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: Baker
Around 1680 [his father] Aaron Baker (age 28) and [his mother] Martha Tompson (age 23) were married.
In 1687 George Baker was born to [his father] Aaron Baker (age 35) and [his mother] Martha Tompson (age 30).
On 10th November 1713 George Baker (age 26) and Bridget Harris were married.
On 1st January 1722 [his son] George Baker 1st Baronet was born to George Baker (age 35) and [his future wife] Mary Weston at Modbury, Devon. He married 28th June 1768 Jane Morris and had issue.
In 1725 George Baker (age 38) was appointed Prebendary of Exeter Cathedral which office he held for life.
In 1728 [his father] Aaron Baker (age 76) died.
In or before 1737 [his wife] Bridget Harris died.
On 24th January 1738 George Baker (age 51) and Mary Weston were married at Dawlish, Devon. She the daughter of Bishop Stephen Weston (age 73).
In 1740 George Baker (age 53) was appointed Archdeacon of Totnes which office he held until his death in 1772.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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In 1742 [his mother] Martha Tompson (age 85) died.
On 28th June 1768 [his son] George Baker 1st Baronet (age 46) and [his daughter-in-law] Jane Morris were married at St James' Church, Piccadilly.
Before 1772 George Baker (age 84) was appointed Vicar of St George's Church, Modbury.
In 1772 George Baker (age 85) died.
Great x 1 Grandfather: Unknown Baker
GrandFather: John Baker of Alvington, Devon
Father: Aaron Baker
GrandFather: Reverend Joseph Tompson of Exminster, Devon
Mother: Martha Tompson