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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Paternal Family Tree: Shaw aka Shaw-Lefevre
In 1789 [his father] Charles Shaw-Lefevre (age 29) and [his mother] Helena Lefevre were married at which time he changed his surname from Shaw to Shaw-Lefevre.
On 22nd February 1794 Charles Shaw-Lefevre 1st Viscount Eversley was born to [his father] Charles Shaw-Lefevre (age 34) and [his mother] Helena Lefevre.
On 24th June 1817 Charles Shaw-Lefevre 1st Viscount Eversley (age 23) and Emma Laura Whitbread (age 22) were married.
Around 1823 [his daughter] Helena Shaw Lefevre Lady St John-Mildmay was born to Charles Shaw-Lefevre 1st Viscount Eversley (age 28) and [his wife] Emma Laura Whitbread (age 28). She married 1851 Henry St John-Mildmay 5th Baronet, son of Henry St John-Mildmay 4th Baronet and Charlotte Bouverie.
On 27th April 1823 [his father] Charles Shaw-Lefevre (age 63) died.
In August 1834 [his mother] Helena Lefevre died.
In 1839 Charles Shaw-Lefevre 1st Viscount Eversley (age 44) was appointed Speaker of the House of Commons.
Around 1844. George Hayter (age 51). Portrait of Charles Shaw-Lefevre 1st Viscount Eversley (age 49).
In 1851 [his son-in-law] Henry St John-Mildmay 5th Baronet (age 41) and [his daughter] Helena Shaw Lefevre Lady St John-Mildmay (age 28) were married. She by marriage Lady St John-Mildmay of Farley in Southampton.
In 1857 [his wife] Emma Laura Whitbread (age 62) died.
The London Gazette 21981. Whitehall, March 23, 1857. The Queen has been pleased to direct letters patent to be passed under the Great Seal, granting the dignity of a Viscount of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, unto the Right Honourable Charles Shaw Lefevre (age 63), late Speaker of the House of Commons, and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, by the name, style, and title, of Viscount Eversley, of Heckfield, in the county of Southampton.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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On 28th December 1888 Charles Shaw-Lefevre 1st Viscount Eversley (age 94) died. Viscount Eversley of Heckfield in Southampton extinct.
GrandFather: Reverend George Shaw
Father: Charles Shaw-Lefevre
Charles Shaw-Lefevre 1st Viscount Eversley
GrandFather: John Lefevre
Mother: Helena Lefevre