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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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South Kesteven is in Kesteven.
Around 50AD. Ancaster [Map] was the junction of Ermine Street and King Street. During the Romano-British period, the Romans built a roadside settlement on the site of a
King Street is a Roman Road between Peterborough [Map] and Ancaster [Map] where it joins Ermine Street 2. It is numbered 26 in Ivan Margary's book 'Roman Roads in Britain'.
From Peterborough [Map] it travels north through Lolham Bridges [Map] crossing the River Glen at Kates Bridge [Map], through Bourne where Bourne Abbey, Lincolnshire [Map] was later built. The road continues through Cawthorpe [Map], Stainfield, South Kesteven [Map], Hanby, South Kesteven [Map], Sapperton, South Kesteven [Map] before reaching Ermine Street 2 south of Ancaster [Map].
Ermine Street. From Durobrivae [Map] Ermine Street crosses the River Welland at Stamford [Map] then continues through Great Casterton [Map], Colsterworth [Map], Ancaster [Map]. Continuing on a new alignment Ermine Street passes east of Navenby [Map] meeting the Fosse Way at Bracebridge [Map] with both roads continuing together to Lindum Colonia [Map] aka Lincoln.
In 913 Charles Noel Allix sold Willoughby Hall.
In 1794 Charles Allix (age 78) died. Reverend Charles Wager Allix (age 46) inherited Willoughby Hall. John Peter Allix (age 45) inherited Swaffham Prior House.
In 1795 Reverend Charles Wager Allix (age 47) died. Colonel Charles Allix (age 11) inherited Willoughby Hall.
On 9th April 1823 Captain William Kent Allix was born to Colonel Charles Allix (age 40) and Mary Elizabeth Hammond at Willoughby Hall. He was educated at Harrow School where there is a memorial plaque to him.
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.
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On 22nd January 1866 Colonel Charles Allix (age 83) died. He was buried at St Martin's Church, Ancaster [Map]. Frederick William Allix (age 49) inherited Willoughby Hall.
On 13th October 1894 Frederick William Allix (age 78) died. Charles Noel Allix (age 48) inherited Willoughby Hall.
The River Witham rises near South Witham, South Kesteven [Map] from where it flows past North Witham, South Kesteven [Map], Colsterworth, South Kesteven [Map], Easton, South Kesteven [Map] to Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] where it is joined by the Cringle Brook.
From Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] the River Witham flows through Grantham [Map], Belton, Grantham [Map], past Barkston, South Kesteven [Map], Marston, South Kesteven [Map] and Hougham, South Kesteven [Map], Westborough, South Kesteven [Map], Long Benington, South Kesteven [Map], Claypole, South Kesteven [Map], Beckingham, North Kesteven [Map], Norton Disney, North Kesteven [Map], Bassingham, North Kesteven [Map], Haddington, North Kesteven [Map], Aubourn, North Kesteven [Map] through the centre of Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] where it joined by the River Till.
From Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] it flows under Five Mile Bridge [Map], past Bardney Abbey [Map], Kirkstead [Map], under Tattershall Bridge [Map] after which it is joined by the River Bain
After Tattershall the River Witham flows through canalised sections under Lanrick Bridge [Map], past Anton's Gowt [Map] to Boston [Map] where it is joined by the South Forty Foot Drain. After Boston [Map] the River Witham flows into the The Wash around eight kilometres away.
The South Forty Foot Drain aka Black Sluice is a man-made drain starting at Guthram Gowt [Map] that drains a large area of the Lincolnshire fen-land known as the Black Sluice Area aka Lindsey Level. The drain, or an early version of it was first constructed around 1635 when the Earl of Lindsey agreed with the Commissioners of Sewers for Lincolnshire to carry out drainage works which would make 150 km2 of land available for agricultural use. The South Forty Foot Drain drains the area bounded by Great Hale, North Kesteven [Map], Bourne, South Kesteven [Map], Pinchbeck [Map] and Boston [Map].
