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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Sideboard Tomb is in Architectural Detail.
On 19th September 1580 Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk [aged 61] died. Her son Peregrine [aged 24] succeeded 13th Baron Willoughby de Eresby. Mary Vere Baroness Willoughby of Eresby by marriage Baroness Willoughby de Eresby.
She was buried at St James' Church, Spilsby [Map] with her second husband Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby [aged 63]. Elizabethan Period. Sideboard Tomb. Cornice supported by three figures of a monk and two wildmen, each holding aloft a shield of arms. In the frieze are flowers, fruit and escutcheons.
Mary Vere Baroness Willoughby of Eresby: she was born to John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford and Margery Golding Countess of Oxford. On 25th December 1577 Peregrine Bertie 13th Baron Willoughby and she were married. She the daughter of John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford and Margery Golding Countess of Oxford. He the son of Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby and Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk. Around 24th June 1624 Mary Vere Baroness Willoughby of Eresby died.
On 25th June 1601 Peregrine Bertie 13th Baron Willoughby [aged 45] died at Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland [Map] where he was Governor. His son Robert [aged 18] succeeded 14th Baron Willoughby de Eresby. He was buried at St James' Church, Spilsby [Map].
On 15th February 1610 Catherine Bertie [aged 15] died in childbirth. She was buried at St James' Church, Spilsby [Map].
Monument Elizabethan Period. Tall Sideboard Tomb with reclining hooded figure of Lady Katherine, daughter of Peregrine, with Chrisom Child in the crib at her feet. Above a standing figure of Peregrine Bertie 13th Baron Willoughby in a niche, with strapwork embellishments, all supported on composite columns with a dentilated cornice. Possibly the work of Samuel Baldwin.
Catherine Bertie: Around 1595 she was born to Peregrine Bertie 13th Baron Willoughby and Mary Vere Baroness Willoughby of Eresby. Sources are confused about her birth year stating she was born in 1610 and that she married in 1609. Date adjusted to around 1595 on the assumption she was married around twenty years of age. Her son died at six days old on 09 Feb 1610. Her father died in 1601. Sources also refer to her as Baroness Rockingham whereas she died some eleven years before her husband was created Baron Rockingham. In 1609 Lewis Watson 1st Baron Rockingham and she were married.
In 1708. Albemarle Bertie [aged 40] erected a monument to members of the Bertie Family in Church of St Michael and All Angels, Edenham [Map]. A large, semi-circular headed Sideboard Tomb supporting a black Sarcophagus with gadrooned top and lions feet, erected 1738. Commemorates seven members of the Bertie family. The rear has a marble surround with egg and dart moulding and scrolled imposts with Cartouche of arms to the top. Within are seven classical busts, supported on moulded corbels.[Source: BLB].
Albemarle Bertie: Around 1668 he was born to Robert Bertie 3rd Earl Lindsey and Elizabeth Wharton Countess Lindsey. In 1728 Philip Bertie died without issue. He left his esate to his brother Albemarle Bertie. In 1742 Albemarle Bertie died.
