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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Biography of William Mowbray 6th Baron Thirsk 1173-1224

Paternal Family Tree: Daubigny

1215 Magna Carta

1217 Second Battle of Lincoln

Around 1173 William Mowbray 6th was born to [his father] Nigel Mowbray 5th Baron Thirsk (age 27) and [his mother] Mabel Clare Baroness Thirsk (age 17).

Around 1175 [his father] Nigel Mowbray 5th Baron Thirsk (age 29) and [his mother] Mabel Clare Baroness Thirsk (age 19) were married. She by marriage Baroness Thirsk. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Roger Clare 2nd Earl Hertford and [his grandmother] Maud St Hilary Countess Hertford. They were half fourth cousin once removed.

In 1188 [his grandfather] Roger de Albini (age 68) died in Palestine. His son [his father] Nigel (age 42) succeeded 5th Baron Thirsk.

Around 1191 [his father] Nigel Mowbray 5th Baron Thirsk (age 45) was killed in Acre [Map]. His son William (age 18) succeeded 6th Baron Thirsk.

In 1204 [his mother] Mabel Clare Baroness Thirsk (age 48) died at Axeholme.

In 1208 [his son] William Mowbray was born to William Mowbray 6th (age 35) and [his future wife] Avice D'Aubigny Baroness Okehampton Baroness Mowbray (age 12).

Before 1209 William Mowbray 6th (age 35) and Avice D'Aubigny Baroness Okehampton Baroness Mowbray (age 12) were married. She by marriage Baroness Thirsk. The difference in their ages was 23 years. She the daughter of William D'Aubigny 3rd Earl Lincoln 3rd Earl of Arundel (age 29) and Mabel Gernon Countess Lincoln and Arundel. They were third cousins. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.

Before 2nd October 1209 [his son] Roger Mowbray was born to William Mowbray 6th (age 36) and [his wife] Avice D'Aubigny Baroness Okehampton Baroness Mowbray (age 13). He married before 1254 his half fourth cousin once removed Maud Beauchamp and had issue.

In 1214 [his wife] Avice D'Aubigny Baroness Okehampton Baroness Mowbray (age 18) died.

Magna Carta

                    On 15th June 1215 King John of England (age 48) met with his Baron's at Runnymede [Map] where he agreed to the terms of the Magna Carta which attempted to reduce the King's authority through political reform. Those who signed as surety included:
                
                    Roger Bigod 2nd Earl Norfolk (age 71)
                
                    his son Hugh Bigod 3rd Earl Norfolk (age 33)
                
                    Henry Bohun 1st Earl Hereford (age 39)
                
                    [his uncle] Richard Clare 3rd Earl Hertford (age 62)
                
                    his son Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford (age 35)
                
                    William "The Younger" Marshal 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 25)
                
                    William Mowbray 6th  (age 42)
                
                    Saer Quincy 1st Earl Winchester (age 45)
                
                    Robert Ros (age 43), Richard Percy 5th Baron Percy Topcliffe (age 45)
                
                    Robert de Vere 3rd Earl of Oxford (age 50)
                
                    Eustace Vesci (age 46)
                
                    John Fitzrobert 3rd Baron Warkworth (age 25)
                
                    John Lacy Earl Lincoln (age 23).
                
                    William de Albini (age 64), Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex (age 24)
                
                    Robert Clare Fitzwalter                

                    William Forz 3rd Earl Albemarle                

                    William Hardell
                
                    William Huntingfield
                
                    William Llanvallei
                
                    William Malet 1st Baron Curry Mallet
                
                    Roger Montbegon, Richard Montfichet
                
                    Geoffrey Saye (age 60) signed as surety the Magna Carta.
                
                    Ranulf de Blondeville Gernon 6th Earl Chester 1st Earl Lincoln (age 45) witnessed.

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Second Battle of Lincoln

                    On 20th May 1217 William Marshal 1st Earl Pembroke (age 71) and Ranulf de Blondeville Gernon 6th Earl Chester 1st Earl Lincoln (age 47) fought at Lincoln, Lincolnshire [Map] during the Second Battle of Lincoln.
                
                    Rebels William Mowbray 6th  (age 44) and William Ros (age 17) were captured. William de Albini (age 66) fought for the rebels. Thomas Chateaudun I Count Perche (age 22) died fighting for the rebels.
                
                    Bishop Peter de Roches led a division of the royal army and earned some distinction by his valour.

On 24th March 1224 William Mowbray 6th (age 51) died. Baron Thirsk extinct.

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.

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[his son] Nigel Mowbray was born to William Mowbray 6th and Avice D'Aubigny Baroness Okehampton Baroness Mowbray.