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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On 3rd July 1738 John Singleton Copley was born. Probably in Boston, Massachusetts.
1760 John Singleton Copley [aged 21]. Portrait of Epes Sargent [aged 69].
Epes Sargent: On 12th June 1690 he was born. On 6th December 1762 he died.
Around 1768 John Singleton Copley [aged 29]. Portrait of Margaret Kemble [aged 34].
Margaret Kemble: In 1734 she was born to Peter Kemble at New Brunswick New Jersey. On 8th December 1758 General Thomas Gage and she were married at her father's plantation Mount Kemble Plantation, New Jersey. They had eleven children. In 1824 she died.
Around 1768 John Singleton Copley [aged 29]. Portrait of General Thomas Gage [aged 48].
General Thomas Gage: On 10th March 1719 he was born to Thomas Gage 1st Viscount Gage and Benedicta Maria Theresa Hall Viscountess Gage in New Brunswick New Jersey. On 2nd April 1787 General Thomas Gage died.
On 21st May 1772 [his son] John Singleton Copley 1st Baron Lyndhurst was born to John Singleton Copley [aged 33].
On 23rd September 1773 [his daughter] Mary Copley was born to John Singleton Copley [aged 35].
In 1774 John Singleton Copley [aged 35] moved to London.
1780 John Singleton Copley [aged 41]. Portrait of Hugh Montgomerie 12th Earl Eglinton [aged 40].
Hugh Montgomerie 12th Earl Eglinton: On 5th November 1739 he was born to Alexander Montgomerie. On 30th October 1796 Archibald Montgomerie 11th Earl Eglinton died at Eglinton Castle, Kilwinning. His third cousin Hugh succeeded 12th Earl Eglinton. On 14th December 1819 Hugh Montgomerie 12th Earl Eglinton died. His grandson Archibald succeeded 13th Earl Eglinton.
1794 John Singleton Copley [aged 55]. Portrait of Richard Howe 1st Earl Howe [aged 67]. He wears an admiral's undress uniform of 1783 to 1787, of a blue jacket with gold braid.
1795 John Singleton Copley [aged 56]. Portrait of Charles Cornwallis 1st Marquess Cornwallis [aged 56].
Around 1797 John Singleton Copley [aged 58]. Portrait of Henry Addington 1st Viscount Sidmouth [aged 39].
1798 John Singleton Copley [aged 59]. Portrait of Adam Duncan 1st Viscount Duncan [aged 66].
Around 1800 John Singleton Copley [aged 61]. Portrait of George John Spencer 2nd Earl Spencer [aged 41].
Before 1804 John Singleton Copley [aged 65]. Portrait of Adam Duncan 1st Viscount Duncan [aged 72].
Before 1815 John Singleton Copley [aged 76]. Portrait of Henry Addington 1st Viscount Sidmouth [aged 57].
On 9th September 1815 John Singleton Copley [aged 77] died. He was buried in Croydon Minster.