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.
Saracen's Head Crest is in Great Helms and Male Headwear.
In 1390 Sampson Strelley was buried at All Saints' Church, Strelley [Map]. Monument to Sampson and Elizabeth Hercy. Early Plate Bascinet and Gorget Period. Finely made in Chellaston alabaster. The detail of the mail incomplete. Bascinet, no orle, moustache. Great helm with Saracen's Head Crest, strangled as denoted by the tongue out. Extended mantling. She wearing an early form of Crespine Headress. Holding Hands. Chest with Angels with Rounded Wings holding Shields. Angels Supporting Pillow. Bedesmen. Dogs chewing at her dress with Studded Collar.
Sampson Strelley: he was born to Robert Strelley. Sampson Strelley and Elizabeth Hercy were married. In 1390 Sampson Strelley died.
Elizabeth Hercy: In 1405 she died. She was buried at All Saints' Church, Strelley [Map].
After 22nd January 1502 John Strelley [deceased] was buried at All Saints' Church, Strelley [Map]. Monument to John Strelley and Sanchia Willoughby [aged 50]. Fluted Period. Described as the finest alabaster monument in the country. Chellaston alabaster. Bobbed hair to the shoulder. Feet resting on a Lion, two fine Bedesmen, one male, one female;possibly Harpur and Moorecock of Burton on Trent. Great helm with Saracen's Head Crest, strangled as denoted by the tongue out. Extended mantling. Four arms above the effigies represent, from left to right: Strelley impaled Kempe - his father Robert Strelley and his mother Isabel Kempe, Strelley Arms impaled Willoughby - John and his wife, Strelley impaled Pierrepoint - John's paternal great-grandfather Nicholas Strelley and great-grandmother Elizabeth Pierrepoint.
After 1503. Monument to John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk and Elizabeth York Duchess Suffolk [aged 58] in St Andrew's Church, Wingfield [Map]. Finely made Fluted Period alabaster monument. Both wearing their ducal coronets. He wearing a Leg Garter. His head resting on a great helm with Saracen's Head Crest, feet resting on a Lion. Chunky Lions Mane.
After 11th September 1504. All Saints Church, Turvey [Map]. Monument to John Mordaunt [deceased] and Edith Latimer [deceased].
Fluted Period. Angels Supporting Pillow. Dress Folds at Feet. Misericorde. Tassets. Crespine Headress. Lancastrian Esses Collar with Big Esses. Screaming Man crest, possibly Saracen's Head Crest. Harpur and Moorecock of Burton on Trent. Dogs chewing at her dress. Some uncertainty about the attribution. Dogs chewing at her dress with Studded Collar. Swirling Tail. Chunky Lions Mane.
Edith Latimer: Before 1479 John Greene and she were married. Around 1450 she was born to Nicholas Latimer and Joan Hody at Duntish, Dorset. Before 1475 John Mordaunt and she were married. The date somewhat unreliable. Her first husband John Greene is supposed to have died in 1483 which makes the date of her marriage to John Mordaunt and the birth of her sons by him unreliable? On 1st September 1504 Edith Latimer died at Turvey, Bedfordshire. She was buried at All Saints Church, Turvey [Map].
On 27th September 1931 Robert Walpole 5th Earl Orford [aged 77] died. Earl Orford extinct. His half third cousin twice removed Robert [aged 18] succeeded 7th Baron Walpole of Wollerton. Monument in Church of St Andrew, Wickmere [Map] sculpted by Esmond Burton [aged 45]. The stone brought from St Paul's Island in the Pacific where HMS Magaera, in which the Earl of Orford served as a midshipman, was wrecked in 1871. Armorials include 
Walpole Arms impaled 
Barkham Arms. Motto fari quae sentiat. Saracen's Head Crest.
Robert Walpole 5th Earl Orford: On 10th July 1854 he was born to Frederick Walpole and Laura Sophia Frances Walpole. On 7th December 1894 Horatio Walpole 4th Earl Orford died. His nephew Robert succeeded 5th Earl Orford, 6th Baron Walpole of Wollerton.
Robert Walpole 9th and 7th Baron Walpole: On 25th April 1913 he was born to Lieutenant Horatio Spencer Walpole and Dorothea Frances Montgomerie. In 1989 Robert Walpole 9th and 7th Baron Walpole died. His son Robert succeeded 8th Baron Walpole of Wollerton.
