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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Church of St Mary, Narford is in Narford, Churches in Norfolk.
Around 1150. Church of St Mary, Narford [Map]. The nave dates from the C12 and retains evidence of its original flint quoins. Narford is described as having once been a considerable village with its own market and fairs, but it fell into decline from the C16 onwards and is now one of the many lost villages of Norfolk.
On 7th February 1707 Andrew Fountaine (age 74) died. His son (age 31) inherited Narford Hall. Buried at Church of St Mary, Narford [Map].
After 7th February 1707 Monument to Andrew Fountaine (deceased) at Church of St Mary, Narford [Map].
After 27th July 1746. Church of St Mary, Narford [Map]. Monument to Elizabeth Clent (deceased) and her grandmother Sarah Chicheley. An urn and inscription panel. Inscribed chest with a heavy plinth, surmounted by a sarcophagus and an obelisk with an urn finial and heraldic achievement with motto of the Fountaine family vix ea nostra voco.
Elizabeth Clent: Captain William Price and she were married. She inherited Narford Hall when her mother Elizabeth Fountaine died. In 1706 she was born to Colonel Edward Clent of Knightwick in Worcestershire and Elizabeth Fountaine. On 27th July 1746 she died. Her son Brigg Price inherited Narford Hall.
Sarah Chicheley: she was born to Thomas Chicheley of Wimpole and Sarah Russell. On or after 29th April 1672 Andrew Fountaine and she were married. In 1710 Andrew Fountaine was gravely ill at his London townhouse. Johnathan Swift wrote ... Sir Andrew's mother and sister are come above a hundred miles to see him before he died. I knew the mother; she is the greatest Overdo upon earth; and the sister, they say, is worse; the poor man will relapse again among them. Here was the scoundrel brother [Note. Probably brother-in-law Colonel Edward Clent of Knightwick in Worcestershire] always crying in the other room till Sir Andrew was in danger; and the dog was to have all his estate if he died.
On 4th September 1753 Andrew Fountaine (age 77) died. His sister Elizabeth Fountaine inherited Narford Hall. Monument in Church of St Mary, Narford [Map].
After 4th September 1753. Church of St Mary, Narford [Map]. Monument to Andrew Fountaine (deceased). Dark marble sarcophagus with a white marble bust - a copy of an original by Louis Francois Roubiliac (age 51) now in the Norwich Museum collection.
On or before 30th November 1817 Charles George Fountaine of Narford Hall in Norfolk was born to Andrew Fountaine (age 47) and Hannah Penrice. He was baptised on 30th November 1817 at the Church of St Mary, Narford [Map]. He married 11th April 1848 Rose Sarah Ravenshaw and had issue.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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On or before 7th May 1818 Caroline Fountaine was born to Andrew Fountaine (age 47) and Hannah Penrice. She was baptised 7th May 1818 at the Church of St Mary, Narford [Map]. She married 28th December 1842 John Bennet Lawes 1st Baronet and had issue.
On or before 11th February 1853 Caroline Fountaine was born to Andrew Fountaine (age 44) and Caroline Berney. She was baptised 11th February 1853 at the Church of St Mary, Narford [Map].
On 25th May 1879 Vice Admiral Charles Andrew Fountaine was born to Algernon Charles Fountaine (age 27) at Narford Hall and Mary Fountaine (age 31). He was baptised 3rd August 1879 at the Church of St Mary, Narford [Map]. He married 7th March 1918 Louisa Constance Catherine Maclean and had issue.
After 14th September 1997. Church of St Mary, Narford [Map]. Grave of Andrew Douglas Algernon Fountaine (deceased) and Rosemary Mitcham (age 65).
Rosemary Mitcham: On 3rd October 1931 she was born. Before 14th September 1997 Andrew Douglas Algernon Fountaine and she were married. On 25th October 2013 she died.
On 17th November 2005 Charles Andrew Fountaine (age 52) died. He was buried in the Churchyard of the Church of St Mary, Narford [Map].
Charles Andrew Fountaine: On 7th November 1953 he was born to John Brigg Charles Fountaine. Probably. Likely since Andrew Douglas Algernon Fountaine appears to have died without issue so Charles Andrew Fountaine.
On 2nd April 2006 John Brigg Charles Fountaine (age 83) died. He was buried in the Churchyard of the Church of St Mary, Narford [Map].
John Brigg Charles Fountaine: On 15th November 1922 he was born to Vice Admiral Charles Andrew Fountaine and Louisa Constance Catherine Maclean at Narford Hall. On 14th September 1997 Andrew Douglas Algernon Fountaine died of cancer possibly at Swaffham Hospital otherwise at Narford Hall without issue. His brother John Brigg Charles Fountaine inherited Narford Hall.