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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Ermine Street 2

Ermine Street Ermine Street 2b Braughing to Durobrivae Ermine Street 2d Lincoln to Winterton Ermine Street 2e Brough to York Ermine Street 2a London to Braughing

Ermine Street 2 is in Roman Roads.

Ermine Street 2 is number 2 in 'Roman Roads of Britain' by Ivan D Margary.

Ermine Street

Around 50AD. Ancaster [Map] was the junction of Ermine Street and King Street. During the Romano-British period, the Romans built a roadside settlement on the site of a

Ermine Street. From Durobrivae [Map] Ermine Street crosses the River Welland at Stamford [Map] then continues through Great Casterton [Map], Colsterworth [Map], Ancaster [Map]. Continuing on a new alignment Ermine Street passes east of Navenby [Map] meeting the Fosse Way at Bracebridge [Map] with both roads continuing together to Lindum Colonia [Map] aka Lincoln.

Ermine Street 2b Braughing to Durobrivae

Caxton Gibbet [Map] is the location of a gibbet on a small knoll on Ermine Street in Cambridgeshire.

Durobrivae was a Roman fortified garrison town at Water Newton [Map] where Ermine Street crossed the River Nene in the territory of the Corieltauvi.

Ermine Street 2b Braughing to Durobrivae. From Braughing, Hertfordshire [Map] Ermine Street continues north through Buntingford, Hertfordshire [Map]. 1.6km north of Buntingford, Hertfordshire [Map] the road make a change of alignment before heading to Royston, Hertfordshire [Map] where it again changes aligment before passing through Caxton Gibbet [Map], Durovigutum [Map], Huntingdon [Map], Great Stukeley [Map], Alconbury [Map] and Sawtry [Map], Chesterton [Map] before reaching Durobrivae [Map].

Ermine Street 2d Lincoln to Winterton

Fox Owmby [Map] was a small Roman settlement on Ermine Street.

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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Hibaldstow Roman Fort [Map] was a Roman legionary 'roadside fort' on Ermine Street founded around 80AD which continued in use into the late fourth century.

Ermine Street 2d Lincoln to Winterton. Ermine Street left Lincoln through Bailgate, Lincoln [Map] and travelled north past Fox Owmby [Map], Caenby Corner [Map], Hibaldstow Roman Fort [Map], Appeby [Map] to Winteringham [Map] where a ferry across the Humber Estuary to Petuaria [Map].

Ermine Street 2e Brough to York

Ermine Street 2e Brough to York. Having crossed the Humber Estuary to Petuaria [Map] Ermine Street continues north past South Newbald [Map], Shiptonthorpe [Map], Barmby [Map]. Ermine Street then follows either, or both of two routes. The first, Kexby Bridge [Map] to Eboracum [Map]. The second route suggests Ermine Street may have continued to Durham via Wilberfoss [Map], Stamford Bridge [Map] after whic it turned left for Eboracum [Map].

Ermine Street 2a London to Braughing

Braughing, Hertfordshire [Map] was a small Roman Town at the junction of Ermine Street and Stane Street to Colchester. There was a planned street grid where thatched timber buildings, which lasted until about AD 60, were constructed. Not long afterwards substantial masonry structures were also constructed, including an L-shaped building with bath suite which was still in use in the 4th century. Coins of Tasciovanus (c. 20BC - AD10) are known from the site identifying an associated with the Catuvellauni. The final Roman coin evidence from the site is associated with Arcadius (AD383 - 408).