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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Effigy of William of Hatfield is in Monumental Effigies of Great Britain.
WAS the second son of Edward III by his Queen Philippa, and was born at Hatfield [Map], in Yorkshire, in 1335. He was christened after his maternal grandfather, William Earl of Hainault, died in his childhood, and was buried in the cathedral at York [Map]. The effigy is nearly four feet six inches in height, and may therefore be supposed that of a child about eleven years of age. This is a good example of the domestic attire of a noble youth of the day. On his head is a circlet surmounted by pearls. A rich juste-au-corps (probably embroidered cloth of golda) covers his figure. A mantle, the edge of which is indented into the form of a running pattern of ornamental foliage, falls over his breast and shoulders, and depends behind to the ancles. His shoes are divided into fretwork compartments, filled up with quatrefoils. His head is supported by angels, and his feet rest on a couchant lion. He wears a rich jewelled girdle round his hips; a characteristic mark of the monuments of this, and of many of the following century. It is not easy to imagine how a cincture thus placed sustained itself.
Details. Plate II. Profile. 1. Portion of the circlet and pearls. 9. Ornament on the juste-au-corps, or body coat. 3. Ornament on the shoes.
Note a. Thus Chaucer, describing the attire of a gallant youth:
"Embrouded was he, as it were a mede.
All full of freshe Bom es white and rede.
--- Short was his goune" ----
William of Hatfield: On 16th February 1337 he was born to King Edward III of England and Philippa of Hainaut Queen Consort England at Hatfield [Map]. He died shortly afterwards around 3rd March 1337. He was buried at York Minster [Map] where there is a monument to him in the north aisle. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.00%.
