Paternal Family Tree: Shirley
Before 23rd January 1647 [his father] Robert Shirley 4th Baronet [aged 18] and [his mother] Catherine Okeover Lady Shirley were married. She by marriage Lady Shirley of Staunton Harold in Leicestershire.
On 20th October 1650 Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers was born to Robert Shirley 4th Baronet [aged 21] and Catherine Okeover Lady Shirley.
On 6th November 1656 [his father] Robert Shirley 4th Baronet [aged 27] died from poisoning, probably, in the Tower of London [Map]. His son [his brother] Seymour [aged 9] succeeded 5th Baronet Shirley of Staunton Harold in Leicestershire.
Around 1662 Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 11] educated Christ Church College.
Around 1671 John Michael Wright [aged 53]. Portrait of Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 20].
On 28th December 1671 Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 21] and Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley were married.
On 18th October 1672 [his mother] Catherine Okeover Lady Shirley died.
On 4th September 1673 [his son] Robert Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 22] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley at Staunton Harold Hall Staunton Harold, Leicestershire. He married 27th September 1688 Anne Ferrers and had issue.
On 25th November 1674 [his son] Elizabeth Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 24] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. He died aged two in 1677.
On 31st May 1676 [his son] Katherine Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 25] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. He died aged three in 1679.
In 1677 Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 26] abeyance terminated 14th Baron Ferrers of Chartley. [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley by marriage Baroness Ferrers of Chartley.
On 22nd June 1677 [his son] Washington Shirley 2nd Earl Ferrers was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 26] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. He married 1704 Mary Levinge Countess Ferrers and had issue.
On 10th October 1677 [his son] Elizabeth Shirley [aged 2] died.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 20th June 1678 [his daughter] Elizabeth Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 27] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. She married Walter Clarges, son of Walter Clarges 1st Baronet.
On 18th August 1679 [his son] Katherine Shirley [aged 3] died.
On 12th November 1679 [his daughter] Anne Eleanora Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 29] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley.
On 17th February 1680 [his daughter] Katherine Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 29] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley.
On 9th April 1682 [his daughter] Charles Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 31] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. She died aged less than one years old.
On 28th May 1682 [his daughter] Charles Shirley died.
On 25th May 1683 [his daughter] Dorothy Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 32] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. She married 1700 John Cotes and had issue.
On 21st June 1684 [his son] Charles Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 33] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. He died aged one in 1685.
On 13th July 1685 [his son] Lewis Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 34] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley.
On 12th September 1685 [his son] Charles Shirley [aged 1] died.
On 21st October 1686 [his son] George Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 36] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. He died aged seven in 1694.
On 5th February 1687 [his daughter] Barbara Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 36] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley.
Westminster Chronicle of King Richard II, 1381-1394
The Westminster Chronicle is one of the most vivid and important narrative sources for the reign of Richard II. Written by an anonymous chronicler closely connected with Westminster Abbey, it covers the years 1381 to 1394, from the Peasants’ Revolt to the political tensions, court ceremonies, diplomatic negotiations, royal progresses, and public crises of Richard’s later reign. Rich in detail the chronicle records major events such as the conflicts between the King and Lords Appellant, King and the City of London, negotiations with France and Scotland, the death and funeral of Queen Anne of Bohemia, the illness of Charles VI of France, and the changing fortunes of leading nobles including John of Gaunt, Thomas of Gloucester, Robert de Vere, and the Earl of Arundel. The Chronicle offers readers a remarkable window into late fourteenth-century England, combining political observation, courtly spectacle, urban drama, ecclesiastical affairs, and moral judgement. It is an essential source for anyone interested in medieval monarchy, London, Westminster, and the troubled reign of Richard II.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 27th September 1688 Robert Shirley [aged 15] and Anne Ferrers [aged 10] were married. He the son of Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 37] and Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley.
On 23rd April 1689 [his son] Ferrers Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 38] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley.
On 27th May 1690 [his son] Walter Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 39] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. He died aged three in 1694.
On 14th November 1691 [his son] Henry Shirley 3rd Earl Ferrers was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 41] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley.
On 26th September 1693 [his son] Laurence Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 42] and [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley. He married before 18th August 1720 Anne Clarges, daughter of Walter Clarges 1st Baronet, and had issue.
On 2nd October 1693 [his wife] Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley died.
In 1694 [his son] George Shirley [aged 7] died.
After 1694 [his son] Walter Shirley [deceased] died.
On 25th February 1699 [his son] Robert Shirley [aged 25] died of smallpox.
In August 1699 Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 48] and Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 18] were married. She by marriage Baroness Ferrers of Chartley. The difference in their ages was 30 years.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1700 [his son] Robert Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 49] and [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 18].
