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 "The Younger" Theed is in Sculptors.
In 1804 William "The Younger" Theed was born in Trentham, Staffordshire.
On 22nd May 1820 James Dutton 1st Baron Sherborne (age 75) died. His son John (age 40) succeeded 2nd Baron Sherborne. He was buried in the Saint Mary Magdalene's Church, Sherborne [Map]. Monument sculpted by William "The Younger" Theed (age 16). Trefoil-headed niche containing full figure of a woman holding a cross.
John Dutton 2nd Baron Sherborne: On 24th June 1779 he was born to James Dutton 1st Baron Sherborne and Elizabeth Coke Baroness Sherborne. Before 1804 John Dutton 2nd Baron Sherborne and Mary Bilson Legge Baroness Sherborne were married. She by marriage Baroness Sherborne.
On 26th July 1845 Elizabeth Howard (age 42) died. She was buried in the Saint Mary Magdalene's Church, Sherborne [Map]. Monument sculpted by William "The Younger" Theed (age 41).
Elizabeth Howard: In 1803 she was born to Thomas Howard 16th Earl Suffolk 9th Earl Berkshire and Elizabeth Jane Dutton Countess Suffolk and Berkshire. On 22nd June 1826 James Henry Legge Dutton 3rd Baron Sherborne and she were married. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 16th Earl Suffolk 9th Earl Berkshire and Elizabeth Jane Dutton Countess Suffolk and Berkshire. They were first cousins.
After 1864. Monument to Richard Cust in St Peter and St Paul Church, Belton [Map]. Sculpted by William "The Younger" Theed (age 60).
On 21st February 1865 Stapleton Cotton 1st Viscount Combermere (age 91) died. His son Wellington (age 46) succeeded 2nd Viscount Combermere, 2nd Baron Combermere, 7th Baronet Cotton of Combermere in Cheshire.
St Margaret's Church, Wrenbury [Map]. Monument to Stapleton Cotton 1st Viscount Combermere sculpted by William "The Younger" Theed (age 61).
Wellington Stapleton-Cotton 2nd Viscount Combermere: On 24th November 1818 he was born to Stapleton Cotton 1st Viscount Combermere and Caroline Greville Viscountess Comberemere at Duncombe House, St Thomas. In 1844 Wellington Stapleton-Cotton 2nd Viscount Combermere and Susan Alice Sitwell were married. On 1st December 1891 Wellington Stapleton-Cotton 2nd Viscount Combermere died. His son Robert succeeded 3rd Viscount Combermere, 3rd Baron Combermere, 8th Baronet Cotton of Combermere in Cheshire. Isabel Marion Chetwynd Viscountess Combermere by marriage Viscountess Combermere.
North Transept, St Albans Cathedral. 1888. Bust of an unknown person by William "The Younger" Theed (age 84).
On 9th September 1891 William "The Younger" Theed (age 87) died at his home Campden Lodge.