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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On 24th January 1907 Ann Todd was born.
On 27th October 1939 Nigel Trevithick Tangye [aged 30] and Ann Todd [aged 32] were married.
On 12th March 1949 Nigel Trevithick Tangye [aged 39] and Ann Todd [aged 42] were divorced.
On 21st May 1949 David Lean [aged 41] and Ann Todd [aged 42] were married. Both third weddings. She had divorced her second husband Nigel Trevithick Tangye [aged 40], his second cousin1, ten weeks before.
Note 1. Her first husband Nigel Trevithick Tangye was a great grandson of Joseph Tangye who was a grandfather of David Lean's mother Helena Tangye [aged 77].
On 3rd May 1951 [her former husband] Nigel Trevithick Tangye [aged 42] and Marguerite Rose Bligh aka Tangye [aged 38] were married. She the daughter of Esme Ivo Bligh 9th Earl of Darnley [aged 64] and Daphne Rachel Mulholland.
In 1957 David Lean [aged 48] and Ann Todd [aged 49] were divorced.
In 1964 [her former husband] Nigel Trevithick Tangye [aged 54] and Marguerite Rose Bligh aka Tangye [aged 50] were divorced.
In 1988 [her former husband] Nigel Trevithick Tangye [aged 78] died.
On 16th April 1991 [her former husband] David Lean [aged 83] died in Limehouse, London.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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On 6th May 1993 Ann Todd [aged 86] died.