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 Andrea Soldi 1703-1771

Andrea Soldi is in Painters.

In 1703 Andrea Soldi was born in Florence, Tuscany.

1738 Andrea Soldi (age 35). Portrait of Isabella Montagu Duchess Manchester (age 32).

Around 1739 Andrea Soldi (age 36). Portrait of Mary Assheton Baroness Curzon (age 45) and her children Nathaniel Curzon 1st Baron Scarsdale (age 13) and Assheton Curzon 1st Viscount Curzon (age 8).

In 1743 Andrea Soldi (age 40). Self-Portrait.

In 1745 Andrea Soldi (age 42). Portrait of Theophilus Hastings 9th Earl Huntingdon (age 48) and Selina Shirley Countess Huntingdon (age 38) and their two children.

In 1748 Andrea Soldi (age 45). Portrait of Henry Somerset 5th Duke Beaufort (age 3).

Around 1750 Andrea Soldi (age 47). Portrait of Edith Phelips (age 55).

Edith Phelips: In March 1694 she was born to Edward Phelips and Edith Blake at Montacute House. On 17th May 1744 Carew Mildmay and she were married. On 12th October 1772 Edith Phelips died in Queen Camel, Somerset. She was buried in Church of St Barnabus, Queen Camel.

In 1751 Andrea Soldi (age 48). Portrait of Louis Francois Roubiliac (age 48).

In 1753 Andrea Soldi (age 50). Portrait of John Michael Rysbrack (age 58).

In or before 1771 Andrea Soldi (age 67). Portrait of Archbishop Robert Hay-Drummond (age 59).

Archbishop Robert Hay-Drummond: On 10th November 1711 he was born to George Henry Hay 8th Earl Kinnoull and Abigail Harley Countess Kinnoul. In 1749 Archbishop Robert Hay-Drummond and Henrietta d'Auriol were married. He the son of George Henry Hay 8th Earl Kinnoull and Abigail Harley Countess Kinnoul. On 3rd October 1761 Archbishop Robert Hay-Drummond was elected at Archbishop of York. On 10th December 1776 Archbishop Robert Hay-Drummond died at Bishopthorpe York.

Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

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In or before 1771 Andrea Soldi (age 67). Portrait of Elizabeth Russell Countess Essex (age 59).

Elizabeth Russell Countess Essex: Around 1711 she was born to Wriothesley Russell 2nd Duke Bedford and Elizabeth Howland Duchess Bedford. After January 1724 William Capell 3rd Earl Essex and she were married. She by marriage Countess Essex. She the daughter of Wriothesley Russell 2nd Duke Bedford and Elizabeth Howland Duchess Bedford. He the son of Algernon Capell 2nd Earl Essex and Mary Bentinck Countess Essex. They were fourth cousins. In 1784 Elizabeth Russell Countess Essex died.

In 1771 Andrea Soldi (age 68) died.