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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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Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth 1560-1639

Paternal Family Tree: Carey

Maternal Family Tree: Anne Morgan Baroness Hunsdon 1529-1607

1596 Death of Henry Carey 1st Baron Hunsdon

1603 Death of Queen Elizabeth I Accession of James I

1613 Thomas Overbury Murder and Trial of his Murderers

On 21st May 1545 [his father] Henry Carey 1st Baron Hunsdon [aged 19] and [his mother] Anne Morgan Baroness Hunsdon [aged 16] were married.

In 1560 Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth was born to Henry Carey 1st Baron Hunsdon [aged 33] and Anne Morgan Baroness Hunsdon [aged 31].

In July 1563 [his brother-in-law] Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham [aged 27] and [his sister] Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham [aged 13] were married. They were half first cousin twice removed.

On 29th December 1574 [his brother] George Carey 2nd Baron Hunsdon [aged 27] and [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Spencer Baroness Hunsdon and Eure [aged 22] were married.

On 20th December 1576 [his brother] John Carey 3rd Baron Hunsdon [aged 26] and [his sister-in-law] Mary Hyde Baroness Hunsdon [aged 22] were married.

In 1584 [his brother-in-law] Thomas Scrope 10th Baron Scrope of Bolton [aged 17] and [his sister] Philadelphia Carey Baroness Scrope Bolton were married. They were third cousins.

In 1589 Henry Fitzgerald 12th Earl of Kildare [aged 27] and [his niece] Frances Howard Countess Kildare were married. She by marriage Countess Kildare. She the daughter of [his brother-in-law] Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham [aged 53] and [his sister] Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham [aged 39]. He the son of Gerald "Wizard Earl" Fitzgerald 11th Earl of Kildare and Mabel Browne Countess Kildare [aged 53]. They were fifth cousin once removed.

On 20th August 1593 Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 33] and Elizabeth Trevannion Countess Monmouth [aged 30] were married.

On 15th January 1596 [his son] Henry Carey 2nd Earl Monmouth was born to Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 36] and [his wife] Elizabeth Trevannion Countess Monmouth [aged 33] at Denham, Buckinghamshire. He married 1620 Martha Cranfield Countess Monmouth, daughter of Lionel Cranfield 1st Earl Middlesex and Elizabeth Sheppard, and had issue.

On 23rd July 1596 [his father] Henry Carey 1st Baron Hunsdon [aged 70] died at Somerset House [Map]. Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland [aged 62] was present. She, apparently, proposed he be made Earl of Wiltshire. He refused saying... "Madam, as you did not count me worthy of this honour in life, then I shall account myself not worthy of it in death". His son [his brother] George [aged 49] succeeded 2nd Baron Hunsdon. [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Spencer Baroness Hunsdon and Eure [aged 44] by marriage Baroness Hunsdon.

On 19th May 1597 [his nephew] Charles Howard 2nd Earl Nottingham [aged 17] and Charity White were married. He the son of [his brother-in-law] Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham [aged 61] and [his sister] Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham [aged 47].

In 1601 Henry Brooke 11th Baron Cobham [aged 36] and [his niece] Frances Howard Countess Kildare were married. She the daughter of [his brother-in-law] Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham [aged 65] and [his sister] Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham [aged 51]. They were third cousin once removed.

On 24th March 1603 Elizabeth I [aged 69] died at Richmond Palace [Map] around three in the morning. Her first cousin twice removed James [aged 36] succeeded I King England Scotland and Ireland.

Immediately following her death Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 43] started on horseback for Edinburgh to inform King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland arriving at Holyrood Palace [Map] late on the 26 Mar 1603. His conduct met with general disapproval and merited censure as contrary to all decency, good manners and respect. George Carew and Thomas Lake [aged 35] were sent by the Council to formally inform James of her death.

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The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 2 Chapters 61-109 1342-1361

The Chronicle of Jean le Bel, Volume 2 continues one of the most important fourteenth-century accounts of the early Hundred Years’ War. Written by the Liège chronicler Jean le Bel, this vivid narrative follows the fortunes of Edward III, Jean II of France, the Black Prince, the great nobles of France and England, and the soldiers, captains and companies who shaped the conflict. This volume covers some of the most dramatic events of the period, including the battles of Crécy and Poitiers, the siege and capture of Calais, the captivity of King John, the rise of the Jacquerie, the turmoil in Paris under Étienne Marcel and Charles of Navarre, the devastation caused by the free companies, Edward III’s great campaign of 1359–1360, and the negotiations leading to the Treaty of Brétigny. Jean le Bel’s chronicle is especially valuable for its lively detail, its interest in chivalry, warfare, politics and reputation, and its influence on later chroniclers, most famously Froissart. This English translation presents the text in clear, readable British English while preserving the force and character of the original narrative. The translation includes extensive notes to help the reader better understand Jean le Bel's text. Volume 2 also includes translated appendices drawn from royal and administrative records, many from the English Record Office, which illuminate Edward III’s campaigns in Brittany, the siege and occupation of Calais, naval preparations, military finance, appointments, safe conducts and related affairs.

