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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Paternal Family Tree: Crew
In December 1636 [his father] John Crewe (age 38) and [his mother] Mary Done (age 32) were married at Stockport, Cheshire [Map].
On or before 31st May 1641 John Crewe of Utkinton was born to [his father] John Crewe (age 43) and [his mother] Mary Done (age 36). He was baptised on 31st May 1641 at St Helen's Church, Tarporley [Map].
In 1676 John Michael Wright (age 58). Portrait of John Crewe of Utkinton (age 34).
In 1679 [his father] John Crewe (age 81) died.
On 6th July 1690 [his mother] Mary Done (age 85) died.
Before 1691. John Riley (age 44). Portrait of John Crewe of Utkinton (age 49).
Before 10th June 1696 John Crewe of Utkinton (age 55) and Mary Wagstaff were married.
On or before 10th June 1696 [his wife] Mary Wagstaff died. She was buried on 10th June 1696 at St Chad's Church, Tachbrook [Map].
After 10th June 1696 John Crewe of Utkinton (age 55) and Mary Aston were married.
On 19th May 1711 John Crewe of Utkinton (age 69) died.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
After 19th May 1711. St Helen's Church, Tarporley [Map]. Monument to John Crewe of Utkinton (deceased).
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Crewe of Nantwich 
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Crewe of Nantwich
Great x 2 Grandfather: Randulph Crewe
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Crew
GrandFather: Ranulph Crewe
Father: John Crewe
GrandFather: John Done of Utkinton
Mother: Mary Done