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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On 21st February 1879 Gertie Millar was born at Manningham, Bradford. Her father, John, was a mill worker and her mother, Elizabeth, a worsted-stuff worker. She began her professional career in a pantomime in Manchester,
On 7th May 1885 William Ward 1st Earl of Dudley [aged 68] died at Dudley House Park Lane. His son [her future husband] William [aged 17] succeeded 2nd Earl of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire, 12th Baron Ward of Birmingham.
In 1891 [her future husband] William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 23] and Rachel Anne Gurney Countess Dudley [aged 23] were married. She by marriage Countess of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire. He the son of William Ward 1st Earl of Dudley and [her future mother-in-law] Georgina Moncrieffe Countess Dudley [aged 44].
On 30th January 1894 [her son] William Humble Eric Ward 3rd Earl of Dudley was born to [her future husband] William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 26] and Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 14]. He married (1) 8th March 1919 Rosemary Millicent Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, daughter of Cromartie Sutherland-Leveson-Gower 4th Duke of Sutherland and Millicent Fanny St Clair-Erskine Duchess of Sutherland, and had issue (2) 23rd February 1943 Frances Laura Charteris Duchess of Marlborough.
In 1896 [her daughter] Morvyth Lilian Ward was born to [her future husband] William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 28] and Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 16]. She married Constantine Evelyn Benson.
In 1901 Gertie Millar [aged 21] met composer Lionel Monkton while appearing in one of his shows. Making hits of his music established Gertie as a star, and the couple married.
In 1902 Lionel Monkton [aged 40] and Gertie Millar [aged 22] were married.
Around 1905. W and D Downey. Photograph of Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 25].
Around 1905. Beagles Postcards. Portrait of Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 25].
1907. Gertie Millar [aged 27] as Mitzi in 'The Girls of Gottenberg' by Foulsham & Banfield, published by Rotary Photographic Co Ltd
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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1909. Gertie Millar [aged 29] as Mary Gibbs in 'Our Miss Gibbs' by Rita Martin, published by J. Beagles & Co bromide postcard print, 1909
Gertie Millar [aged 32] as Nancy Joyce in 'The Dancing Mistress' by Rita Martin, published by J. Beagles & Co bromide postcard print, 1912.
On 8th March 1919 William Humble Eric Ward 3rd Earl of Dudley [aged 25] and Rosemary Millicent Sutherland-Leveson-Gower [aged 25] were married. She the daughter of Cromartie Sutherland-Leveson-Gower 4th Duke of Sutherland and Millicent Fanny St Clair-Erskine Duchess of Sutherland [aged 51]. He the son of William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 51] and Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 40].
On 15th February 1924 [her husband] Lionel Monkton [aged 62] died. His wife Gertie Millar [aged 44] married William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 56] two months later.
On 30th April 1924 William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 56] and Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 45] were married. She by marriage Countess of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire. He the son of William Ward 1st Earl of Dudley and Georgina Moncrieffe Countess Dudley [aged 77].
On 29th June 1932 [her husband] William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley [aged 65] died. He was buried at the Earl of Dudley's Memory Garden, St Michael's Church, Himley [Map]. His son William [aged 38] succeeded 3rd Earl of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire, 13th Baron Ward of Birmingham.
On 23rd February 1943 William Humble Eric Ward 3rd Earl of Dudley [aged 49] and Frances Laura Charteris Duchess of Marlborough [aged 27] were married. She by marriage Countess of Dudley of Dudley Castle in Staffordshire. The difference in their ages was 21 years. He the son of William Humble Ward 2nd Earl of Dudley and Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 64].
On 25th April 1952 Gertrude "Gertie" Millar Countess of Dudley [aged 73] died. She was buried at the Earl of Dudley's Memory Garden, St Michael's Church, Himley [Map].