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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Shurland House, Kent is in Shurland, Eastchurch.
Around 1281 Margaret Shurland was born to Robert Shurland (age 31) at Shurland House, Kent. She married William Cheney and had issue.
Around 1352 Richard Cheney was born to Robert Cheney (age 48) at Shurland House, Kent.
Around 1386 William Cheney was born to Richard Cheney (age 34) at Shurland House, Kent.
In 1392 Richard Cheney (age 40) died at Shurland House, Kent.
Around 1413 Margery Cheney was born to William Cheney (age 27) at Shurland House, Kent.
Around 1415 John Cheney was born to William Cheney (age 29) at Shurland House, Kent.
In 1444 William Cheney was born to John Cheney (age 29) at Shurland House, Kent. He married (1) Margaret aka Agnes Young and had issue (2) Isabella Boleyn, daughter of Geoffrey Boleyn and Ann Hoo, and had issue.
Around 1449 Edmond Cheney was born to John Cheney (age 34) at Shurland House, Kent.
Around 1453 Margaret Cheney was born to John Cheney (age 38) at Shurland House, Kent. She married William Sandes and had issue.
In 1459 Edward Cheney was born to John Cheney (age 44) at Shurland House, Kent.
Around 1463 Alexander Cheney was born to John Cheney (age 48) at Shurland House, Kent.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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Around 1513 John Cheney was born to Thomas Cheney (age 28) and Frideswide Frowyk at Shurland House, Kent. He married before 16th December 1558 Margaret Neville, daughter of George Neville 5th and 3rd Baron Abergavenny and Mary Stafford Baroness Bergavenny.