To all wanting "History of the The Ancient Ryesdales" published originally in 1884. The Ancient Ryesdales" by G. T. Ridlon is available through Higginson Books, Salem, Mass. Their web site is http://www.higginsonbooks.com I bought my book several months ago - it's wonderful, and has pen drawings (taken from the original 19th century paintings and photos) of the old barony estates and of the old barons and their kin. The book cost around $65 and at 780 pages - hardback - is worth every penny. The book traces the Riddle/Riddell family back to the Norman Conquest and beyond - and the conquering Norman de Ridel's marriage to the daughter of William the Lion of Scotland. Although it is not mentioned in the book, through that early Riddell's marriage to the daughter of William the Lion, the Riddells/Riddles thus became descendants of the old Saxon kings of England (including Alfred the Great, Edward the Confessor, and Edgar, the last Aethling - aetheling meant "prince") as well as the old Irish kings of Dalriada, who came to Scotland from Ireland. According to some writings, this clan also counted St. Columba (the Irish monk who christianized Scotland) among them. The Riddells were also desceded from Macbeth (horrors!), Duncan, and all that Shakespearean lot. After you get your book (and for those of you who already have their), you can just type in "William the Lion" on your search engine, and eventuall pull down all this information. I just happened to have a considerable collection of old Saxon and Scots history on my home bookshelves. By the way, the current Baron Riddell - Sir John Riddell - now lives across the street from Kensington Palace. Before his retirement from public life, he was the private secretary to Prince Charles and Princess Diana. So much for all that. Higginson Books can also be reached by phone, but I've lost that info. Just find the area code for Salem, Mass, dial it and 555-1212 (for information). Higginson Books is listed. Betty Webb