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 Ellen Smith

                    1863. Retouched 1873. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 34). "Die Geliebte" aka "The Beloved" aka "The Bride". Models: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 16), Ellen Smith, Marie Ford Model, Fanny Entwhistle aka Eaton (age 27) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 21).
                
                    Two Biblical texts are inscribed on the frame below the painting.
                
                    My beloved is mine and I am his. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: For thy love is better than wine. [The Song of Songs by King Solomon]
                
                    She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company, and shall be brought unto thee.

Before 5th February 1865. Edward Poynter 1st Baronet (age 28). "The Peacock Fan". Model Ellen Smith. See entry in George Price Boyce's diary.

The Diary of George Price Boyce 1865. 5th February 1865. Called on Poynter (age 28) to see his competition drawings for the Old Water Colour Society. One of them, that with Ellen Smith with fan in her hand [See Painting], very good. Called on Jopling.

The Diary of George Price Boyce 1865. 5th May 1865. Rossetti (age 36) sent for the study he gave me, a pencil head of Ellen Smith, said it was by inadvertence he had parted with it, as he particularly wished to dispose of it with other studies of the same picture (Bride in Song of Solomon) to the purchasers of the picture. He promised me good measure" in exchange. Dined at Mills' Coffee House. The beautiful Rafiaelesque girl has left—the waiter thinks for Australia. Alas!

The Diary of George Price Boyce 1865. 22nd May 1865. Rossetti (age 37) sent down by Pope 13 pencil studies of heads, of which 2 (one of Ellen Smith and another ¾ of a new model) are gifts.

The other 11, viz, 3 of Fanny Cornforth (age 30), 2 of Ellen Smith, 1 of Ada, 1 of Mrs. Morris of Upton, £10, 1 of the negro boy, 1 of a negro girl, 1 of Mrs. Eaton, and 1 of Marie Ford I pay £60 for.

The Diary of George Price Boyce 1865. 6th August 1865. Called on Gabriel Rossetti (age 37). He and Fanny¹ only there. He was at work upon a drawing of a girl washing her hands, and of her lover; the former painted from Ellen Smith, the latter from Howell.

Note 1. Probably Fanny Waugh (age 32) who married William Holman Hunt (age 38) in December 1865.

The Diary of George Price Boyce 1865. 16th November 1865. Ellen Smith came to sit. Worked on old water colour head I made of her some time ago.

1867. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 38). "Jolie Coeur". Model Ellen Smith.