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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Marquess Buckingham

Marquess Buckingham is in Marquessates of England Alphabetically.

There have been two creations of Marquess Buckingham:

1st. 1618. George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham. Extinct. 16th April 1687.

2nd. December 1784. George Nugent Temple Grenville 1st Marquess Buckingham. Extinct. 26th March 1889.

Marquess of Buckingham 1st Creation 1618

Summary

1618. George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham [aged 25] created.

23rd August 1628. Son George Villiers 2nd Duke of Buckingham succeeded. See Murder of the Duke of Buckingham.

16th April 1687. George Villiers 2nd Duke of Buckingham extinct.

In 1618 George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham [aged 25] was created 1st Marquess of Buckingham.

On 23rd August 1628 George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham [aged 35] was murdered at Greyhound Pub, Portsmouth by a disgruntled soldier John Felton [aged 33]. He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map]. His son George succeeded 2nd Duke of Buckingham, 2nd Marquess of Buckingham, 2nd Earl Buckingham.

Felton was considered a hero by many who blamed Buckingham for the failures of the 1625 Cádiz Expedition and 1627 Siege of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Felton was subsequently hanged.

On 16th April 1687 George Villiers 2nd Duke of Buckingham [aged 59] died. Duke of Buckingham, Marquess of Buckingham, Earl Buckingham extinct. Baron Ros Helmsley abeyant.

Marquess Buckingham 2nd Creation 1784

In December 1784 George Nugent Temple Grenville 1st Marquess Buckingham [aged 31] was created 1st Marquess Buckingham.

On 11th February 1813 George Nugent Temple Grenville 1st Marquess Buckingham [aged 59] died. His son Richard [aged 36] succeeded 2nd Marquess Buckingham, 4th Earl Temple, 3rd Earl Nugent, 5th Viscount Cobham. Anne Elizabeth Brydges Duchess Buckingham and Chandos [aged 34] by marriage Marchioness Buckingham.