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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Wriothesley's Chronicle 1553 is in Wriothesley's Chronicle.
Saterday, beinge the 8 of July, 1553, my Lord Mayor was sent for to the Court at Grenewich by a letter, and to bringe with him 6 or 8 Aldermen, 6 Merchaunt Staplers, and 6 Merchant Adventurers; which he did the same day in the afternone; and when they were before the Counsell, there was declared secretly the death of the Kinges Maiestie, which dyed the 6 day of July, beinge Thursday; and allso howe he had by his letters patents ordayned for the succession of the imperiall crowne of England and Ireland; which, opened unto them by the mouth of the Counsell, they were sworne to yt and to keepe yt secret. The sayd Kinge Edward had rayned 6 yeares full the 28 of January last past, and so much more, since which was in the 7th year of his raigne.
The 9 of August [1553], in the afternone, the Quene helde an obsequy for the Kinge within the church in the Tower, her Grace beinge present, and had a solemne dirige songe in Latine.
The morrowe, beinge Thursday the 10 of August [1553], the Quenes highnes had a solemne masse of Requiem songe within the chappell in the Tower for the Kinge; hir Highnes offringe at the masse with all her ladyes and gentlewomen.
Allso this day the corps of the Kinges Maiestie was solemnely caryed from Whitehall, at Westminster, to the minster of St. Peters Church, where was a rich hearse made like an imperiall crowne without lightes afore the steps where the high aulter stoode; where his Highnes body remayned, till the Communion seruice and a sermon made by Doctor Day (age 52), Bishop of Chichester, was done; and then the corps was honourably conveyed from thence up into the chappell, where Kinge Henry the VIIth lyeth, where the Kinges Majesties body was buryed. The solemnity of the offringe by the estates, mourners, and other was lyke the enterment of Kinge Henry the VIII his father, savinge the seruice of the Communion and buryall, which was all in Englishe, without any copes or vestmentes, but onely surples, accordinge to the Booke of Common Prayer last sett forth by Act of Parliament.
And this day was a great dole of mony geven within euery warde within the City of London, euery poore house-hould havinge viii d. the peece.
The Duke of Norfolke (age 80) and my Lord Courtney (age 26) were deliuered out of the Tower this 10th of August[ 1553].
