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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Around 1460 Meynnart Wewyck was born. The date someting of a guess. He had become established by 1502.
On 19th September 1502 Mynour, the Inglis payntour [aged 42] delivered four portraits of the English royal family to James IV of Scotland [aged 29] at Stirling Castle [Map].
In November 1503 Meynnart Wewyck [aged 43] returned to England from the Scottish Court.
Around 1510 Meynnart Wewyck [aged 50] is believed to have painted the portrait of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
Around 1510 Meynnart Wewyck [aged 50]. Portrait of Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond in the Masters Lodge St John's College, Oxford University. Commissioned by Bishop John Fisher [aged 40]. Note the Beaufort Arms on the wall beneath which is the Beafort Portcullis. Repeated in the window. She is wearing widow's clothes, or possibly that of a convent; Gabled Headress with Lappets. On 29th March 2019, St John's College, Cambridge, which she founded, announced the portrait was original work by Wewyck.
After 1525 Meynnart Wewyck [deceased] died.