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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In or before 1667 [her father] Richard Mason (age 33) and [her mother] Anna Margaret Long (age 25) were married.
Around 1668 Anna Mason Countess Macclesfield was born to [her father] Richard Mason (age 35) and [her mother] Anna Margaret Long (age 27).
On 18th June 1683 Charles Gerard 2nd Earl Macclesfield (age 24) and Anna Mason Countess Macclesfield (age 15) were married. He the son of Charles Gerard 1st Earl Macclesfield (age 65) and Jeanne de Civelle Countess Macclesfield.
On 6th February 1685 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 54) died at 1145 in the morning at Whitehall Palace [Map] attended by Charles Scarburgh (age 69). His brother James (age 51) succeeded II King England Scotland and Ireland. Duke York merged with the Crown. Mary of Modena Queen Consort England Scotland and Ireland (age 26) by marriage Queen Consort England Scotland and Ireland. His brother King James II of England Scotland and Ireland, William Chiffinch (age 83), [her father] Richard Mason (age 52) and Archbishop William Sancroft (age 68) were present.
On 8th March 1685 [her father] Richard Mason (age 52) died.
In 1687 Willem Wissing (age 31). Portrait of Anna Mason Countess Macclesfield (age 19).
On 7th January 1694 [her father-in-law] Charles Gerard 1st Earl Macclesfield (age 76) died. His son [her husband] Charles (age 35) succeeded 2nd Earl Macclesfield, 2nd Viscount Brandon of Brandon in Suffolk, 2nd Baron Gerard of Brandon in Suffolk. Anna Mason Countess Macclesfield (age 26) by marriage Countess Macclesfield.
In March 1698 Charles Gerard 2nd Earl Macclesfield (age 39) and Anna Mason Countess Macclesfield (age 30) were divorced by Act of Parliament; the first occasion on which a divorce was so granted without a previous decree of an ecclesiastical court.
On 5th November 1701 [her former husband] Charles Gerard 2nd Earl Macclesfield (age 42) died without legitimate issue; his two children with Anna Mason Countess Macclesfield (age 33) had been declared illegitimate. His brother [her former brother-in-law] Fitton (age 38) succeeded 3rd Earl Macclesfield, 3rd Viscount Brandon of Brandon in Suffolk, 3rd Baron Gerard of Brandon in Suffolk.
In 1717 [her mother] Anna Margaret Long (age 76) died.
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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In 1753 Anna Mason Countess Macclesfield (age 85) died.
Father: Richard Mason
Anna Mason Countess Macclesfield
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Long
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Long
Great x 2 Grandfather: Walter Long
Great x 1 Grandfather: Walter Long
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Thynne 
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Thynne
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Eynns
Great x 2 Grandmother: Catherine Thynne
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Gresham 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Christian Gresham
Great x 4 Grandmother: Audrey Lynne
GrandFather: James Long 2nd Baronet
Mother: Anna Margaret Long