Monthly Archives: May 2021

What follows is a likely scenario that explains such connections. Any future research into this topic will have to be based on the fact of a very close association between between the families of Thomas Harris and Thomas Harris, who … Continue reading →

If the families as follow are to be understood, it would be a simple matter of decoding those who, of the same family, sported different names, derived from the fiefs they inherited, the concept of surnames being alien to them. … Continue reading →

What follows is an attempt to show the interconnections between various families that served the Norman dukes; interconnections through marriage which created military kinship groups which protected the rights and priviliges of the ruling elite. It was a game of … Continue reading →

i. William Crespin, b. ca. 1030.ii. William Crespin II., b. ca. 1060. iii. William Crespin III., b. ca. 1085, d. 1135, who, in 1119, nearly killed Henry 1 at the Battle of Bremule. He repeatedly fought against Henry I., alongside … Continue reading →

1. … 1.1. William Smyth. Inquisition returned June 13, 1479, taken at Barking in Essex. 1.1.1. … Smyth, m. Thomas Salman (alias “Thomas Harri”). 1.1.2. Elizabeth Smyth, m. Thomas Bull. 1.1.2.1. Richard Bull, received grandfather’s property by memorandum, May 1, … Continue reading →

1. Sprotta, consort of William Longsword, m. (2) Asperlenc. Sprotta (Scand. Sprottr), described as ‘nobilissima‘ (Frodoard, 933, MGH SS III, p. 381). She was not a Breton. Eric Christiansen’s (History of the Normans, note 234, p. 199, 1998), explains that … Continue reading →