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.

Biography of Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet 1652-1679

Paternal Family Tree: Wray

In or before 1652 [his father] William Wray 1st Baronet (age 26) and [his mother] Olympia Tufton Lady Ashby (age 27) were married. They had 3 sons and 5 daughters. They were sixth cousins.

Around 1652 Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet was born to [his father] William Wray 1st Baronet (age 27) and [his mother] Olympia Tufton Lady Ashby (age 28).

In 1654 [his father] William Wray 1st Baronet (age 29) was appointed Deputy Governor of Beaumaris Castle.

On 19th December 1668 Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet (age 16) was educated at University College, Oxford University.

On 17th October 1669 [his father] William Wray 1st Baronet (age 44) died. His son Christopher (age 17) succeeded 2nd Baronet Wray of Ashby in Lincolnshire.

On 19th February 1672 Bethel Wray 5th Baronet (age 49) died. He was buried at St Giles' in the Fields Church [Map]. His half first cousin once removed Christopher (age 20) succeeded 6th Baronet Wray of Glentworth in Lincolnshire.

Before 31st August 1679 Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet (age 27) died. Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet was buried at St Giles' in the Fields Church [Map]. His brother [his brother] William (age 26) succeeded 3rd Baronet Wray of Ashby in Lincolnshire, 7th Baronet Wray of Glentworth in Lincolnshire.

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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Before 31st August 1679 Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet (age 27) was elected MP Grimsby.

Ancestors of Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet 1652-1679

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Wray

Great x 2 Grandfather: Christopher Wray

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Jackson

Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Jackson

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Wray 1st Baronet

Great x 3 Grandfather: Nicholas Girlington

Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Girlington

GrandFather: Christopher Wray 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Drury 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Drury 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Sothill

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Drury 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Rich 1st Baron Rich

Great x 3 Grandmother: Audrey Rich

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Jenks Baroness Rich

Great x 1 Grandmother: Frances Drury Lady Glentworth 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Humphrey Stafford 13 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Stafford 14 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Fogge

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stafford 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Stafford 1st Baron Stafford 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Dorothy Stafford 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Ursula Pole 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Father: William Wray 1st Baronet 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Cecil

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley

Great x 4 Grandmother: Jane Heckington

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter

Great x 4 Grandfather: Peter Cheke

Great x 3 Grandmother: Mary Cheke

Great x 1 Grandfather: Edward Cecil 1st Viscount Wimbledon 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Neville 3rd Baron Latimer 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Neville 4th Baron Latimer of Snape 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Dorothy de Vere 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Lucy Somerset Baroness Latimer Snape 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

GrandMother: Albinia Cecil 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Andrew Noel

Great x 1 Grandmother: Theodosia Noel

Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Tufton 1st Baronet

GrandFather: Humfrey Tufton 1st Baronet 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Browne of Abbots Roding 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Browne 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Humphrey Browne 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Christian Browne 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Hussey

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Hussey 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Berkeley 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Hussey 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: George Grey 2nd Earl Kent 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Grey Baroness Hussey Sleaford 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Katherine Herbert Countess Kent 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Mother: Olympia Tufton Lady Ashby 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Herbert Morley

GrandMother: Margaret Morley Lady Tufton

Biography of Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet 1652-1679

Royal Ancestors of Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet 1652-1679

Ancestors of Christopher Wray 2nd and 6th Baronet 1652-1679