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.
Garter Collar is in Garter Knights.
In 1546 Unknown Painter. Italian. Portrait of Henry Howard Earl of Surrey (age 30) wearing his Garter Collar and Leg Garter. His right 
Thomas of Brotherton 1st Earl Norfolk 1300 1338 Arms, his left 
Thomas of Woodstock 1st Duke of Gloucester Arms.
In 1559 Hans Eworth (age 39). Portrait of Anthony Browne 1st Viscount Montagu (age 30) wearing a Garter Collar and St George Pendant.
In 1573 Unknown Painter. Portrait of Henry Sidney (age 44) wearing his Garter Collar.
Around 1575 Unknown Painter. Portrait of Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester (age 42) wearing his Garter Collar.
Around 1576 Unknown Painter. Portrait of William Paulet 1st Marquess Winchester wearing his Garter Collar and Lord Treasurer Staff of Office.
Around 1580 based on a work of 1565.Unknown Painter. Portrait of Robert Radclyffe 5th Earl of Sussex (age 6) wearing his Garter Collar and holding the Lord Treasurer Staff of Office.
In 1583 Unknown Painter. Portrait of Edward Clinton 1st Earl Lincoln (age 71) wearing his Garter Collar.
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.
Around 1605 John Critz (age 54). Portrait of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 38) with Garter Collar and Leg Garter.
Around 1615 Unknown Painter. Posthumous portrait of Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery (age 30) wearing his Garter Robes and Garter Collar.
In 1619 Daniel Mijtens (age 29). Portrait of William Knollys 1st Earl Banbury (age 75) wearing his Garter Collar and Leg Garter.
In 1621 Daniel Mijtens (age 31). Portrait of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 54) wearing his Garter Collar and Leg Garter.
In 1630 Daniel Mijtens (age 40). Portrait of Thomas Howard 14th or 21st Earl of Arundel 4th Earl of Surrey 1st Earl Norfolk (age 44) and wearing his Garter Collar.
In 1634 Daniel Mijtens (age 44). Portrait of Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery (age 49) wearing his Leg Garter and Garter Collar.
Around 1634 Anthony Van Dyck (age 34). Portrait of James Stewart 4th Duke Lennox wearing his Leg Garter and Garter Collar.
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 9th October 1660. This morning Sir W. Batten (age 59) with Colonel Birch (age 45) to Deptford, to pay off two ships. Sir W. Pen (age 39) and I staid to do business, and afterwards together to White Hall, where I went to my Lord, and found him in bed not well, and saw in his chamber his picture1, very well done; and am with child2 till I get it copied out, which I hope to do when he is gone to sea.
Note 1. Peter Lely (age 42). Portrait of Edward Montagu 1st Earl Sandwich (age 35) in his Garter Robes and Garter Collar.
Note 2. A figurative expression for an eager longing desire, used by Udall and by Spenser. The latest authority given by Dr. Murray in the "New English Dictionary", is Bailey in 1725.
Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Around 1661 Peter Lely (age 42). Portrait of Charles Stewart 6th Duke Lennox in his Garter Robes and Garter Collar.
Around 1673 Peter Lely (age 54). Portrait of Charles II King Scotland in his Garter Robes and Garter Collar.
Around 1675 Peter Lely (age 56). Portrait of George Villiers 2nd Duke of Buckingham (age 46) wearing his Garter Collar.
Around 1678 Peter Lely (age 59). Portrait of Charles II King Scotland in his Garter Robes and Garter Collar and Leg Garter.
Around 1680 Willem Wissing (age 24). Portrait of King William III of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 29) wearing his Garter Collar.
Around 1686 Willem Wissing (age 30). Portrait of Lawrence Hyde 1st Earl Rochester (age 43) wearing his Garter Robes including the Garter Collar and holding his white Lord Treasurer Staff of Office.