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In September 1603 [his former brother-in-law] Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham [aged 67] and Margaret Stewart 1st Countess Nottingham [aged 12] were married. She by marriage Countess Nottingham. The difference in their ages was 55 years. She the daughter of James "The Bonnie Earl" Stewart 2nd Earl of Moray and Elizabeth Stewart 2nd Countess Moray. They were half fourth cousin twice removed. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

In 1604 John Stewart 1st Earl Carrick [aged 38] and [his niece] Elizabeth Howard Countess Carrick [aged 39] were married. She the daughter of [his former brother-in-law] Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham [aged 68] and [his sister] Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham. He the son of Robert Stewart 1st Earl Orkney [aged 71] and Jean Kennedy Countess Orkney. They were half fifth cousins. He a great x 2 grandson of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

On 19th January 1607 [his mother] Anne Morgan Baroness Hunsdon [aged 78] died.

Before 1608 [his nephew] Henry Carey 1st Earl Dover [aged 27] and Judith Pelham Countess Dover [aged 17] were married. They were third cousin once removed.

On 11th April 1611 [his son-in-law] Thomas Wharton [aged 23] and Philadelphia Carey were married. She the daughter of Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 51] and Elizabeth Trevannion Countess Monmouth [aged 48]. They were fourth cousins.

Letters of the Court of James I 1613. 12th August 1613. London. Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Thomas Puckering 1st Baronet [aged 21].

First, touching the business which you so particularly commended unto me at our last being together at Florence, Tuscany, I have had hitherto very small opportunity of dealing farther in it than pressing Mr. Newton [aged 33] for his advice and furtherance. For in this general absence of the court, when king, queen, and prince are all in several progresses, little or no means hath been yet offered. Sir Robert Cary [aged 53]1, as your brother telleth me, is the fittest man to be dealt with in that kind, to whom I shall most willingly likewise address myself, as having best means to him. Only I attend some further directions from Mr. Newton both for the nature of the place I should sue for, and how I should govern myself in my offers for the accomplishment of it.

For news, that which is of chiefest moment is this. There hath lately happened in the Palatine's court a strange quarrel between the English and Scots, and that in this manner and upon this occasion. Sir Andrew Keigh, a Scotsman, that is in some office about the Palatine, happening one day to contest with my Lady Harrington [aged 59]2 upon some point in her grace's presence, [he proceeded] to that insolency at the length, as he gave her the lie; and not content therewith (to verify that of the orator, "qui vere cundiæ fines semel transierit, eum benè et gnavitèr oportet esse impudentem," [Note. she who truly has once crossed the bounds of grace must be shameless]) fell to debase my lord [aged 73] likewise with very base and opprobrious speeches. Mr. Bushell, who, as I understand, was the only man of all my lord's followers that was then present, finding Keigh not long after in a fit place for that purpose, offered him the combat in defence of his lord's and lady's honour; and as both were ready to draw, another Scotsman, who was in Keigh's company, interposed himself, and suffered not them to proceed then any farther. Being thus parted, my Lord Harrington sent for Mr. Bushell to his chamber (whether to wish him to be quiet, or for what other occasion I know not). In the mean time, this Keigh [at the] head of four or five Scotsmen more, himself being provided, besides his sword, with a square bastinado and a dagger, the rest with the [sword] only, lies in wait to set apon Mr. Bashell at his return: [who, as he was] coming from my lord, and not dreaming of any such enterprise, and going to put his foot in his stirrup to mount up upon his horse, (for my lord's [lodging and his] were far asunder), lo! Keigh steps forth, striking him, [and with the] bastinado fells him: yet presently he recovered himself, and, offering to rise, received a second blow upon the head, and was felled a second time. Notwithstanding all this, he recovered himself again, and drew out his sword in his own defence, being all idone; when all the rest laid about him with their swords, and, being five to one, wounded him very grievously, as having run him through the body, and into divers parts no less than twelve times. During this conflict, Mr. Gray, another of my lord's gentlemen, coming forth, received a thrust in the hand, but not without leaving some of the marks likewise upon them. After that came her grace's coachman, and took part with Mr. Gray (for Mr. Bushell was now left for dead) and hurt two or three of the Scots; who, not daring to abide to fight any longer, partly for fear of others that might come in, and partly for that they supposed their chief enemy either dead or not likely to live, presently quitted the place, and betook themselves to flight. But there was suddenly way made after them, and they all brought back again. Sir Andrew Keigh was confined to his chamber under a sure guard, the rest committed to the ordinary prison; and a messenger presently despatched over into England to understand his majesty's pleasure touching this subject; who has scarcely as yet received the news thereof. Mr. Bushell nevertheless is yet living, and not without hope of recovery. My Lord and Lady Harrington purpose to return for England this month, and to bring him along with them, (which they may well do by water) if they find him any way able to endure it.

