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 7th April 1615 Charles Cotterell was born at Wilsford.
Around 1637. William Dobson [aged 25]. Self-Portrait with Nicholas Lanier and Charles Cotterell [aged 21].
In 1641 Charles Cotterell [aged 25] was appointed Master of the Ceremonies by King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland [aged 40].
In 1654 [his son] Charles Lodowick Cotterell was born to Charles Cotterell [aged 38]. He married before 1710 Elizabeth Chute.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 8th September 1667. So to White Hall, and saw the King [aged 37] and Queen [aged 28] at dinner; and observed (which I never did before), the formality, but it is but a formality, of putting a bit of bread wiped upon each dish into the mouth of every man that brings a dish; but it should be in the sauce. Here were some Russes come to see the King at dinner: among others, the interpreter, a comely Englishman, in the Envoy's own clothes; which the Envoy, it seems, in vanity did send to show his fine clothes upon this man's back, which is one, it seems, of a comelier presence than himself: and yet it is said that none of their clothes are their own, but taken out of the King's own Wardrobe; and which they dare not bring back dirty or spotted, but clean, or are in danger of being beaten, as they say: insomuch that, Sir Charles Cotterell [aged 52] says, when they are to have an audience they never venture to put on their clothes till he appears to come to fetch them; and, as soon as ever they come home, put them off again.
John Evelyn's Diary. 17th September 1668. I entertained Signor Muccinigo, the Venetian Ambassador, of one of the noblest families of the State, this being the day of making his public entry, setting forth from my house [Map] with several gentlemen of Venice and others in a very glorious train. He staid with me till the Earl of Anglesea [aged 54] and Sir Charles Cotterell [aged 53] (Master of the Ceremonies) came with the King's [aged 38] barge to carry him to the Tower [Map], where the guns were fired at his landing; he then entered his Majesty's coach, followed by many others of the nobility. I accompanied him to his house, where there was a most noble supper to all the company, of course. After the extraordinary compliments to me and my wife [aged 33], for the civilities he received at my house, I took leave and returned. He is a very accomplished person. He is since Ambassador at Rome.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 31st March 1669. Thence to Dancre's [aged 44], and there, saw our pictures which are in doing; and I did choose a view of Rome instead of Hampton Court [Map]; and mightily pleased I shall be in them. Here were Sir Charles Cotterell [aged 53] and his son bespeaking something; both ingenious men.
John Evelyn's Diary. 31st May 1672. I received another command to repair to the seaside; so I went to Rochester, Kent [Map], where I found many wounded, sick, and prisoners, newly put on shore after the engagement on the 28th, in which the Earl of Sandwich [deceased], that incomparable person and my particular friend, and divers more whom I loved, were lost. My Lord (who was Admiral of the Blue) was in the "Prince", which was burnt, one of the best men-of-war that ever spread canvas on the sea. There were lost with this brave man, a son of Sir Charles Cotterell [aged 57] (Master of the Ceremonies), and a son [aged 32] of Sir Charles Harbord (his Majesty's [aged 42] Surveyor-General), two valiant and most accomplished youths, full of virtue and courage, who might have saved themselves; but chose to perish with my Lord, whom they honored and loved above their own lives.
John Evelyn's Diary. 24th November 1681. I was at the audience of the Russian Ambassador [aged 64] before both their Majesties in the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace [Map]. The presents were carried before him, held up by his followers in two ranks before the King's [aged 51] State, and consisted of tapestry (one suite of which was doubtlessly brought from France as being of that fabric, the Ambassador having passed through that kingdom as he came out of Spain), a large Persian carpet, furs of sable and ermine, etc.; but nothing was so splendid and exotic as the Ambassador who came soon after the King's restoration. This present Ambassador was exceedingly offended that his coach was not permitted to come into the Court, till, being told that no King's Ambassador did, he was pacified, yet requiring an attestation of it under the hand of Sir Charles Cotterell [aged 66], the Master of the Ceremonies; being, it seems, afraid he should offend his Master, if he omitted the least punctilio. It was reported he condemned his son to lose his head for shaving off his beard, and putting himself in the French mode at Paris, and that he would have executed it, had not the French King interceded-but qy. of this.
On 7th June 1701 Charles Cotterell [aged 86] died.