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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Baronet White of Blagdon in Northumberland is in Baronetcies of England Alphabetically, Baronetcies of England Chronologically, Extant Baronetcies of England.
Summary
1756. Matthew White 1st Baronet [aged 29] created.
1763. Nephew Matthew White Ridley 2nd Baronet [aged 17] succeeded.
16th April 1813. Son Matthew White Ridley 3rd Baronet [aged 34] succeeded.
14th July 1836. Son Matthew White Ridley 4th Baronet [aged 28] succeeded.
25th September 1877. Son Matthew White Ridley 1st Viscount Ridley [aged 35] succeeded.
28th November 1904. Son Matthew White Ridley 2nd Viscount Ridley [aged 29] succeeded.
14th February 1916. Son Matthew White Ridley 3rd Viscount Ridley [aged 13] succeeded.
25th February 1964. Son Matthew White Ridley 4th Viscount Ridley [aged 38] succeeded.
22nd March 2012. Son Matthew White Ridley 5th Viscount Ridley [aged 54] succeeded.
In 1756 Matthew White 1st Baronet [aged 29] was created 1st Baronet White of Blagdon in Northumberland, with remainder to the heirs male of his sister Elizabeth White [aged 35], wife of Matthew Ridley [aged 44].
On 16th April 1813 Matthew White Ridley 2nd Baronet [aged 67] died. His son Matthew [aged 34] succeeded 3rd Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland.
Monument at the Cathedral Church St Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne [Map] sculpted by John Flaxman [aged 57].
Matthew White Ridley 2nd Baronet: On 28th October 1745 he was born to Matthew Ridley and Elizabeth White. In 1763 Matthew White 1st Baronet died. His nephew Matthew succeeded 2nd Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland.
Matthew White Ridley 3rd Baronet: On 18th April 1778 he was born to Matthew White Ridley 2nd Baronet. In 1813 Matthew White Ridley 3rd Baronet was elected MP Newcastle upon Tyne. On 14th July 1836 Matthew White Ridley 3rd Baronet died. His son Matthew succeeded 4th Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland.
On 14th July 1836 Matthew White Ridley 3rd Baronet [aged 58] died. His son Matthew [aged 28] succeeded 4th Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland.
On 21st September 1841 Matthew White Ridley 4th Baronet [aged 34] and Cecilia Anne Parke Lady Ridley were married. She by marriage Lady Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland.
On 25th September 1877 Matthew White Ridley 4th Baronet [aged 70] died. His son Matthew [aged 35] succeeded 5th Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland. Mary Georgiana Marjoribanks Viscountess Ridley [aged 27] by marriage Lady Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland
On 28th November 1904 Matthew White Ridley 1st Viscount Ridley [aged 62] died. His son Matthew [aged 29] succeeded 2nd Viscount Ridley of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland, 2nd Baron Wensleydale of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland, 6th Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland. Rosamond Cornelia Gwladys Guest Viscountess Ridley by marriage Viscountess Ridley of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland.
On 14th February 1916 Matthew White Ridley 2nd Viscount Ridley [aged 41] died. His son Matthew [aged 13] succeeded 3rd Viscount Ridley of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland, 3rd Baron Wensleydale of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland, 7th Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland.
On 25th February 1964 Matthew White Ridley 3rd Viscount Ridley [aged 61] died. His son Matthew [aged 38] succeeded 4th Viscount Ridley of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland, 4th Baron Wensleydale of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland, 8th Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland. Anne Katharine Gabrielle Lumley Viscountess Ridley [aged 35] by marriage Viscountess Ridley of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland.
On 22nd March 2012 Matthew White Ridley 4th Viscount Ridley [aged 86] died. His son Matthew [aged 54] succeeded 5th Viscount Ridley of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland, 5th Baron Wensleydale of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland, 9th Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland.