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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All Saints Church, Norton is in Norton, Northamptonshire [Map], Churches in Northamptonshire.
On 3rd June 1602 Elizabeth Seymour (age 52) died. She was buried at All Saints Church, Norton [Map] on 6th June 1603. Painted alabaster Elizabethan Period monument with recumbent praying effigy in coffered arch flanked by black marble Corinthian Columns and outer obelisks and topped by armorial panels. The monument also to Dudley Knightley (deceased).
Here Lieth ye bodie of ye Right Honorable ye ladie Elizabeth Seymour ye 4 daughter to ye High and Mightie Prince Edward Duke of Somerset Protector of England unckle to King Edward the 6. Who was also ye second wife of Sr Richard Knightley of Norton Kni. By whom he had issue 7 sons & 2 daughters (vis) Seymour, Ferdinand, Dudley, John, Nathaniel, Robert, & Francis; Ann deceased & Ann Knightley ye yonger married to Sr Euseby Andrew of Winick Knight. Wch Ladie Elizabeth died ye 3 June and dni 1602
Elizabeth Seymour: Around 1550 she was born to Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset and Anne Stanhope Duchess Somerset in the year in which her father was executed. Around 1578 Richard Knightley and she were married. They had seven sons and seven daughters. She the daughter of Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset and Anne Stanhope Duchess Somerset. They were fifth cousin once removed. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
Dudley Knightley: Around 1583 he was born to Richard Knightley and Elizabeth Seymour. In June 1602 Dudley Knightley died in Norton, Northamptonshire [Map]. He had been shot in the neck whilst in the defence of Ostend. Having returned home he "fell down wherwith a fever took him whereof he died".
After 1633 . Monument to Elizabeth Verney in All Saints Church, Norton [Map].
After 1658. Monument to Nicholas Breton and his wife Elizabeth in All Saints Church, Norton [Map]. Busts of each and framed by composite columns supporting broken segmental pediment.
After 1813. Monument to Beriah Botfield erected by his widow Charlotte Withering (age 35) in All Saints Church, Norton [Map].
Beriah Botfield of Norton Hall, Northamptonshire: he was born to Thomas Botfield and Margaret Baker. Before 5th March 1807 he and Charlotte Withering were married. In 1813 he died.
Charlotte Withering: In 1778 she was born to William Withering.
After 1825. Monument to Charlotte Botfield -1825 in All Saints Church, Norton [Map]. Sculpted by William Behnes (age 30).
After 1918. War Memorial to Alexander George Thynne (age 44) and the men of Norton erected by Thomas Henry Thynne 5th Marquess of Bath (age 55) outside All Saints Church, Norton [Map].
Alexander George Thynne: On 17th February 1873 he was born to John Alexander Thynne 4th Marquess of Bath and Frances Isabella Catherine Vesey Marchioness Bath. On 16th September 1918 Alexander George Thynne died.