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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Paternal Family Tree: Cholmondeley
Before 1662 [his father] Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley [aged 21] and [his mother] Elizabeth Cradock Viscountess Cholmondley were married. She by marriage Viscountess Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath.
In 1666 George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley was born to [his father] Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley [aged 26] and [his mother] Elizabeth Cradock Viscountess Cholmondley.
On 22nd May 1681 [his father] Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley [aged 41] died at St James'. His son [his brother] Hugh [aged 19] succeeded 2nd Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath.
Around 1701 George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley [aged 35] and Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh [aged 21] were married.
On 2nd January 1703 [his son] George Cholmondeley 3rd Earl Cholmondeley was born to George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley [aged 37] and [his wife] Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh [aged 23]. He married 14th September 1723 Mary Walpole, daughter of Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford, and had issue.
In 1706 [his brother] Hugh Cholmondeley 1st Earl Cholmondeley [aged 44] was created 1st Earl Cholmondeley in Cheshire, 1st Viscount Malpas in Cheshire.
On 18th April 1708 [his son] James Cholmondeley was born to George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley [aged 42] and [his wife] Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh [aged 28]. He married 1726 Penelope Barry, daughter of James Barry 4th Earl Barrymore and Elizabeth "Bessy" Savage Countess Barrymore.
In 1715 George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley [aged 49] was created 1st Baron Newborough of Newborough in County Wexford. [his wife] Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh [aged 35] by marriage Baroness Newborough of Newborough in County Wexford.
In 1716 George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley [aged 50] was created 1st Baron Newburgh of Newburgh in Anglesey. [his wife] Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh [aged 36] by marriage Baroness Newburgh of Newburgh in Anglesey.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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In 1721 [his wife] Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh [aged 41] died.
On 14th September 1723 George Cholmondeley 3rd Earl Cholmondeley [aged 20] and Mary Walpole were married. She the daughter of Robert Walpole 1st Earl Orford [aged 47]. He the son of George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley [aged 57] and Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh.
On 18th January 1725 Hugh Cholmondeley 1st Earl Cholmondeley [aged 63] died. His brother George [aged 59] succeeded 2nd Earl Cholmondeley in Cheshire, 2nd Viscount Malpas in Cheshire, 3rd Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath, 2nd Baron Cholmondeley Nampwich in Cheshire.
In 1726 James Cholmondeley [aged 17] and Penelope Barry [aged 17] were married. She the daughter of James Barry 4th Earl Barrymore [aged 59] and Elizabeth "Bessy" Savage Countess Barrymore. He the son of George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley [aged 60] and Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh.
On 7th May 1733 George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley [aged 67] died. His son George [aged 30] succeeded 3rd Earl Cholmondeley in Cheshire, 4th Viscount Cholmondeley of Kells in County Meath, 3rd Viscount Malpas in Cheshire, 3rd Baron Cholmondeley Nampwich in Cheshire, 2nd Baron Newburgh of Newburgh in Anglesey, 2nd Baron Newborough of Newborough in County Wexford.
[his daughter] Elizabeth Cholmondeley was born to George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley and Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh. She married Edward Warren and had issue.
[his son] James Cholmondeley was born to George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley and Elisabeth van Ruytenburgh Baroness Newborough and Newburgh.
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Cholmondeley 
Great x 2 Grandfather: Hugh "The Elder" Cholmondeley
Great x 1 Grandfather: Hugh "The Younger" Cholmondeley
Great x 3 Grandfather: George Dorman
Great x 2 Grandmother: Ann Dorman
GrandFather: Hugh Cholmondeley
Great x 1 Grandmother: Mary Holford
Father: Robert Cholmondeley 1st Viscount Cholmondeley
GrandMother: Mary Bodville
George Cholmondeley 2nd Earl Cholmondeley
GrandFather: George Cradock
Mother: Elizabeth Cradock Viscountess Cholmondley