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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Biography of Caroline Wood 1857-1937

In April 1855 Caroline Wood was born at New Mills, Derbyshire [Map].

On 30th December 1905 Charles Hadfield (age 19) and Caroline Wood (age 50) were married. The difference in their ages was 31 years; she, unusually, being older than him.

Around 1909 [her son] George Hadfield was born to [her husband] Charles Hadfield (age 22) and Caroline Wood (age 53) at Mellor, Cheshire [Map].

Before 1911 [her husband] Charles Hadfield (age 24) and Caroline Wood (age 55) had two children who died in infancy. See 1911 Census.

1911. 1911 Census Mellor. Lower Bradshaw Farm [Map].

George Henry Moorcroft (age 54). Head. 55.

Caroline Wood (age 55). Wife. 55.

Arthur Moorcroft (age 24). Son. 24.

Caroline Moorcroft (age 21). Daughter. 21.

George Henry Moorcroft (age 19). Son. 19.

Thomas Willam Moorcroft (age 15). Son. 15.

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2nd April 1911. 1911 Census Derbyshire New Mills Back Meal Street. 2 Back Meal Street [Map]

[her husband] Charles Hadfield (age 24). Head. 24. Carter Coal Merchant.

Caroline Wood (age 56). Wife. 24.

[her son] George Hadfield (age 2). Son. 2.

In January 1920 [her husband] Charles Hadfield (age 33) and Edith Fletcher (age 23) were married.

Before 11th October 1937 Caroline Wood (age 82) was living at 139 Hayfield Road [Map].

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.

On 11th October 1937 Caroline Wood (age 82) died at 139 Hayfield Road [Map].

In January 1959 [her former husband] Charles Hadfield (age 72) died.