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: Holles
Around 1471 William Holles was born to [his father] Thomas Holles.
On 17th September 1499 William Holles [aged 28] admitted as Worshipful Company of Mercers.
Before 1509 William Holles [aged 37] and Elizabeth Scopham were married.
In 1510 [his son] William Holles was born to William Holles [aged 39] and [his wife] Elizabeth Scopham. He married 20th May 1535 Anne Denzell and had issue.
In 1527 William Holles [aged 56] was appointed Sheriff of London.
In 1528 William Holles [aged 57] was appointed Master of the Company of Mercers.
In 1533 William Holles [aged 62] was knighted by Henry VIII [aged 41].
On 20th May 1535 [his son] William Holles [aged 25] and [his daughter-in-law] Anne Denzell were married.
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 18th October 1537. This yeare, on Sainct Edwardes dalea, at the election of the maire, the Kinges letter was sent to electe and chose Mr. Richard Gressame [aged 52]b, mercer, for maire for the yeare following, which was donne at the Kinges commandment; howbeit the Commens grudged, because he had bene alderman but one yeare; for that tyme they would have had Mr. Holes [aged 66]c, which had beene put of three yeares by the Kinges letter.
Note a. October 18th.
Note b. Father of Sir Thomas Greaham [aged 18].
Note c. Afterwards Sir William Holies, chosen Lord Major in 1539.
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 1 Chapters 1-60 1307-1342
The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel offer one of the most vivid and immediate accounts of 14th-century Europe, written by a knight who lived through the events he describes, and experienced some of them first hand. Covering the early decades of the Hundred Years’ War, this remarkable chronicle follows the campaigns of Edward III of England, the politics of France and the Low Countries, and the shifting alliances that shaped medieval warfare. Unlike later historians, Jean le Bel writes with a strong sense of eyewitness authenticity, drawing on personal experience and the testimony of fellow soldiers. His narrative captures not only battles and sieges, but also the realities of military life, diplomacy, and the ideals of chivalry that governed noble society. A key source for Jean Froissart, Le Bel’s chronicle stands on its own as a compelling and insightful work, at once historical record and literary achievement. This translation builds on the 1905 edition published in French by Jules Viard, adding extensive translations from other sources Rymer's Fœdera, the Chronicles of Adam Murimuth, William Nangis, Walter of Guisborough, a Bourgeois of Valenciennes, Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke and Richard Lescot to enrich the original text and Viard's notes.
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On 13th October 1539 William Holles [aged 68] was appointed Lord Mayor of London.
On 3rd January 1540 Anne of Cleves [aged 24] arrived at Blackheath, Greenwich [Map]. Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 23] carried the Sword of State. William Holles [aged 69], Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 56], Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex [aged 57], John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford [aged 69], John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford [aged 24], Bishop Robert Parfew aka Warton and Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk [aged 20] were present.
On 13th October 1542 William Holles [aged 71] died. He was buried at St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate.
On 13th March 1543 [his former wife] Elizabeth Scopham died. She was buried at St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate.
[his daughter] Joanna Holles was born to William Holles and Elizabeth Scopham.
[his daughter] Anna Holles was born to William Holles and Elizabeth Scopham.