Bytham Castle, Lincolnshire is also in Castles in Lincolnshire.
Bytham Castle, Lincolnshire [Map] is (probably) a Norman Castle of Motte and Bailey construction. No stonework remains above ground
Photo by Richard Carter, CC BY-SA 2.0.
On 12th May 1335 Margery de Braose (age 70) died at Bytham Castle, Lincolnshire [Map].
The River Witham rises near South Witham, South Kesteven [Map] from where it flows past North Witham, South Kesteven [Map], Colsterworth, South Kesteven [Map], Easton, South Kesteven [Map] to Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] where it is joined by the Cringle Brook.
From Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] the River Witham flows through Grantham [Map], Belton, Grantham [Map], past Barkston, South Kesteven [Map], Marston, South Kesteven [Map] and Hougham, South Kesteven [Map], Westborough, South Kesteven [Map], Long Benington, South Kesteven [Map], Claypole, South Kesteven [Map], Beckingham, North Kesteven [Map], Norton Disney, North Kesteven [Map], Bassingham, North Kesteven [Map], Haddington, North Kesteven [Map], Aubourn, North Kesteven [Map] through the centre of Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] where it joined by the River Till.
From Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] it flows under Five Mile Bridge [Map], past Bardney Abbey [Map], Kirkstead [Map], under Tattershall Bridge [Map] after which it is joined by the River Bain
After Tattershall the River Witham flows through canalised sections under Lanrick Bridge [Map], past Anton's Gowt [Map] to Boston [Map] where it is joined by the South Forty Foot Drain. After Boston [Map] the River Witham flows into the The Wash around eight kilometres away.
The River Witham rises near South Witham, South Kesteven [Map] from where it flows past North Witham, South Kesteven [Map], Colsterworth, South Kesteven [Map], Easton, South Kesteven [Map] to Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] where it is joined by the Cringle Brook.
From Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] the River Witham flows through Grantham [Map], Belton, Grantham [Map], past Barkston, South Kesteven [Map], Marston, South Kesteven [Map] and Hougham, South Kesteven [Map], Westborough, South Kesteven [Map], Long Benington, South Kesteven [Map], Claypole, South Kesteven [Map], Beckingham, North Kesteven [Map], Norton Disney, North Kesteven [Map], Bassingham, North Kesteven [Map], Haddington, North Kesteven [Map], Aubourn, North Kesteven [Map] through the centre of Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] where it joined by the River Till.
From Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] it flows under Five Mile Bridge [Map], past Bardney Abbey [Map], Kirkstead [Map], under Tattershall Bridge [Map] after which it is joined by the River Bain
After Tattershall the River Witham flows through canalised sections under Lanrick Bridge [Map], past Anton's Gowt [Map] to Boston [Map] where it is joined by the South Forty Foot Drain. After Boston [Map] the River Witham flows into the The Wash around eight kilometres away.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
The River Witham rises near South Witham, South Kesteven [Map] from where it flows past North Witham, South Kesteven [Map], Colsterworth, South Kesteven [Map], Easton, South Kesteven [Map] to Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] where it is joined by the Cringle Brook.
From Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] the River Witham flows through Grantham [Map], Belton, Grantham [Map], past Barkston, South Kesteven [Map], Marston, South Kesteven [Map] and Hougham, South Kesteven [Map], Westborough, South Kesteven [Map], Long Benington, South Kesteven [Map], Claypole, South Kesteven [Map], Beckingham, North Kesteven [Map], Norton Disney, North Kesteven [Map], Bassingham, North Kesteven [Map], Haddington, North Kesteven [Map], Aubourn, North Kesteven [Map] through the centre of Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] where it joined by the River Till.
From Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] it flows under Five Mile Bridge [Map], past Bardney Abbey [Map], Kirkstead [Map], under Tattershall Bridge [Map] after which it is joined by the River Bain
After Tattershall the River Witham flows through canalised sections under Lanrick Bridge [Map], past Anton's Gowt [Map] to Boston [Map] where it is joined by the South Forty Foot Drain. After Boston [Map] the River Witham flows into the The Wash around eight kilometres away.
