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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Groom of the Bedchamber is in Grooms.
In 1532 John Seymour [aged 58] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber.
In 1622 James Palmer [aged 36] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber.
On 12th April 1645 Colonel William Legge was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland [aged 44].
After 1657 Colonel Silius Titus [aged 34] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 26] for having published a pamphlet "Killing No Murder" advocating the assassination of Oliver Cromwell [aged 57].
Before 20th March 1658 Edward Wray was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber.
In 1665 Henry Savile [aged 23] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to the Duke of York [aged 31].
In 1670 Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin [aged 24] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber.
From 1673 to May 1678 Henry Savile [aged 31] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland [aged 42].
John Evelyn's Diary. 16th May 1675. This day was my dear friend, Mrs. Blagg [aged 22], married at the Temple Church [Map] to my friend, Mr. Sidney Godolphin [aged 29], Groom of the Bedchamber to his Majesty [aged 44].
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
John Evelyn's Diary. 11th June 1683. The Lord Dartmouth [aged 10] was elected Master of the Trinity House; son to George Legge [aged 36], late Master of the Ordnance, and one of the grooms of the bedchamber; a great favorite of the Duke's [aged 49], an active and understanding gentleman in sea affairs.
In 1714 General Henry Cornewall [aged 29] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to King George I [aged 53]. He continued to serve in Royal Household until the King's death in 1727.
In 1714 John Trelawny 4th Baronet [aged 22] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales [aged 6].
In 1718 Langham Booth [aged 33] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to the Prince of Wales.
In 1720 Wilfrid Lawson 3rd Baronet [aged 23] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to King George I [aged 59] which position he held until 1725.
In 1727 Thomas Paget was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to King George II of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 43].
In 1728 James Lumley [aged 22] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales [aged 20].
In 1733 John Evelyn 2nd Baronet [aged 26] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales [aged 25].
In 1760 James Peachey 1st Baron Selsey [aged 36] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to King George III of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 21].
After 31st July 1760 John Waldegrave 3rd Earl Waldegrave [aged 42] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber.
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 12th November 1764 Edward Ligonier 1st Earl Ligonier [aged 24] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to William Henry Hanover 1st Duke Gloucester and Edinburgh [aged 20].
On 24th August 1765 Henry Wallop [aged 22] was appointed a Groom of the Bedchamber to King George III of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 27] which office he held until 1771.
Before 1794 Henry Wallop [aged 50] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to King George III of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 55].
In August 1812 Augustus Cavendish-Bradshaw [aged 44] was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber, worth £500 a year.
Henry Murray of Berkhampstead was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland.