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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Condover Hall, Shropshire is in Condover Shropshire [Map].
In 1586 Thomas Owen of Condover purchased Condover Hall, Shropshire from the Vynar family and proceeded to rebuild to Halll and lay out gardens. He had been leasin gthe house since 1578.
On 21st December 1598 Thomas Owen of Condover died. He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map]. Roger Owen of Condover inherited Condover Hall, Shropshire.
In 1718 Roger Owen of Condover [aged 43] died. Latitia Owen [aged 22] inherited Condover Hall, Shropshire.
On 10th August 1755 Latitia Owen [aged 59] died. Charlton Leighton 4th Baronet [aged 8] inherited Condover Hall, Shropshire.
In 1784 Charlton Leighton 4th Baronet [aged 37] died unmarried. His half brother Robert [aged 32] succeeded 5th Baronet Leighton of Wattlesborough. Anna-Maria Leighton and her husband Nicholas Smythe [aged 54] inherited Condover Hall, Shropshire.
On 8th March 1790 Nicholas Smythe [aged 60] died. Nicholas Owen Smythe [aged 21] inherited Condover Hall, Shropshire.
On 30th January 1804 Nicholas Owen Smythe [aged 35] died. Edward William Pemberton aka Smythe Owen [aged 10] inherited Condover Hall, Shropshire.
Creevey Papers. Mr. Creevey to Miss Ord.
Condover Hall, Sept. I, 1828.
"... Our coach was full, but we dropt two at Oxford, and to my great delight we left the other filthy wretch at Birmingham at 6 in the morning. He had been eating prawns all night, and flinging the skins at the bottom of the coach. However, I changed coaches at Birmingham, so it was all mighty well. Having breakfasted then at that early hour, I came alone to Shrewsbury . . and embarked in a chay for Condover Hall, just 5 miles from Salop. Altho' the two Stoke young ladies . . have always praised the house much to me, their praises have been much— very much — below its deserts. It is a charming and most incomparable house
On 9th April 1863 Edward William Pemberton aka Smythe Owen [aged 69] died. His cousin Reginald Cholmondeley [aged 36] inherited Condover Hall, Shropshire.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 10th February 1896 Reginald Cholmondeley [aged 69] died. Condover Hall, Shropshire was sold to the Royal National Institute for the Blind.