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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Biography of Edward Smith 1st Baronet 1630-1707

In or before 1630 [his father] Edward Smith of Cressy Hall, Lincolnshire [aged 29] and [his mother] Elizabeth Heron [aged 31] were married.

Around 1630 Edward Smith 1st Baronet was born to Edward Smith of Cressy Hall, Lincolnshire [aged 30] and Elizabeth Heron [aged 32].

In 1632 [his father] Edward Smith of Cressy Hall, Lincolnshire [aged 32] died.

In 1653 Edward Smith 1st Baronet [aged 23] was elected MP Leicestershire.

In or before 1655 Edward Smith 1st Baronet [aged 24] and Constance Spencer were married.

Around 1655 [his son] Edward Smith 2nd Baronet was born to Edward Smith 1st Baronet [aged 25] and [his wife] Constance Spencer. He married 20th June 1683 Olivia Pepys Lady Smith.

On 20th March 1661 Edward Smith 1st Baronet [aged 31] was created 1st Baronet Smith of Edmundthorpe in Leicestershire.

On or after 4th May 1682 Edward Smith 1st Baronet [aged 52] and Frances Marwood [aged 40] were married by a licence dated 4th May 1682.

On 20th June 1683 [his son] Edward Smith 2nd Baronet [aged 28] and [his daughter-in-law] Olivia Pepys Lady Smith [aged 18] were married at St James' Church, Paddington.

On 6th September 1707 Edward Smith 1st Baronet [aged 77] died. His son Edward [aged 52] succeeded 2nd Baronet Smith of Edmundthorpe in Leicestershire. Olivia Pepys Lady Smith [aged 42] by marriage Lady Smith of Edmundthorpe in Leicestershire.

Royal Ancestors of Edward Smith 1st Baronet 1630-1707

Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 15 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 21 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 16 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings Godwinson: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Harold II of England

Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 14 Grand Son of King William I of Scotland

Kings France: Great x 10 Grand Son of King Philip IV of France

Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 22 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine

Kings Spain: Great x 14 Grand Son of Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon

Ancestors of Edward Smith 1st Baronet 1630-1707

GrandFather: Roger Smith

Father: Edward Smith of Cressy Hall, Lincolnshire

Edward Smith 1st Baronet 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

GrandFather: Edward Heron

Mother: Elizabeth Heron 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Brooke 7th Baron Cobham 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Brooke 8th Baron Cobham 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Neville Baroness Cobham 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: George Brooke 9th Baron Cobham 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Heydon

Great x 3 Grandmother: Dorothy Heydon Baroness Cobham 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Boleyn 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Brooke 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Bray of Eaton Bray

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Braye 1st Baron Braye

Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Braye Baroness Cobham 11 x Great Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Halwell of Halwell in Devon

Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Halwell Baroness Bray 10 x Great Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Great x 4 Grandmother: Jane Norbury 9 x Great Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

GrandMother: Ann Brooke 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Sutton