Around 1435 Joan Beaumont Baroness Lovel was born to John Beaumont 1st Viscount Beaumont (age 25) and Katherine Neville Duchess Norfolk (age 35) at Edenham, South Kesteven. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. She married (1) before 1456 her second cousin once removed John Lovell 8th Baron Lovel 5th Baron Holand, son of William Lovell 7th Baron Lovel 4th Baron Holand and Alice Deincourt 6th Baroness Deincourt and Grey, Baroness Lovel and Sudeley, and had issue (2) after 28th February 1463 her half third cousin once removed William Stanley, son of Thomas Stanley 1st Baron Stanley and Jane Goushill Baroness Stanley.
On 22nd July 1779 Robert Bertie 4th Duke Ancaster and Kesteven (deceased) was buried at Edenham, South Kesteven.
The River Witham rises near South Witham, South Kesteven [Map] from where it flows past North Witham, South Kesteven [Map], Colsterworth, South Kesteven [Map], Easton, South Kesteven [Map] to Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] where it is joined by the Cringle Brook.
From Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] the River Witham flows through Grantham [Map], Belton, Grantham [Map], past Barkston, South Kesteven [Map], Marston, South Kesteven [Map] and Hougham, South Kesteven [Map], Westborough, South Kesteven [Map], Long Benington, South Kesteven [Map], Claypole, South Kesteven [Map], Beckingham, North Kesteven [Map], Norton Disney, North Kesteven [Map], Bassingham, North Kesteven [Map], Haddington, North Kesteven [Map], Aubourn, North Kesteven [Map] through the centre of Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] where it joined by the River Till.
From Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] it flows under Five Mile Bridge [Map], past Bardney Abbey [Map], Kirkstead [Map], under Tattershall Bridge [Map] after which it is joined by the River Bain
After Tattershall the River Witham flows through canalised sections under Lanrick Bridge [Map], past Anton's Gowt [Map] to Boston [Map] where it is joined by the South Forty Foot Drain. After Boston [Map] the River Witham flows into the The Wash around eight kilometres away.
The Cringle Brook near Buckminster, Leicestershire [Map] from where it flows past Skillington, South Kesteven [Map] and Stoke Rochford [Map] before joining the River Witham at Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map].
King Street is a Roman Road between Peterborough [Map] and Ancaster [Map] where it joins Ermine Street 2. It is numbered 26 in Ivan Margary's book 'Roman Roads in Britain'.
From Peterborough [Map] it travels north through Lolham Bridges [Map] crossing the River Glen at Kates Bridge [Map], through Bourne where Bourne Abbey, Lincolnshire [Map] was later built. The road continues through Cawthorpe [Map], Stainfield, South Kesteven [Map], Hanby, South Kesteven [Map], Sapperton, South Kesteven [Map] before reaching Ermine Street 2 south of Ancaster [Map].
Honington, South Kesteven.
Our church is open for visitors and individual prayer from 9 am to 4 pm each day
Monument to Sir William Hussey, d.1691.
"In Memory Of Sarah Hussey Wife Of Robert Ap Reece, Of Washingley, In The County Of Huntingdon, Esqre. She Was The Daughter And Heir Of Sir Thomas Hussey Of Huntingdon, Bart. Descended From The 2nd Brother Of The Right Honble. John, Lord Hussey, Baron Of Sleeford, And Lord Lieutenant Of The County Of Lincoln. This Family Did Derive Their Descent From The Ancient Barons Hoese, Or Huse: Temp. Hen. Iii. And Edw. I. Ii. & Iii. She Died The 23d Of April, 1749."
Portrait bust of Sir Thomas Hussey bart., d.1698.