Upon their arrival. Sir John Harrington [aged 21]3 purposeth to go and take possession of his government in Guernsey [Map], which he hath lately obtained by an exchange which he hath made between it and a reversion of an office formerly granted him of being master in the King's Bench.

My Lord of Essex's [aged 22] cause hath had no hearings of late, and is remitted over to the 18th day of this next new month. Two new commissioners are adjoined to the former, viz., the Bishops of Winchester [aged 66]4 and Rochester [aged 51]5 that their voice in favour of the nullity may be able to counterpoise the contrary opposition of Canterbury and London.

The Lord Chief Justice Fleming [deceased] is lately dead, and Hobart and Montagu suitors for the place.

In my last letters I acquainted you with the stirs that were at Nismes upon occasion of M. Ferrier, some time their minister. M. le Conestable, who resides in those parts, hath made such a grievous complaint thereof unto the queen [aged 11]6, as she hath taken a resolution thereupon to translate, by way of punishment, the presidial seat of justice, which is there, to Beaucaire, a neighbour Catholic town, hard by; which, if it once come to be put in execution, is like to occasion far greater stirs in those quarters.

Note 1. Fourth son of [his father] Henry Cary Lord Hunsdon, and grandson of [his grandfather] William Cary, Esq., who married [his grandmother] Mary Boleyn, sister to Queen Anne Boleyn. Sir Robert Cary was created by King James I [aged 47], Lord Gary of Lepingdon, in Yorkshire, and by King Charles I [aged 12], Earl of Monmooth.

Note 2. Anne, daughter and sole heir of Robert Kelway, Esq, surveyor of the Court of Wards, and wife of Sir John Harrington, created 21st July, 1603, by King James the First, Lord Harrington of Exton in Rutland. He had the tuition of the Lady Elizabeth [aged 16], whom he attended, in April, 1613, to the Palatinate; and died in the same year.

Note 3. Son of Lord Harrington. He died in February, 1613-14.

Note 4. Dr. Bilson.

Note 5. Dr. John Buckridge.

Note 6. Queen of France.

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Around 1616 [his son] Thomas Carey was born to Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 56] and [his wife] Elizabeth Trevannion Countess Monmouth [aged 53]. He married Margaret Smith and had issue.

Letters of the Court of James I 1618. [5th October 1618]. The current runs strong here, that Sir Fulk Greville [aged 64] shall be treasurer, but the grounds of that conjecture are not certain. An assured thing they say it is, that the Marquis of Buckingham [aged 26] hath gotten the survivance of the Admiralty granted him, in a joint patent with the lord admiral that is; and the same hath passed the seals already. Sir Robert Cary [aged 58] hath now perfected his suit concerning Killingworth [Map], and intends a new voyage thither soon after Allhallowtide. I have renewed my former motions concerning you, and he promises the accomplishment.

In 1620 Henry Carey 2nd Earl Monmouth [aged 23] and Martha Cranfield Countess Monmouth [aged 19] were married. She the daughter of Lionel Cranfield 1st Earl Middlesex [aged 45] and Elizabeth Sheppard. He the son of Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 60] and Elizabeth Trevannion Countess Monmouth [aged 57].

On 22nd April 1620 [his nephew] Charles Howard 2nd Earl Nottingham [aged 40] and Mary Cockayne 1st Countess Nottingham were married. She by marriage Countess Nottingham. She the daughter of William Cockayne [aged 59] and Mary Morris Countess Dover [aged 55]. He the son of [his former brother-in-law] Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham [aged 84] and [his sister] Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham.

In 1626 Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 66] was created 1st Earl Monmouth. [his wife] Elizabeth Trevannion Countess Monmouth [aged 63] by marriage Countess Monmouth.

On 6th July 1630 [his nephew] Henry Carey 1st Earl Dover [aged 50] and Mary Morris Countess Dover [aged 65] were married at St Peter le Poer Church, Broad Street. She by marriage Countess Dover.

