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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In 1509 Anthony Browne was born to [his father] Wistan Browne.
In 1545 Anthony Browne (age 36) was elected MP Lostwithiel.
In 1545 Anthony Browne (age 36) was elected MP Great Bedwyn.
In March 1553 Anthony Browne (age 44) was elected MP Preston.
In October 1553 Anthony Browne (age 44) was elected MP Preston.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 5th November 1553. The sam day at after-non dyd prych master Feknam (age 38) at sant Sthevyns in Walbroke, and ther wher serten pepull mad besenes for the sermon, and ther wher juge Browne (age 44), ser Rownland Hyll (age 55), ser Rechard Dobes (age 22), ser John Yorke (age 43); and sum wher sent to the mare [mayor], and to the Conter.
In April 1554 Anthony Browne (age 45) was elected MP Scarborough.
In November 1554 Anthony Browne (age 45) was elected MP Maldon.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 20th April 1557. The xx day of Aprell dyd pryche docthur Yonge at santt Mare spyttylle; and ther was my lord mare (age 57) and xxv althermen, none lackyng butt master Wodderoff, the wyche makyth the full nom bur of xxvj; and my lord Broke the cheff justes, and my lord justes Browne (age 48), and my ser John Baker, and ser Roger Chamley, and mony nobull gentyllmen, with the holl cete [whole city] boythe old and yonge, boythe men and women.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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On 11th May 1560 Thomas Wendy (age 60) died. He was buried at All Saints Church, Haslingfield [Map].
In his will he left his Thomas Percy (age 32), nephew of his former employer, in his will a silver ewer and basin "in remembrance of such benefits which I have received at the hands of my very good lord and late master the late earl of Northumberland his uncle".
He left Anne Preston Baroness Geneville Beaudasert and Parr Kendal his lands at Coton and Whitwell, Cambridgeshire 'as a poor token of the good will which I have ever borne to her ladyship and in remembrance that in that place she had her first acquaintance with my lord her husband (age 54)'.
He also remembered Anthony Browne (age 51), Henry Percy 8th Earl of Northumberland (age 28), Humphrey Radclyffe (age 51) and Richard Weston (age 33).
In 1567 Anthony Browne (age 58) died.
On 5th October 1588 Anthony Browne was appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.