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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Wadham College, Oxford University is in Oxford University.
In 1625 Sampson Lort joined Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 3rd November 1626 Roger Lort 1st Baronet (age 18) matriculated Wadham College, Oxford University which he joined in 1624.
On 3rd November 1626 John Aubrey 1st Baronet (age 20) matriculated Wadham College, Oxford University.
In 1629 Bishop Nicholas Monck (age 19) was educated at Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 30th October 1629 Edward Phelips (age 16) was educated at Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 3rd March 1631 Bishop Nicholas Monck (age 21) graduated Bachelor of Arts at Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 30th October 1633 Bishop Nicholas Monck (age 23) graduated Master of Arts: Oxford University at Wadham College, Oxford University.
In 1637 George Joyliffe (age 16) matriculated from Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 25th July 1655 John Strangeways (age 18) was educated at Wadham College, Oxford University.
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 30th August 1664 Henry Godolphin (age 16) was educated at Wadham College, Oxford University.
John Evelyn's Diary. 24th October 1664. Next to Wadham, and the Physic Garden, where were two large locust trees, and as many platani (plane trees), and some rare plants under the culture of old Bobart.
In 1667 Aaron Baker (age 15) matriculated at Wadham College, Oxford University.
In 1668 Henry Godolphin (age 19) was awarded Bachelor of Arts at Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 2nd July 1687 Humphrey Briggs 4th Baronet (age 17) matriculated Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 3rd April 1693 Charles Fane 1st Viscount Fane (age 17) was educated at Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 7th November 1705 John Reade 3rd Baronet (age 14) matriculated at Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 5th January 1711 William Greville 7th Baron Brooke (age 16) was educated at Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 3rd November 1712 William Greville 7th Baron Brooke (age 17) graduated Master of Arts: Oxford University at Wadham College, Oxford University.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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Around 1778 Thomas Wyndham (age 15) educated at Wadham College, Oxford University.