In 1700 [his son-in-law] John Cotes [aged 19] and Dorothy Shirley [aged 16] were married. She the daughter of Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 49] and Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley.
On 2nd July 1701 [his daughter] Selina Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 50] and [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 20]. She married 24th October 1720 Peter Bathurst and had issue.
On 20th November 1702 [his daughter] Mary Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 52] and [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 21]. She married 2nd July 1722 Charles Tryon and had issue.
Around 1704 Washington Shirley 2nd Earl Ferrers [aged 26] and Mary Levinge Countess Ferrers were married. He the son of Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 53] and Elizabeth Washington Baroness Ferrers Chartley.
In 1704 [his son] George Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 53] and [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 22].
On 23rd October 1705 [his son] George Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 55] and [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 24]. He married 28th December 1749 Mary Sturt and had issue.
On 5th May 1707 [his daughter] Frances Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 56] and [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 26].
On 25th June 1707 [his son] Ferrers Shirley [aged 18] died.
On 24th May 1708 [his daughter] Anne Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 57] and [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 27]. She married Robert Furnese 2nd Baronet, son of Henry Furnese 1st Baronet and Anne Brough.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
In 1709 [his son] Sewallis Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 58] and [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 27]. He married 1751 his sixth cousin Margaret Rolle Countess Orford.
Around 8th March 1709 Robert Shirley 6th Baronet [aged 41] died. His uncle Robert [aged 58] succeeded 7th Baronet Shirley of Staunton Harold in Leicestershire.
In 1710 [his son] Lewis Shirley [aged 24] died.
In 1711 Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 60] was created 1st Earl Ferrers. [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 29] by marriage Countess Ferrers.
On 19th August 1711 [his daughter] Stuarta Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 60] and [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 30].
On 12th March 1712 [his son] John Shirley was born to Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 61] and [his wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 30].
On 25th December 1717 Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers [aged 67] died. His son Washington [aged 40] succeeded 2nd Earl Ferrers, 8th Baronet Shirley of Staunton Harold in Leicestershire. Mary Levinge Countess Ferrers by marriage Countess Ferrers. His granddaughter Elizabeth [aged 23] succeeded 15th Baroness Ferrers of Chartley.
On 20th March 1762 [his former wife] Selina Finch Countess Ferrers [aged 80] died.
Kings Wessex: Great x 19 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 16 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 22 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 17 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 20 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 10 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 14 Grand Son of King William I of Scotland
Kings France: Great x 12 Grand Son of King Philip III of France
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 23 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Kings Spain: Great x 15 Grand Son of Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Shirley 
9 x Great Grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Francis Shirley 10 x Great Grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Shirley 11 x Great Grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Giffard 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Dorothy Giffard
Great x 1 Grandfather: George Shirley 1st Baronet 12 x Great Grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Grandfather: Henry Shirley 2nd Baronet 8 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Berkeley 5th Baron Berkeley 
5 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Berkeley 6th Baron Berkeley 5 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Constable Baroness Berkeley 
4 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Berkeley 7th Baron Berkeley 6 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Savage of Frodsham 
6 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Savage Baroness Berkeley 7 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Bostock
Great x 1 Grandmother: Frances Berkeley 7 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk 
6 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Howard Earl of Surrey 6 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk 
5 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Katherine Howard Baroness Berkeley 7 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford 
5 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Frances Vere Countess of Surrey 6 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Trussell Countess of Oxford 8 x Great Granddaughter of King William I of Scotland
Father: Robert Shirley 4th Baronet 9 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford 
4 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Devereux 5 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Grey Baroness Ferrers Chartley 
4 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex 6 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon 
4 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Dorothy Hastings 5 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Stafford Countess Huntingdon 4 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex 7 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Knollys 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Francis Knollys
Great x 4 Grandmother: Lettice Peniston
Great x 2 Grandmother: Lettice Knollys Countess Essex and Leicester 6 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Carey 
4 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Carey 5 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Boleyn 
7 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England
Grandmother: Dorothy Devereux Lady Shirley 8 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Walsingham
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Walsingham
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Writtle
Great x 2 Grandfather: Francis Walsingham 8 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Denny 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joyce Denny 7 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Troutbeck 6 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Frances Walsingham Countess Essex 9 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard St Barbe
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry St Barbe of Ashington Somerset
Great x 2 Grandmother: Ursula St Barbe
Robert Shirley 1st Earl Ferrers 10 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England
Grandfather: Humphrey Okeover
Mother: Catherine Okeover Lady Shirley