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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Archaeologia Volume 16 Appendix is in Archaeologia Volume 16.
November 20, 1806. An account of a Tumulus [Hoar Stone Long Barrow [Map]], opened on an estate of Matthew Baillie, M. D. in the parish of Duntesbourne Abbots, in Gloucestershire, communicated to Samuel Lysons, Esq. Director, by the Rev. Anthony Freston, Rector of Edgeworth, in the same county.
The length of the Barrow was about forty yards, and the width thirty; it contained about eight or nine bodies of different ages; it was composed of loose quarry stones; the largest stone, at the east end, has been long known, in that County, by the name of the Hoar Stone. It is of the calcareous kind, twelve feet high, fifteen in circumference, and weighs probably about five or six tons. All that part under the dotted line was below the surface of the ground.
See Plate LV.
N° 1. South east view before it was opened. 2. The Hoar Stone.
Plate LVI. 3. The Kistvaen before it was opened. 4. The same, after it was opened.
November 20, 1806. The Rev. W. H. Thornbury, in two letters addressed to the Rev. John Brand, M. A. Secretary, and William Bray, Esq. Treasurer of the Society, sent an account of a Barrow [Norn's Tump aka Avening Long Barrow [Map]], opened in the parish of Avening, in Gloucestershire, whose length, from east to west, was fifty-five yards, the greatest breadth nineteen two-thirds, and the smallest twelve yards and one-third; having within it two small chambers, in one of which were found eight, and in the other three skeletons, but no celts or other remains, except some bones of animals, which were buried in the Tumulus at C. Pl. LVII.
Mr. Fosbrook, F. A. S. in a letter addressed to the Society, observes, that as none of the characteristic marks of its being Danish, Saxon, or Roman exist, it may possibly be British, and have been formed before the Roman invasion.