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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On 2nd April 1836 [her father] Charles Dickens (age 24) and [her mother] Catherine Dickens nee Hogarth (age 20) were married.
On 29th October 1839 Catherine "Kate" Perugini nee Dickens was born to [her father] Charles Dickens (age 27) and [her mother] Catherine Dickens nee Hogarth (age 24).
1853. [her future husband] Charles Allston Collins (age 24). Portrait of (probably) Catherine "Kate" Perugini nee Dickens (age 13), the artist's wife.
1860. John Everett Millais 1st Baronet (age 30). "The Black Brunswickers". Model Catherine "Kate" Perugini nee Dickens (age 20). On the wall of the room is an engraving of a painting by J L David (1748-1825), which depicts Napoleon crossing the Alps. It serves as a reminder of Waterloo. The Black Brunswickers suffered severe losses at the battle of Quatre Bras at Waterloo in 1815. In the collection of the Lady Lever Art Gallery [Map].
In 1860 Charles Allston Collins (age 31) and Catherine "Kate" Perugini nee Dickens (age 20) were married.
1870. [her future husband] Charles Edward Perugini (age 30). "Greensleeves". Model the artist's future wife Catherine "Kate" Perugini nee Dickens (age 30).
On 9th June 1870 [her father] Charles Dickens (age 58) died.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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On 9th April 1873 [her husband] Charles Allston Collins (age 45) died of cancer. He was buried at Brompton Cemetery, Kensington.
In 1874 Charles Edward Perugini (age 34) and Catherine "Kate" Perugini nee Dickens (age 34) were married.
After 1874. [her husband] Charles Edward Perugini (age 34). Portrait of Catherine "Kate" Perugini nee Dickens (age 34), the artist's wife.
On 22nd November 1879 [her mother] Catherine Dickens nee Hogarth (age 64) died.
1881. John Everett Millais 1st Baronet (age 51). Portrait of Catherine "Kate" Perugini nee Dickens (age 41).
On 22nd December 1918 [her husband] Charles Edward Perugini (age 79) died.
On 9th May 1929 Catherine "Kate" Perugini nee Dickens (age 89) died.