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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Margaret de Cauz was born to [her father] John de Cauz and [her mother] Alina de Bolam.
In or before 1210 [her father] John de Cauz and [her mother] Alina de Bolam were married.
In 1234 [her father] John de Cauz died.
Archaeologia Aeliana Series 4 Volume 32 Pages 126-159. 1234. [her father] John of Cauz died in 1234, and his widow, description as [her mother] Aline of Bolam, probably indicates that she resided there. Their heiress was a daughter, Margery, and her marriage was granted to Walter Gray (age 54), archbishop of York, who married her to his nephew, [her future husband] William le Bretun.
Before 1246 William de Brito and Margaret de Cauz were married.
In 1246 Richard de Gosebek and Margaret de Cauz were married.
Archaeologia Aeliana Series 4 Volume 32 Pages 126-159. In 1246 both [her mother] Aline of Bolam and [her husband] William le Bretun were dead13, and the wealth of the young widow [Margaret de Cauz] excited the cupidity of a Suffolk knight, Sir [her husband] Richard of Gosebek, who, with the assistance of a number of his friends, seized her at night, carried her off, and compelled her by force to be his wife14.
Note 13. N.C.H, X, 341, 342.
Note 14. Excerp. e Rot. Fin. in Turn Lon, I, 463 and 465. Cal. P.R. 1232-47, 489.
In 1246 [her mother] Alina de Bolam died.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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Around 1246 [her husband] William de Brito died.
Archaeologia Aeliana Series 4 Volume 32 Pages 126-159. In October 1246 the king ordered the sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk to put [her husband] Gosebek's accomplices in prison and to seize their lands and chattels, as well as those of Richard and Margery, while the sheriff of Berkshire was ordered to take possession of Margery's lands in that county16. Eventually, Richard and Margery regained possession of their estates.
Note 16. See note 14.
Archaeologia Aeliana Series 4 Volume 32 Pages 126-159. In 1256, however, it was stated that "Margery married herself to [her husband] Richard of Gosebek without the license of archbishop"15, the wording suggesting that Margery had connived at her own abduction.
Note 15. S.S., 88, p. 102.
In or before 1281 [her husband] Richard de Gosebek died.
Archaeologia Aeliana Series 4 Volume 32 Pages 126-159. 1281. [her husband] Richard of Gosebek23 was dead in 1281, holding moieties of Bolam, Aydon and South Middleton, and property at Cowpen24. The property was retained in the king's hands, however, as Margery, his widow, was in Suffolk and unable to take the required oath not to marry again without the king's consent25. A few months later she did homage, took the oath, and was given possession26.
At this time we again find a reference to Shortflatt [Map], in a charter granting land in Greenleighton (Lithdon) to Newminster Abbey [Map], one of the boundaries being defined as "the toft of the lady of Shortflatt" (dominae de Scortfiatte)27. The charter is undated, but it immediately follows one of Richard of Gosebek, and it seems probable that the lady of Shortflatt was Margery of Gosebek.
Note 23. For Richard's trans. with the Jews see Cal. Plea Rolls of Exch. of the Jews, II, 252, 314; and I, 217.
Note 24. I.P.M., 1281—Cal. Inq. Edw. I.
Note 25. I.P.M., 1281
Note 26. Cal. C.R., 1281, October 24th.
Note 27. S.S., LXVI, 90, 92.
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Archaeologia Aeliana Series 4 Volume 32 Pages 126-159. 1284. Margery died in 1284, holding land in Bolam, Greenleighton, Deanham, East Brunton, Little Whittington and Aydon in capite by the service of 1½ knights' fees and 20s. castle-guard; and also "Le Scortflat [Map], the manor and 160 acres of land", and land in Middleton, Cambo, Shaftoe and Hawick of the heirs of Hugh of Bolbec, rendering 20s. yearly to those heirs28.
Note 28. Cal. Inq. Edw. I.
Note 29. App. A. In N.C.H., X, 331, William Middleton is identified with the person of that name who became vicar of Bolam before 1281 and was still vicar in Oct. 1294.
In 1285 Margaret de Cauz died.