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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Duke Cumberland is in Dukedoms of England Alphabetically.
There have been three creations of Duke Cumberland:
1st. 1644. Prince Rupert Palatinate Simmern 1st Duke Cumberland. Extinct. 29th November 1682.
2nd. 1689. Prince George of Denmark 1st Duke Cumberland. Extinct. 28th October 1708.
3rd. 15th July 1726. William Augustus Hanover 1st Duke Cumberland. Extinct. 31st October 1765.
Duke Cumberland is also in Dukedoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Dukedoms of England.
Summary
1644. Prince Rupert Palatinate Simmern 1st Duke Cumberland (age 24) created.
29th November 1682. Prince Rupert Palatinate Simmern 1st Duke Cumberland extinct.
In 1644 Prince Rupert Palatinate Simmern 1st Duke Cumberland (age 24) was created 1st Duke Cumberland, 1st Earl Holderness by King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 43).
On 29th November 1682 Prince Rupert Palatinate Simmern 1st Duke Cumberland (age 62) died without legitimate issue at Westminster [Map]. Duke Cumberland and Earl Holderness extinct. He was buried in the Crypt, Westminster Abbey.
Duke Cumberland is also in Dukedoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Dukedoms of England.
Summary
1689. Prince George of Denmark 1st Duke Cumberland (age 35) created.
28th October 1708. Prince George of Denmark 1st Duke Cumberland extinct.
In 1689 Prince George of Denmark 1st Duke Cumberland (age 35) was created 1st Duke Cumberland by his father-in-law King James II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 55). Queen Anne of England Scotland and Ireland (age 23) by marriage Duchess Cumberland.
On 28th October 1708 Prince George of Denmark 1st Duke Cumberland (age 55) died without surviving issue. Duke Cumberland extinct.
Duke Cumberland is also in Dukedoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Dukedoms of England.
Summary
15th July 1726. William Augustus Hanover 1st Duke Cumberland (age 5) created.
31st October 1765. William Augustus Hanover 1st Duke Cumberland extinct.
The London Gazette 6494. Whitehall, July 15 [1726].
His Majesty has been pleased to create his Highness Prince Frederick (age 19), a Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquess, and Duke of the Kingdom of Great Britain, by the Names Stiles and Titles of Baron of Snaudon in the County of Caernarvon, Viscount of Lanceston in the County of Cornwall, Earl of Eltham in the County of Kent, Marquess of the Isle of Wight [Note. An error for Isle of Ely], and Duke of Edinburgh.
His Majesty has been pleased to create his Highness Prince William (age 5), a Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquess, and Duke of the Kingdom of Great Britain, by the Names Stiles and Titles of Baron of the lsle of Alderney, Viscount of Trematon in the Councy of Cornwall, Earl of Kinnington in the County of Surrey, Marquess of Berkhamstead in the County of Hertford, and Duke of Cumberland.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 31st October 1765 William Augustus Hanover 1st Duke Cumberland (age 44) died unmarried. Duke Cumberland extinct. He was buried at King Henry VII Chapel, Westminster Abbey [Map].