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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William Larkin is in Painters.
Around 1582 William Larkin was born.
On 7th July 1606 William Larkin (age 24) became a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Stainers.
On 7th July 1606 William Larkin (age 24) became a Freeman of Worshipful Company of Stainers under the patronage of Arabella Stewart (age 31) and Edward Seymour 1st Earl Hertford (age 67).
Around 1610 William Larkin (age 28); possibly a follower. Portrait of Mary Radclyffe Lady Gell (age 5).
Mary Radclyffe Lady Gell: Around 1605 she was born to John Radclyffe of Ordsall. On 20th June 1622 John Stanhope and she were married in Castle Donington, Leicestershire. In December 1647 John Gell 1st Baronet and she were married. She by marriage Lady Gell of Hopton in Derbyshire. Around April 1653 Mary Radclyffe Lady Gell died.
In 1613 William Larkin (age 31). Portrait of Edward Sackville 4th Earl Dorset (age 22).
Around 1613 William Larkin (age 31). Portrait of Richard Sackville 3rd Earl Dorset (age 23).
Around 1615 William Larkin (age 33). Portrait of Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 35).
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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Around 1615 William Larkin (age 33). Portrait of Grey Brydges 5th Baron Chandos (age 35).
Grey Brydges 5th Baron Chandos: Around 1580 he was born to William Brydges 4th Baron Chandos and Mary Hopton Baroness Chandos. In 1602 William Brydges 4th Baron Chandos died. His son Grey succeeded 5th Baron Chandos of Sudeley. Anne Stanley Countess Castlehaven by marriage Baroness Chandos of Sudeley. On 28th February 1607 Grey Brydges 5th Baron Chandos and Anne Stanley Countess Castlehaven were married. She the daughter of Ferdinando Stanley 5th Earl of Derby and Alice Spencer Countess Derby. They were half fourth cousin twice removed. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland. On 10th August 1621 Grey Brydges 5th Baron Chandos died. His son George succeeded 6th Baron Chandos of Sudeley.
Around 1615 William Larkin (age 33). Portrait of Diana Cecil Countess of Oxford and Elgin (age 19).
Around 1615 William Larkin (age 33). Portrait of Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery (age 30).
Around 1615 William Larkin (age 33). Portrait of Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset (age 24).
Around 1616 William Larkin (age 34). Portrait of Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 52).
In 1616 William Larkin (age 34). Portrait of Mary Curzon Countess Dorset (age 26).
Mary Curzon Countess Dorset: In 1590 she was born to George Curzon. In 1612 Edward Sackville 4th Earl Dorset and she were married. He the son of Robert Sackville 2nd Earl Dorset and Margaret Howard. On 28th March 1624 Richard Sackville 3rd Earl Dorset died at Dorset House. He was buried in the Sackville Chapel St Michael's Church Withyham East Sussex. His brother Edward succeeded 4th Earl Dorset, 4th Baron Buckhurst. She by marriage Countess Dorset. On 16th May 1645 she died.
Around 1616 William Larkin (age 34). Portrait of Elizabeth Tanfield Duchess Bridgewater (age 31).
Elizabeth Tanfield Duchess Bridgewater: In 1585 she was born to Lawrence Tanfield. In 1602 Henry Carey 1st Viscount Falkland and she were married. They were fifth cousins. In 1620 Henry Carey 1st Viscount Falkland was created 1st Viscount Falkland. She by marriage Viscountess Falkland. In 1639 she died.
Around 1616 William Larkin (age 34). Portrait of Isabella Rich (age 23).
Isabella Rich: John Smythe and she were married. She the daughter of Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire. They were fifth cousin once removed. Around 1593 she was born to Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Around 1616 William Larkin (age 34). Portrait of Anne Clifford Countess Dorset and Pembroke (age 25).
Around 1616 William Larkin (age 34). Portrait of Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter (age 37).
Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter: On 4th January 1578 she was born to William Drury and Elizabeth Stafford. After 1591 William Cecil 2nd Earl Exeter and she were married. He the son of Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter and Dorothy Neville Countess Exeter. They were third cousin once removed. On 8th February 1623 Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter died. He was buried at Chapel of St John the Baptist, Westminster Abbey [Map]. His son William succeeded 2nd Earl Exeter, 3rd Baron Burghley. She by marriage Countess Exeter. On 26th February 1658 Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter died.
Around 1616 William Larkin (age 34). Portrait of Elizabeth Bassett Countess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 24).
In 1616 William Larkin (age 34). Portrait of George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 23) wearing his Garter Robes and Leg Garter.
Before 1619 William Larkin (age 36); possibly a follower. Portrait of Susan Villiers Countess Denbigh (age 35).
Before 1619 William Larkin (age 36). Portrait of Thomas Lucy of Charlecote Park (age 23).
Thomas Lucy of Charlecote Park: In 1595 he was born to Thomas Lucy of Charlecote. In or before 1622 Thomas Lucy of Charlecote Park and Alice Spencer were married. In December 1640 Thomas Lucy of Charlecote Park died.
Between 10th April 1619 and 14th May 1619 William Larkin (age 37) died. The earlier date being when his will was witnessed, the latter date when it was proved.