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: Coventry
In or before 1676 [his father] Walter Coventry of St Peter-le-Poor in London and [his mother] Anne Holcombe were married.
Around 1676 William Coventry 5th Earl Coventry was born to [his father] Walter Coventry of St Peter-le-Poor in London and [his mother] Anne Holcombe.
In 1692 [his father] Walter Coventry of St Peter-le-Poor in London died.
On 13th April 1693 William Coventry 5th Earl Coventry [age 17] matriculated Pembroke College, Cambridge University.
In 1719 Dewey Bulkeley [age 45] was elected unopposed MP Bridport at a by-election caused by his brother-in-law, William Coventry [age 43], who held the seat, succeeding to his title of Earl Coventry. He was elected again in 1722 but did stand at any subsequent elections.
On 27th October 1719 Gilbert Coventry 4th Earl Coventry [age 51] died. His half second cousin once removed William [age 43] succeeded 5th Earl Coventry. Baron Coventry extinct.
In 1720 William Coventry 5th Earl Coventry [age 44] and Elizabeth Allen Countess Coventry were married. She by marriage Countess Coventry.
On 27th March 1721 [his son] Thomas Henry Coventry was born to William Coventry 5th Earl Coventry [age 45] and [his wife] Elizabeth Allen Countess Coventry.
On 26th April 1722 [his son] George Coventry 6th Earl Coventry was born to William Coventry 5th Earl Coventry [age 46] and [his wife] Elizabeth Allen Countess Coventry. He married (1) 5th March 1752 Maria Gunning Countess Coventry and had issue (2) 27th September 1764 Barbara St John Countess Coventry, daughter of John St John 11th Baron St John and Elizabeth Crowley Baroness St John, and had issue.
On 21st March 1724 [his son] John Bulkeley Coventry was born to William Coventry 5th Earl Coventry [age 48] and [his wife] Elizabeth Allen Countess Coventry. He was initially educated at Winchester College from 1731 and later matriculated at University College, Oxford, as did each of his brothers, in 1740, aged 16.
On 23rd November 1738 [his wife] Elizabeth Allen Countess Coventry died.
On 20th May 1744 [his son] Thomas Henry Coventry [age 23] died.
On 18th March 1751 William Coventry 5th Earl Coventry [age 75] died. His son George [age 28] succeeded 6th Earl Coventry.
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Coventry 
GrandFather: Walter Coventry
William Coventry 5th Earl Coventry
GrandFather: Humphrey Holcombe of St Andrew's in Holborn
Mother: Anne Holcombe