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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St Chad's Church, Longford is in Longford, Derbyshire [Map], Churches in Derbyshire.
After 23rd May 1373. St Chad's Church, Longford [Map]. Monument to Nicholas II Longford (deceased). Camail and Jupon Period.
Nicholas II Longford: Around 1334 he was born to Nicholas Longford and Alice Boteler at Longford, Derbyshire [Map]. On 3rd April 1347 Nicholas II Longford and Alice Deincourt were married. On 23rd May 1373 Nicholas II Longford died at Longford, Derbyshire [Map].
After 31st August 1401. St Chad's Church, Longford [Map]. Monument to Nicholas III Longford (deceased). Lancastrian Esses Collar. Camail and Jupon Period. Curious helm crest which at first sight appears to be surmounted with three mushrooms but on closer inspection is a Feathered Crest; the Longford Crest.
On 26th February 1432 Ralph Longford (age 31) died. St Chad's Church, Longford [Map]. Monument to Ralph Longford. Early Plate Bascinet and Gorget Period. Lancastrian Esses Collar. Hip Belt. IHC NASARE Lettering.
Ralph Longford: Ralph Longford and Margaret Melton were married. On 27th October 1400 he was born to Nicholas IV Longford and Sarah Harrington at Colwich, Staffordshire [Map]. He was baptised at St Peter's Church, Ellastone. On 19th May 1426, Whitsunday, King Henry VI of England and II of France was knighted by his uncles John Lancaster 1st Duke Bedford and Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester at Leicester, Leicestershire [Map]. Henry then went on to knight Ralph Longford, Thomas Courtenay 5th or 13th Earl Devon and Robert Wingfield.
In or after 1610. St Chad's Church, Longford [Map]. Elizabethan Period monument to Nicholas Longford (deceased).
Nicholas Longford: Around 1532 he was born to Ralph Longford and Dorothy Fitzherbert. In 1550 Nicholas Longford educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge University. In 1610 Nicholas Longford died.
After 30th June 1842. St Chad's Church, Longford [Map]. Monument to Thomas Coke 1st Earl of Leicester (deceased) made by Robert Hall of Derby with bust by Joseph Francis of London. Gothic Aedicule.
After 22nd July 1844. St Chad's Church, Longford [Map]. Monument to Anne Amelia Keppel Countess Leicester (deceased). White marble with relief carving of angels probably sculpted by John Gibson (age 54).
Anne Amelia Keppel Countess Leicester: In 1803 she was born to William Charles Keppel 4th Earl Albermarle and Elizabeth Southwell Countess Albermarle. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. In 1822 Thomas Coke 1st Earl of Leicester and she were married. The difference in their ages was 48 years. She the daughter of William Charles Keppel 4th Earl Albermarle and Elizabeth Southwell Countess Albermarle. In 1837 Thomas Coke 1st Earl of Leicester was created 1st Earl of Leicester. She by marriage Countess of Leicester. On 22nd July 1844 Anne Amelia Keppel Countess Leicester died.