

Around 1641 [his son] William Herbert 6th Earl Pembroke 3rd Earl Montgomery was born to Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery [aged 20] and [his wife] Penelope Naunton [aged 21].

Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes

Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.

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In 1647 [his wife] Penelope Naunton [aged 27] died.

Before 1650 Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery [aged 28] and Catherine Villiers Countess Pembroke and Montgomery [aged 28] were married. She by marriage Countess Pembroke, Countess Montgomery. He the son of Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery [aged 65] and Susan Vere Countess Montgomery.

On 23rd January 1650 [his father] Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery [aged 65] died at Whitehall Palace [Map]. He was buried at Salisbury Cathedral [Map]. His son Philip [aged 29] succeeded 5th Earl Pembroke, 2nd Earl Montgomery.

On or before 7th May 1650, the date she was baptised at St Benet's Church, Paul's Wharf [Map], [his daughter] Susan Herbert Baroness Poulett was born to Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery [aged 29] and [his wife] Catherine Villiers Countess Pembroke and Montgomery [aged 29]. She married in or before 1668 her third cousin once removed John Paulett 3rd Baron Paulett, son of John Paulett 2nd Baron Paulett and Catherine Vere Baroness Poulett, and had issue.

On or before 5th January 1652 [his son] Philip "Infamous Earl" Herbert 7th Earl Pembroke 4th Earl Montgomery was born to Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery [aged 31] and [his wife] Catherine Villiers Countess Pembroke and Montgomery [aged 31]. He was baptised at St Benet's Church, Paul's Wharf [Map] on 5th January 1652. He married 17th December 1674 Henrietta Kéroualle Countess Pembroke and Montgomery and had issue.

On 9th June 1654 [his daughter] Catherine Herbert was born to Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery [aged 33] and [his wife] Catherine Villiers Countess Pembroke and Montgomery [aged 33]. She was baptised on 10th June 1654 at St Benet's Church, Paul's Wharf [Map].

John Evelyn's Diary. 9th June 1654. Dined at Marlborough [Map], which having been lately fired, was now new built. At one end of this town, we saw my Lord Seymour's [aged 64] house, but nothing observable save the Mount, to which we ascended by windings for near half a mile. It seems to have been cast up by hand. We passed by Colonel Popham's [aged 49], a noble seat, park, and river. Thence, to Newbury [Map], a considerable town, and Donnington, famous for its battle, siege, and castle, this last had been in the possession of old Geoffrey Chaucer. Then to Aldermaston, a house of Sir Humphrey Forster's, built à la moderne. Also, that exceedingly beautiful seat of my Lord Pembroke [aged 33], on the ascent of hill, flanked with wood, and regarding the river, and so, at night, to Cadenham, the mansion of Edward Hungerford [aged 21], Esq, uncle to my wife [aged 19], where we made some stay. The rest of the week we did nothing but feast and make good cheer, to welcome my wife.

John Evelyn's Diary. 11th July 1654. Was the Latin sermon, which I could not be at, though invited, being taken up at All Souls, where we had music, voices, and the orbos, performed by some ingenious scholars. After dinner, I visited that miracle of a youth, Mr. Christopher Wren [aged 30], nephew to the Bishop of Ely. Then Mr. Barlow [aged 46] (since Bishop of Lincoln), bibliothecarius of the Bodleian Library, my most learned friend. He showed us the rarities of that most famous place, manuscripts, medals, and other curiosities. Among the MSS. an old English Bible, wherein the Eunuch mentioned to be baptized by Philip, is called the Gelding: "and Philip and the Gelding went down into the water", etc. The original Acts of the Council of Basil 900 years since, with the bulla, or leaden affix, which has a silken cord passing through every parchment; a MS. of Venerable Bede of 800 years antiquity; the old Ritual secundum usum Sarum exceeding voluminous; then, among the nicer curiosities, the "Proverbs of Solomon", written in French by a lady, every chapter of a several character, or hand, the most exquisite imaginable; an hieroglyphical table, or carta, folded up like a map, I suppose it painted on asses' hide, extremely rare; but, what is most illustrious, there were no less than 1,000 MSS. in nineteen languages, especially Oriental, furnishing that new part of the library built by Archbishop Laud, from a design of Sir Kenelm Digby [aged 51] and the Earl of Pembroke [aged 33]. In the closet of the tower, they show some Indian weapons, urns, lamps, etc., but the rarest is the whole Alcoran, written on one large sheet of calico, made up in a priest's vesture, or cope, after the Turkish and Arabic character, so exquisitely written, as no printed letter comes near it; also, a roll of magical charms, divers talismans, and some medals.

On 18th July 1655 [his daughter] Rebecca Herbert was born to Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery [aged 34] and [his wife] Catherine Villiers Countess Pembroke and Montgomery [aged 34]. She was baptised on 22nd July 1655 at St Benet's Church, Paul's Wharf [Map].

Around 1656 [his son] Thomas Herbert 8th Earl Pembroke 5th Earl Montgomery was born to Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery [aged 35] and [his wife] Catherine Villiers Countess Pembroke and Montgomery [aged 35]. He married (1) 1684 Margaret Sawyer Countess Pembroke and Montgomery and had issue (2) 1708 Barbara Slingsby Countess Pembroke and Montgomery, daughter of Thomas Slingsby 2nd Baronet, and had issue (3) after 1st August 1721 his fourth cousin twice removed Mary Howe Countess Pembroke and Montgomery, daughter of Scrope Howe 1st Viscount Howe and Juliana Alington Viscountess Howe.

Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet

Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.

