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 Owen is in Painters.
In 1769 William Owen was born to [his father] Jeremiah Owen at 13 Broad Street, Ludlow. He was baptised at Ludlow Parish Church - probably St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].
Before 1797 William Owen (age 27) was working as a studio assistant to John Hoppner (age 38).
On 2nd December 1797 William Owen (age 28) and Lener Leaf were married.
1810 to 1811. William Owen (age 41). Portrait of Charles Gould aka Morgan 2nd Baronet (age 49).
1810 to 1811. William Owen (age 41). Portrait of Bishop Shute Barrington (age 75).
On 23rd January 1810 John Hoppner (age 51) died. William Owen (age 41) succeeded as portrait painter to the Prince of Wales (age 47).
Before 1812. William Owen (age 42). Portrait of John Scott 1st Earl Eldon (age 60).
John Scott 1st Earl Eldon: On 4th June 1751 he was born. The London Gazette 15160. Whitehall, July 18, 1799. The King has been pleased to grant unto the Right Honorable Sir John Scott, Knight, late His Majesty's Attorney-General, and to the Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten, the Dignity of a Baron of the Kingdom of Great Britain, by the Name, Style, and Title of Baron Eldon, of Eldon, in the County Palatine of Durham. The London Gazette 17722. Whitehall, July 6, 1821. The King has been pleased to direct letters patent to be passed under the Great Seal, for granting the dignities of a Viscount and Earl of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, to John Baron Elton, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, and the heirs, male of his body lawfully begotten, by the names, stiles, and titles of Viscount Encombe of Encombe, in the county of Dorset, and Earl of Eldon, in the county palatine of Durham. On 13th January 1838 John Scott 1st Earl Eldon died. His grandson John succeeded 2nd Earl Eldon, 2nd Viscount Encoumbe of Encombe in Dorest, 2nd Baron Eldon of Eldon in County Durham. Louisa Duncombe Countess Eldon by marriage Countess Eldon.
In 1813 William Owen (age 44) declined a knighthood.
1813. William Owen (age 44). Portrait of Amelia Sophia Hume (age 24).
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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1815 to 1820. William Owen (age 46). Portrait of John Sparrow of Bishton Hall in Staffordshire (age 78).
John Sparrow of Bishton Hall in Staffordshire: On or before 25th December 1736 he was born to Ambrose Sparrow. He was baptised 25th December 1736 at St Chad's Church, Wybunbury [Map]. On 26th May 1779 he and Elizabeth Moreton were married at St Margaret's Church Wolstanton, Staffordshire by Ralph Moreton clerk, in presence of Mary Moreton and R Moreton. On 8th December 1821 he died.
1815 to 1820. William Owen (age 46). Portrait of Hannah Maria Sparrow (age 26).
Hannah Maria Sparrow: Around 1789 she was born to John Sparrow of Bishton Hall in Staffordshire at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire [Map] and Elizabeth Moreton. On 30th August 1804 George Chetwynd 2nd Baronet and she were married. In 1860 she died.
1815 to 1820. William Owen (age 46). Portrait of Elizabeth Moreton (age 74).
1815 to 1820. William Owen (age 46). Portrait of Charlotte Sparrow (age 29).
Charlotte Sparrow: Around 1786 she was born to John Sparrow of Bishton Hall in Staffordshire at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire [Map] and Elizabeth Moreton. On 25th May 1874 she died.
1816. William Owen (age 47). Portrait of Archibald Kennedy 1st Marquess of Ailsa (age 45).
1816. William Owen (age 47). Portrait of Margaret Erskine Marchioness Ailsa (age 44).
Margaret Erskine Marchioness Ailsa: Around 1772 she was born. On 1st June 1793 Archibald Kennedy 1st Marquess of Ailsa and she were married. He the son of Archibald Kennedy 11th Earl Cassilis. In 1831 Archibald Kennedy 1st Marquess of Ailsa was created 1st Marquess Ailsa. She by marriage Marchioness Ailsa. On 5th January 1848 she died.
1817. William Owen (age 48). Portrait of John William Egerton 7th Earl Bridgewater (age 63).
John William Egerton 7th Earl Bridgewater: On 14th April 1753 he was born to Bishop John Egerton and Anne Sophia Grey. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.25%.
1817. William Owen (age 48). Portrait of John Fitzwilliam 2nd Earl Fitzwilliam.
1818. William Owen (age 49). Portrait of Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet (age 30).
Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet: On 29th March 1787 he was born to Thomas Dyke Acland 9th Baronet and Henrietta Anne Hoare. On 17th May 1794 Thomas Dyke Acland 9th Baronet died. His son Thomas succeeded 10th Baronet Acland of Columb John in Devon. In 1808 Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet and Elizabeth Hoare were married. They were third cousin once removed. On 22nd July 1871 Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet died. His son Thomas succeeded 11th Baronet Acland of Columb John in Devon.
Before 1825. William Owen (age 55). Portrait of George Keith Elphinstone 1st Viscount Keith.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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Before 1825. William Owen (age 55). Portrait of Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley (age 30).
Before 1825. William Owen (age 55). Portrait of Georgiana Cottin Baroness Tabley (age 30).
Before 1825. William Owen (age 55). Portrait of George Chetwynd 2nd Baronet (age 41).
George Chetwynd 2nd Baronet: On 28th July 1783 he was born to George Chetwynd 1st Baronet. In 1824 George Chetwynd 1st Baronet died. His son George succeeded 2nd Baronet Chetwynd of Brocton Hall in Staffordshire. On 24th May 1850 George Chetwynd 2nd Baronet died at Grendon Hall, Northamptonshire. His son George succeeded 3rd Baronet Chetwynd of Brocton Hall in Staffordshire. Charlotte Augusta Hill Lady Chetwynd by marriage Lady Chetwynd of Brocton Hall in Staffordshire.
Before 13th March 1825 William Owen (age 56) died after being accidentally poisoned by an overdose of 'Barclay's Drops' - a mixture of aniseed, camphor and opium. He had been ill and was taking medicines. His chemist labelled his medicines incorrectly wrongly and as a result Owen took a fatal dose of the 'Barclay's Drops', dying hours later.
On 13th March 1825 the inquest concluded "That the deceased, Mr. Wm. Owen (age 56), Esq,. died from taking a large quantity of Barclays drops; the bottle containing that liquid having been negligently and incautiously labelled, by the person who prepared the medicine as an opening draught, such as the said Mr. Owen had been in the habit of taking and that we understand the above lamented mistake took place at the house of Mr. Smith, a chymist and druggist in the Haymarket."
On 19th March 1825 William Owen (deceased) was buried St Luke's Church Chelsea in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends, including Thomas Lawrence (age 55), Richard Westmacott (age 49), Thomas Phillips (age 54) and 'Thompson' [probably Thomas Clement Thompson (age 45)].
