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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On 11th December 1845 [his father] Francis Crossley 1st Baronet [aged 28] and [his mother] Martha Eliza Brinton were married.
On 14th June 1857 Savile Crossley 1st Baron Somerleyton was born to Francis Crossley 1st Baronet [aged 39] and Martha Eliza Brinton.
On 5th January 1872 [his father] Francis Crossley 1st Baronet [aged 54] died. His son Savile [aged 14] succeeded 2nd Baronet Crossley.
In 1885 Savile Crossley 1st Baron Somerleyton [aged 27] was elected MP Lowestoft.
In 1887 Savile Crossley 1st Baron Somerleyton [aged 29] and Phyllis de Bathe were married.
On 1st June 1889 [his son] Francis Savile Crossley 2nd Baron Somerleyton was born to Savile Crossley 1st Baron Somerleyton [aged 31] and [his wife] Phyllis de Bathe. He married 1st July 1924 Bridget Hoare Baroness Somerleyton and had issue.
On 3rd February 1893 [his son] Captain John Crossley was born to Savile Crossley 1st Baron Somerleyton [aged 35] and [his wife] Phyllis de Bathe.
In 1900 Savile Crossley 1st Baron Somerleyton [aged 42] was elected MP Halifax.
The London Gazette 29651. Whitehall, July 3, 1916. The King has been pleased, by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, to confer the dignity of a Baron of the said United Kingdom upon the undermentioned Gentlemen and the heirs male of their respective bodies lawfully begotten:—
The Right Honourable Sir Savile Brinton Crossley [aged 59], Baronet, K.C.V.O., by the name, style and title of Baron Somerleyton of Somerleyton in the county of Suffolk.
The Right Honourable Sir Arthur Nicolson, Baronet, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., K.C.I.E., by the name, -style and title of Baron Carnock of Carnock in the county of Stirling.
Tonman Mosley [aged 66], Esquire, C.B., by the name, style and title of Baron Anslow of Iver in the county of BucKingham. [Hilda Rose Montgomerie Baroness Anslow by marriage Baroness Anslow of Iver in BucKinghamshire.]
George Coats, Esquire by the name, style and title of Baron Glentanar of Glen Tanar in the county of Aberdeen.
Charles Edward Hungerford Atholl Colston, Esquire, by the name, style and title of Baron Roundway of Devizes in the county of Wilts.
On 1st July 1924 [his son] Francis Savile Crossley 2nd Baron Somerleyton [aged 35] and [his daughter-in-law] Bridget Hoare Baroness Somerleyton [aged 25] were married.
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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On 25th February 1935 Savile Crossley 1st Baron Somerleyton [aged 77] died. His son Francis [aged 45] succeeded 2nd Baron Somerleyton of Somerleyton in Suffolk, 3rd Baronet Crossley. Bridget Hoare Baroness Somerleyton [aged 36] by marriage Baroness Somerleyton of Somerleyton in Suffolk.
Father: Francis Crossley 1st Baronet
Savile Crossley 1st Baron Somerleyton
GrandFather: Henry Brinton of Kidderminster
Mother: Martha Eliza Brinton