"On the north wall, monuments to Sir William Hussey, d.1691 and Dame Sarah Hussey d.1697 with broken pediment, scrolly cartouches and cherubs"
"Monuments:- those in the north aisle are a notable collection; on the east wall is a marble plaque to Sir Thomas Hussey bart., d.1698 with a gadrooned base supporting a portrait bust and surmounted by a scrolly cartouche bearing a shield of arms. On the north wall, monuments to Sir William Hussey, d.1691 and Dame Sarah Hussey d.1697 with broken pediment, scrolly cartouches and cherubs. Also an altar tomb in the north east angle of the chapel to Thomas Hussey, son of Sir Thomas, d.1676 aged 15 years, black marble ledger slab above limestone tomb chest"
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The River Witham rises near South Witham, South Kesteven [Map] from where it flows past North Witham, South Kesteven [Map], Colsterworth, South Kesteven [Map], Easton, South Kesteven [Map] to Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] where it is joined by the Cringle Brook.
From Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] the River Witham flows through Grantham [Map], Belton, Grantham [Map], past Barkston, South Kesteven [Map], Marston, South Kesteven [Map] and Hougham, South Kesteven [Map], Westborough, South Kesteven [Map], Long Benington, South Kesteven [Map], Claypole, South Kesteven [Map], Beckingham, North Kesteven [Map], Norton Disney, North Kesteven [Map], Bassingham, North Kesteven [Map], Haddington, North Kesteven [Map], Aubourn, North Kesteven [Map] through the centre of Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] where it joined by the River Till.
From Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] it flows under Five Mile Bridge [Map], past Bardney Abbey [Map], Kirkstead [Map], under Tattershall Bridge [Map] after which it is joined by the River Bain
After Tattershall the River Witham flows through canalised sections under Lanrick Bridge [Map], past Anton's Gowt [Map] to Boston [Map] where it is joined by the South Forty Foot Drain. After Boston [Map] the River Witham flows into the The Wash around eight kilometres away.
Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.
In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
The River Witham rises near South Witham, South Kesteven [Map] from where it flows past North Witham, South Kesteven [Map], Colsterworth, South Kesteven [Map], Easton, South Kesteven [Map] to Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] where it is joined by the Cringle Brook.
From Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] the River Witham flows through Grantham [Map], Belton, Grantham [Map], past Barkston, South Kesteven [Map], Marston, South Kesteven [Map] and Hougham, South Kesteven [Map], Westborough, South Kesteven [Map], Long Benington, South Kesteven [Map], Claypole, South Kesteven [Map], Beckingham, North Kesteven [Map], Norton Disney, North Kesteven [Map], Bassingham, North Kesteven [Map], Haddington, North Kesteven [Map], Aubourn, North Kesteven [Map] through the centre of Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] where it joined by the River Till.
From Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] it flows under Five Mile Bridge [Map], past Bardney Abbey [Map], Kirkstead [Map], under Tattershall Bridge [Map] after which it is joined by the River Bain
After Tattershall the River Witham flows through canalised sections under Lanrick Bridge [Map], past Anton's Gowt [Map] to Boston [Map] where it is joined by the South Forty Foot Drain. After Boston [Map] the River Witham flows into the The Wash around eight kilometres away.
The River Witham rises near South Witham, South Kesteven [Map] from where it flows past North Witham, South Kesteven [Map], Colsterworth, South Kesteven [Map], Easton, South Kesteven [Map] to Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] where it is joined by the Cringle Brook.
From Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] the River Witham flows through Grantham [Map], Belton, Grantham [Map], past Barkston, South Kesteven [Map], Marston, South Kesteven [Map] and Hougham, South Kesteven [Map], Westborough, South Kesteven [Map], Long Benington, South Kesteven [Map], Claypole, South Kesteven [Map], Beckingham, North Kesteven [Map], Norton Disney, North Kesteven [Map], Bassingham, North Kesteven [Map], Haddington, North Kesteven [Map], Aubourn, North Kesteven [Map] through the centre of Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] where it joined by the River Till.
From Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] it flows under Five Mile Bridge [Map], past Bardney Abbey [Map], Kirkstead [Map], under Tattershall Bridge [Map] after which it is joined by the River Bain
After Tattershall the River Witham flows through canalised sections under Lanrick Bridge [Map], past Anton's Gowt [Map] to Boston [Map] where it is joined by the South Forty Foot Drain. After Boston [Map] the River Witham flows into the The Wash around eight kilometres away.
St Mary's Church, Marston, South Kesteven is also in Churches in Lincolnshire.
St Mary's Church, Marston, South Kesteven [Map]. Open every day. Churchwarden Mrs Barbara Barrodale telephone: 01522 826381
In south chapel, a large dresser tomb of pink and white marble with alabaster recumbent figure flanked by corinthian columns, of Sir Anthony Thorold, died June 1594. Backing onto it at east end of south aisle, another dresser tomb of stone and marble with 3 shields in medillions below and quatrefoil frieze above, of William Thorold, died 1569. Alabaster monument on south wall to Anne, Lady Hodgson (nee Thorold), died 1719, with ornate crown and apron, flanking corinthianesque pilasters and draperies.
On 26th June 1594 Anthony Thorold (age 74) died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Marston, South Kesteven [Map].
St Andrew's Church Rippingdale, South Kesteven is also in Churches in Lincolnshire.
St Andrew's Church Rippingdale, South Kesteven [Map]. Contains several medieval effigies in various states of preservation. The guy holding the book is most unusual.
King Street is a Roman Road between Peterborough [Map] and Ancaster [Map] where it joins Ermine Street 2. It is numbered 26 in Ivan Margary's book 'Roman Roads in Britain'.
From Peterborough [Map] it travels north through Lolham Bridges [Map] crossing the River Glen at Kates Bridge [Map], through Bourne where Bourne Abbey, Lincolnshire [Map] was later built. The road continues through Cawthorpe [Map], Stainfield, South Kesteven [Map], Hanby, South Kesteven [Map], Sapperton, South Kesteven [Map] before reaching Ermine Street 2 south of Ancaster [Map].
The Cringle Brook near Buckminster, Leicestershire [Map] from where it flows past Skillington, South Kesteven [Map] and Stoke Rochford [Map] before joining the River Witham at Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map].
The River Witham rises near South Witham, South Kesteven [Map] from where it flows past North Witham, South Kesteven [Map], Colsterworth, South Kesteven [Map], Easton, South Kesteven [Map] to Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] where it is joined by the Cringle Brook.
From Great Ponton, South Kesteven [Map] the River Witham flows through Grantham [Map], Belton, Grantham [Map], past Barkston, South Kesteven [Map], Marston, South Kesteven [Map] and Hougham, South Kesteven [Map], Westborough, South Kesteven [Map], Long Benington, South Kesteven [Map], Claypole, South Kesteven [Map], Beckingham, North Kesteven [Map], Norton Disney, North Kesteven [Map], Bassingham, North Kesteven [Map], Haddington, North Kesteven [Map], Aubourn, North Kesteven [Map] through the centre of Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] where it joined by the River Till.
From Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] it flows under Five Mile Bridge [Map], past Bardney Abbey [Map], Kirkstead [Map], under Tattershall Bridge [Map] after which it is joined by the River Bain
After Tattershall the River Witham flows through canalised sections under Lanrick Bridge [Map], past Anton's Gowt [Map] to Boston [Map] where it is joined by the South Forty Foot Drain. After Boston [Map] the River Witham flows into the The Wash around eight kilometres away.
King Street is a Roman Road between Peterborough [Map] and Ancaster [Map] where it joins Ermine Street 2. It is numbered 26 in Ivan Margary's book 'Roman Roads in Britain'.
From Peterborough [Map] it travels north through Lolham Bridges [Map] crossing the River Glen at Kates Bridge [Map], through Bourne where Bourne Abbey, Lincolnshire [Map] was later built. The road continues through Cawthorpe [Map], Stainfield, South Kesteven [Map], Hanby, South Kesteven [Map], Sapperton, South Kesteven [Map] before reaching Ermine Street 2 south of Ancaster [Map].