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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CCCXI. The Earl of Worcester (age 52) to the Earl of Shrewsbury. 19th September 1602.
Nobl Lord, I pave receyved youer Second letter, which came to my hands, being sent from my howse; but the messenger I cowld not learne, otherwyse I wold have written by the same; so that my letter nowe take his fortune.
This day yt is reported that Grave is wone, and delyvered by composition: The particulers I cannot advertes; neyther whether yt bee trewe or no; but youe in the contrey must take yt for good what soever wee wryght owt of Cowrt. It is lykewyse reported that the engynes of fagots wch the Archduke had made at Ostend are all defeated but one, and ys thowght that one wyll not long continew: The towne howlds owt yet, and wyll doe; but the plage dothe somwhat trobl them. It is sayd there hathe been an offer of peace from the Duke and his wyf to the Unyted Provinces; that yf they wyll acknowledge them as theyr Lords, he wyll wthdrawe all the Spanishe forces owt of the contrey, and himself and his wyf wyll lyve in the Dukedome of Burgundy: This take wth the rest, and believe as youe lyst. The King of Spayne hathe fayled of his purpose at Algeres once more: I pray God wee heere not the sooner from him in Ierland. The traytor there is almost driven owt: i beleve this winter wyll make an end of that warre.
Wee are frolyke heare in Cowrt; mutche dawncing in the privi chamber of contrey dawnces before the Q. M. whoe is exceedingly pleased therwth: Irishe tunes are at this tyme most pleasing, but in wynter, Lullaby, an owld song of M Bird's,1 wylbee more in re- quest, as I think. And soe, wih my hartiest remembrance to my honorable Lady, I wyll ever rest
Youer Lo.; affectionate to comand,
E. WORCESTER.
Note 1. William Bird, an organist of the chapel royal in this and the following reign. Several of his compositions were published; the most considerable of which, entitled Gradualia, seu Cantionum Sacrarum, quarum aliæ ad quatuor, aliæ vero ad quinque et seæ Voces, editæ sunt, was printed at London in 1610, in six volumes quarto. He was likewise author, says Wood, of several divine services and anthems in English; of a most admired composition in forty parts, long since lost; and, with the assistance of two others, of a collection of twenty lessons, called Parthenia, or the Maidenhead of the first Musick that ever was Printed for the V n.
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