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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Constable of the Tower of London is in Constables of Castles. See Tower of London [Map].
In 1220 Stephen Segrave [aged 49] was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
On 23rd June 1267 Alan Zouche [aged 64] was appointed Warden of London and Constable of the Tower of London which offices he held until September.
In October 1335 Nicholas de la Beche was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1337 Bartholomew "The Elder" Burghesh 1st Baron Burghesh [aged 50] was appointed Admiral of the Fleet from the mouth of the Thames westward, Constable of the Tower of London, Lord Chamberlain of the Household and Seneschal of Ponthieu.
In 1345 John Darcy 1st Baron Darcy of Knayth [aged 65] was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1361 Richard Vache was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
On 7th October 1399 Thomas Rempston was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1413 John Abrichecourt was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1420 John Holland 2nd Duke Exeter [aged 24] was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1433 Richard Woodville [aged 48] was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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Patent Rolls. 2nd December 1461. Westminster Palace [Map]. Grant for life to the king's [aged 19] kinsman John, Earl of Worcester [aged 34], of the office of the constable of the Tower of London, with the accustomed fees.
On 17th July 1483 Robert Brackenbury was appointed Constable of the Tower of London for life. As Constable he was in direct care of The Princes in the Tower: King Edward V of England [aged 12] and his brother Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York [aged 9].
Close Rolls Edward IV Edward V Richard III 1476-1485. 9th March 1484 King Richard III of England [aged 31]. Westminster Palace [Map]. Grant for life to the king's servant Robert Brackenbury of the office of Constable of the Tower of London and £100 yearly for his wages from the issues of the manors or lordships of Wrottell, Haveryng, Boyton, Hadlegh, Raylegh and Rocheford, co Essex, and Tunbrich, Penshurste, Middleton and Merdon and the hundred of Middleton, co Kent, with arrears from 17 July last, in lieu of a grant to him by letters patent of that date surrendered. By p.s.
On 28th May 1524 William Kingston [aged 48] was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 2nd May 1536. ... and the same daie, about five of the clocke at nighta, Anne Bolleine [aged 35] was brought to the Towre of London by my Lord Chauncelor [aged 48]b, the Duke of Norfolke [aged 63], Mr. Secretarie [aged 51],c and Sir William Kingston [aged 60], Constable of the Tower; and when she came to the court gate,d entring in, she fell downe on her knees before the said lordes, beseeching God to helpe her as she was not giltie of her accusement,e and also desired the said lordes to beseech the Kinges grace to be good unto her, and so they left her their prisoner.f
Note a. "In the afternoon." — Stow.
Note b. Sir Thomas Audley.
Note c. Sir Thomas Cromwell, afterwards Earl of Essex.
Note d. "Towergate" in Stow.
Note e. On her arrest she was informed of the accusation of adultery.
Note f. Anne's prison-chamber was that in which she had slept the night before her coronation.
In 1540 John Gage [aged 60] was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1557 Robert Oxenbridge [aged 49] was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
In 1685 George Legge 1st Baron Dartmouth [aged 38] was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
Geoffrey Mandeville was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.
William Mandeville was appointed Constable of the Tower of London.