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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Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford is in Long Melford, Suffolk [Map], Churches in Suffolk.
On 4th August 1464 William Clopton (age 81) died. Monument at Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford [Map] on which is rose is placed each year by the Mayor of Hadleigh in payment of rent for a guildhall and land for a market in 1436.
William Clopton: Around 1383 he was born to Thomas Clopton. In 1436 William Clopton gave a guildhall and land for a market to the town of Hadleigh - the rental being a single red rose to be placed on his tomb each year. The tradition continues to this day.
On 17th May 1581 William Cordell (age 59) died. Monument at Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford [Map].
William Cordell: Around 1522 he was born. In 1554 William Cordell bought the manor of Long Melford and other lands, formerly owned by Bury St Edmunds Abbey, from the crown and started building Melford Hall, Long Melford [Map]. He entertained Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland there in 1578/ Before 17th May 1581 he and Mary Clopton were married.
On 15th January 1812 Harry Parker 6th Baronet (age 77) died. His son William (age 28) succeeded 7th Baronet Parker of Melford Hall in Suffolk. Monument at Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford [Map] to Harry Parker 6th Baronet and Bridget Cresswell.
Harry Parker 6th Baronet: In 1735 he was born to Vice-Admiral Hyde Parker 5th Baronet. In 1775 he and Bridget Cresswell were married. In 1786 Harry Parker 6th Baronet bought Melford Hall, Long Melford [Map].
William Parker 7th Baronet: In or before 1784 he was born to Harry Parker 6th Baronet and Bridget Cresswell. On 1st April 1830 he died. His brother Hyde succeeded 8th Baronet Parker of Melford Hall in Suffolk.
Bridget Cresswell: Around 1744 she was born. On 19th January 1807 she died.
On 8th July 1854 Captain Hyde Parker (age 29) died whilst leading his men to the storm of the Russian fortification at the Sulina Mouth of the Danube. 'The Britsh Burial Gound at Pera of Constantinople holds all of him that could die'. Memorial at Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford [Map] commissioned by the Officers, Seaman and Marines of HMS Firebrand.
Captain Hyde Parker: Around 1825 he was born to Vice-Admiral Hyde Parker and Caroline Eden.
Memorial at Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford [Map] to Elizabeth Parker, wife of John Oxley Parker, daughter of Robert Service, who died at Kentwell Hall, Long Melford on 14th January 1883 aged fifty-eight.