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Samuel Pepys' Diary. 10th October 1664. So home to dinner at 4 o'clock, and then to the office, and there late, and so home to supper and to bed, having sat up till past twelve at night to look over the account of the collections for the Fishery, and the loose and base manner that monies so collected are disposed of in, would make a man never part with a penny in that manner, and, above all, the inconvenience of having a great man, though never so seeming pious as my Lord Pembroke [aged 43] is. He is too great to be called to an account, and is abused by his servants, and yet obliged to defend them for his owne sake.

John Evelyn's Diary. 24th February 1665. Dr. Fell [aged 39], Canon of Christ Church, preached before the King [aged 34], on 15 ch. Romans, v. 2, a very formal discourse, and in blank verse, according to his manner; however, he is a good man. Mr. Philips, preceptor to my son, went to be with the Earl of Pembroke's [aged 44] son, my Lord Herbert [aged 24].

In or before 1668 [his son-in-law] John Paulett 3rd Baron Paulett [aged 26] and Susan Herbert Baroness Poulett [aged 17] were married. She by marriage Baroness Poulett. She the daughter of Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery [aged 46] and Catherine Villiers Countess Pembroke and Montgomery [aged 46]. They were third cousin once removed.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th April 1668. By and by the King [aged 37] comes out, and he did easily agree to what we moved, and would have the Commissioners of the Navy to meet us with him to-morrow morning: and then to talk of other things; about the Quakers not swearing, and how they do swear in the business of a late election of a Knight of the Shire of Hartfordshire in behalf of one they have a mind to have; and how my Lord of Pembroke [aged 47] says he hath heard him (the Quaker) at the tennis-court swear to himself when he loses: and told us what pretty notions my Lord Pembroke hath of the first chapter of Genesis, how Adam's sin was not the sucking (which he did before) but the swallowing of the apple, by which the contrary elements begun to work in him, and to stir up these passions, and a great deal of such fooleries, which the King made mighty mockery at.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 11th June 1668. Thence to the inne; and there not being able to hire coach-horses, and not willing to use our own, we got saddle-horses, very dear. Boy that went to look for them, 6d. So the three women behind W. Hewer [aged 26], Murford, and our guide, and I single to Stonage; over the Plain and some great hills, even to fright us. Come thither, and find them as prodigious as any tales I ever heard of them, and worth going this journey to see. God knows what their use was! they are hard to tell, but yet maybe told. Give the shepherd-woman, for leading our horses, 4d. So back by Wilton [Map], my Lord Pembroke's [aged 47] house, which we could not see, he being just coming to town; but the situation I do not like, nor the house promise much, it being in a low but rich valley. So back home; and there being 'light, we to the Church, and there find them at prayers again, so could not see the Quire; but I sent the women home, and I did go in, and saw very many fine tombs, and among the rest some very ancient, of the Montagus1.

Note 1. The Montacutes, from whom Lord Sandwich's [aged 42] family claimed descent: B.

On 11th December 1669 Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery [aged 48] died. His son William [aged 28] succeeded 6th Earl Pembroke, 3rd Earl Montgomery.

On 28th February 1678 [his former wife] Catherine Villiers Countess Pembroke and Montgomery [aged 57] died.

Royal Ancestors of Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery 1621-1669

Kings Wessex: Great x 17 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 Godwinson: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Harold II of England

Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 16 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 23 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor

Kings France: Great x 18 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks

Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 21 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine

Ancestors of Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery 1621-1669

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke

Great x 4 Grandmother: Gwladys ferch Dafydd Gam "Star of Abergavenny" Brecon

Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Herbert

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Cradock

GrandFather: Henry Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Parr 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Parr 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Tunstall

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Parr 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Fitzhugh 5th Baron Fitzhugh 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Fitzhugh Baroness Vaux Harrowden 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Neville Baroness Fitzhugh 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Parr Countess Pembroke 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Green 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Green 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Maud Throckmorton

Great x 2 Grandmother: Maud Green 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Fogge

Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan aka Jane Fogge

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Haute

Father: Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William IV Sidney

Great x 3 Grandfather: Nicholas Sidney

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Sidney

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Brandon

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Brandon

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Sidney

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Pakenham

Great x 3 Grandfather: Hugh Pakenham

Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Pakenham

GrandMother: Mary Sidney Countess Pembroke 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Dudley 6 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Dudley 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Bramshott

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Grey 1st Viscount Lisle 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Grey Viscountess Lisle 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Talbot Viscountess Lisle 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Mary Dudley 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Guildford

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Guildford

Great x 4 Grandmother: Ann Pympe

Great x 2 Grandmother: Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas West 8th Baron De La Warr 5th Baron West 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor West 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Mortimer Baroness De La Warr and West 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Philip Herbert 5th Earl Pembroke 2nd Earl Montgomery 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert de Vere 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John de Vere 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Courtenay 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Colbroke

Great x 1 Grandfather: John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Trussell

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Trussell

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Trussell Countess of Oxford 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Donne

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Donne 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Hastings 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

GrandFather: Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Golding

Great x 1 Grandmother: Margery Golding Countess of Oxford

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Tonge

Mother: Susan Vere Countess Montgomery 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Cecil

Great x 3 Grandfather: David Cecil

Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Cecil

Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Dicons

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Heckington

Great x 2 Grandmother: Jane Heckington

GrandMother: Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Cooke

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Cooke of Gidea Hall

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Belnap

Great x 2 Grandfather: Anthony Cooke

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Saunders of Banbury in Oxfordshire

Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Saunders

Great x 4 Grandmother: Jane Spencer

Great x 1 Grandmother: Mildred Cooke Baroness Burghley 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Fitzwilliam 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Fitzwilliam 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Fitzwilliam 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England