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 1660 Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth was born to Alexander Fraser [aged 53].
On 5th June 1675 John Mordaunt 1st Viscount Mordaunt [aged 48] died. He was buried at All Saints Church, Fulham. His son [her future husband] Charles [aged 17] succeeded 2nd Viscount Mordaunt of Avalon, 2nd Baron Mordaunt of Reigate.
In 1678 Charles Mordaunt 3rd Earl Peterborough 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 20] and Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth [aged 18] were married.
Around 1681 [her son] John Mordaunt was born to [her husband] Charles Mordaunt 3rd Earl Peterborough 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 23] and Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth [aged 21]. He married 1708 his fourth cousin Frances Powlett, daughter of Charles Paulet 2nd Duke Bolton and Frances Ramsden, and had issue.
In 1681 [her father] Alexander Fraser [aged 74] died.
On 9th April 1689 a number of new peers were created at the Coronation William III and Mary II...
Charles Paulet 1st Duke Bolton [aged 59] was created 1st Duke Bolton.
[her husband] Charles Mordaunt 3rd Earl Peterborough 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 31] was created 1st Earl Monmouth. Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth [aged 29] by marriage Countess Monmouth.
Thomas Belasyse 1st Earl Fauconberg [aged 62] was created 1st Earl Fauconberg. Mary Cromwell Countess Fauconberg [aged 52] by marriage Countess Fauconberg.
William Bentinck 1st Earl of Portland [aged 39] was created 1st Earl of Portland.
1690 to 1700. Miniature portrait of Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth [aged 30].
On 19th June 1697 Henry Mordaunt 2nd Earl Peterborough [aged 75] died. His nephew [her husband] Charles [aged 39] succeeded 3rd Earl Peterborough. His daughter Mary [aged 38] succeeded 7th Baroness Mordaunt. Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth [aged 37] by marriage Countess Peterborough.
Around 1700 Godfrey Kneller [aged 53]. Portrait of Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth [aged 40]. One of the Hampton Court Beauties.
Between 14th September 1705 and 19th October 1705 a multinational Grand Alliance army led by [her husband] Lord Peterborough [aged 47] captured the city of Barcelona [Map] from its Spanish defenders, most of whom then joined the Grand Aliance army.
On 13th September 1705 Prince George of Hesse Darmstadt [aged 36] was killed.
On 17th November 1705 Mary Mordaunt Duchess Norfolk [aged 46] died. Her first cousin Charles [aged 47] succeeded 8th Baron Mordaunt. Her husband John Germain 1st Baronet [aged 55] inherited her Drayton estates and the rest of her inheritance, valued at £70,000.
Before 13th February 1707 [her son-in-law] Alexander Gordon 2nd Duke Gordon [aged 29] and Henrietta Mordaunt Duchess Gordon were married. She the daughter of Charles Mordaunt 3rd Earl Peterborough 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 49] and Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth [aged 47]. He the son of George Gordon 1st Duke Gordon [aged 64] and Elizabeth Howard Duchess Gordon.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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In 1708 John Mordaunt [aged 27] and Frances Powlett were married. She the daughter of Charles Paulet 2nd Duke Bolton [aged 47] and Frances Ramsden. He the son of Charles Mordaunt 3rd Earl Peterborough 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 50] and Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth [aged 48]. They were fourth cousins.
On 13th May 1709 Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth [aged 49] died.
On 25th October 1735 [her former husband] Charles Mordaunt 3rd Earl Peterborough 1st Earl Monmouth [aged 77] died. His grandson Charles [aged 27] succeeded 4th Earl Peterborough, 2nd Earl Monmouth, 9th Baron Mordaunt, 3rd Viscount Mordaunt of Avalon, 3rd Baron Mordaunt of Reigate.
[her son] Henry Mordaunt was born to Charles Mordaunt 3rd Earl Peterborough 1st Earl Monmouth and Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth.
[her daughter] Henrietta Mordaunt Duchess Gordon was born to Charles Mordaunt 3rd Earl Peterborough 1st Earl Monmouth and Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth. She married before 13th February 1707 Alexander Gordon 2nd Duke Gordon, son of George Gordon 1st Duke Gordon and Elizabeth Howard Duchess Gordon, and had issue.