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Chronicle of the Abbey of Evesham

The Chronicle of the Abbey of Evesham is a remarkable medieval history of one of England’s great Benedictine monasteries. Beginning with the abbey’s legendary and royal foundations, it traces the fortunes of Evesham through centuries of religious devotion, political conflict, legal struggle, rebuilding, reform, and royal patronage. At the heart of the chronicle is the abbey’s determination to defend its ancient liberties. Its monks record disputes with bishops, appeals to popes and papal legates, contested elections of abbots, lawsuits over lands and privileges, and the long struggle to preserve Evesham’s exemption from episcopal control. Alongside these institutional battles are vivid accounts of saints and miracles, including St Ecgwine, St Odulf and the royal martyr St Wistan, whose relics and cult formed an important part of the abbey’s identity. The chronicle also preserves a wealth of detail about everyday monastic life. It describes the building and repair of churches, cloisters, chapels, halls, mills, granges and fishponds; the acquisition of estates and revenues; the making of vestments, shrines, bells and liturgical books; and the provision of food, clothing, recreation and medical care for the monks. Successive abbots emerge not merely as religious superiors but as administrators, builders, patrons, diplomats and defenders of the community. Extending into the later Middle Ages, the narrative reflects the changing political world around Evesham, from the Norman Conquest and the Angevin kings to the Wars of the Roses and the reign of Henry VIII. The result is both a history of a single monastery and a richly detailed record of medieval English religious, legal, economic and political life. This edition offers modern readers direct access to one of the most important monastic chronicles of medieval England, revealing how the monks of Evesham understood their saints, their privileges, their rulers and their place in history.

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On 9th April 1634 [his son] Thomas Carey [aged 18] died. He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].

On 12th April 1639 Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 79] died. His son Henry [aged 43] succeeded 2nd Earl Monmouth. Martha Cranfield Countess Monmouth [aged 38] by marriage Countess Monmouth.

In 1641 [his former wife] Elizabeth Trevannion Countess Monmouth [aged 78] died.

[his daughter] Philadelphia Carey was born to Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth and Elizabeth Trevannion Countess Monmouth. She married 11th April 1611 her fourth cousin Thomas Wharton, son of Philip Wharton 3rd Baron Wharton and Frances Clifford Baroness Wharton, and had issue.

Royal Ancestors of Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth 1560-1639

Kings Wessex: Great x 16 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 13 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 19 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 14 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings Godwinson: Great x 16 Grand Son of King Harold II of England

Kings England: Great x 6 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 12 Grand Son of King William I of Scotland

Kings France: Great x 8 Grand Son of King Philip IV of France

Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 20 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine

Kings Spain: Great x 12 Grand Son of Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon

Royal Descendants of Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth 1560-1639
Number after indicates the number of unique routes of descent. Descendants of Kings and Queens not included.

Diana Spencer Princess Wales [4]

Ancestors of Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth 1560-1639

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Carey

Great x 3 Grandfather: Philip Carey 3 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Courtenay 2 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Carey 4 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Orchard

Great x 3 Grandmother: Christiana Orchard

Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Carey 5 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Baldwin Fulford

Great x 2 Grandmother: Anna Fulford

Grandfather: William Carey 4 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Spencer

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Winstone Churchill Spencer

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Spencer of Spencer Combe

Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Spencer 3 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset Grandson of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset Great Grandson of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence 2 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Beaufort Countess Ormonde 2 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick 4 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset 4 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Berkeley Countess Warwick 3 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Father: Henry Carey 1st Baron Hunsdon 5 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Geoffrey Boleyn

Great x 3 Grandfather: Geoffrey Boleyn

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Bracton

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Boleyn 8 x Great Grandson of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Hoo 1st Baron Hoo and Hastings 9 x Great Grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Ann Hoo 7 x Great Granddaughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Wychingham 6 x Great Granddaughter of King John of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde 6 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: James "White Earl" Butler 4th Earl Ormonde 3 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Butler 7th Earl Ormonde 4 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Beauchamp Countess Ormonde 3 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Butler 5 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Hankford

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Hankford Countess Ormonde 4 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Montagu Duchess Exeter 3 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Grandmother: Mary Boleyn 7 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Howard 4 x Great Grandson of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk 4 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Mowbray Baroness Grey Ruthyn 3 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk 5 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Moleyns 4 x Great Grandson of King Henry III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Moleyns 5 x Great Granddaughter of King Henry III of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde 6 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Tilney

Great x 3 Grandfather: Frederick Tilney

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey 8 x Great Granddaughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Lawrence Cheney

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cheney 7 x Great Granddaughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cockayne 6 x Great Granddaughter of King John of England

Robert Carey 1st Earl Monmouth 6 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England

Grandfather: Thomas Morgan

Mother: Anne Morgan Baroness Hunsdon