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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Effigy of Lady and Child

Effigy of Lady and Child is in Monumental Effigies of Great Britain.

                
                    THIS singular monument is in Scarcliffe Church, Derbyshire [Map]. The style in which it is executed shows it to be of the thirteenth century. The head is surmounted with a very elegant circlet, and rests on a couchant lion; the hair is disposed in braids; the tunic is confined at the neck by a large fermail or broach; a band appears to attach the mantle to the shoulders, and is held in the right hand; the mantle is caught up under the right arm. The left supports a male child, who displays a long scroll, on which has been inscribed in uncial characters some leonine verses, which are now much defaced.
                
                    HIC SV......MVLIER IACET INTVMVLATA:
                
                    CONSTANS.............:
                
                    ...........PROLES RE....ERE HVMATA:
                
                    CVM PECC..............VACVATA:
                
                    CRIMINE PVRGATA CVM PROLE IOIIANNE BEATA:
                
                    .................DELOCATA. AMEN:
                
                    Details. 1. Profile of the head, showing the hair, &c. 2. The circlet enlarged.