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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John Smibert is in Painters.
On 24th March 1688 John Smibert was born to [his father] John Smibert in Edinburgh. He was the youngest of six children.
Between 1713 and 1716 John Smibert [aged 24] studied under Godfrey Kneller [aged 66] at the Great Queen Street Academy.
Between 1719 and 1722 John Smibert [aged 30] travelled to Italy to copy old masters, including some in the collection of Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany.
1722. John Smibert [aged 33]. Portrait Thomas Hill aka Harwood [aged 29].
Thomas Hill aka Harwood: In 1693 he was born. On 14th February 1723 Thomas Hill aka Harwood and Anne Powys were married. On 3rd May 1740 Thomas Hill aka Harwood and Susan Maria Noel were married. The difference in their ages was 27 years. On 11th June 1782 Thomas Hill aka Harwood died.
1726. John Smibert [aged 37]. Portrait John Rushout 4th Baronet [aged 40].
1727. John Smibert [aged 38]. Portrait George Douglas 13th Earl Morton [aged 65].
George Douglas 13th Earl Morton: Around 1662 he was born to James Douglas 10th Earl Morton. On 22nd January 1730 Robert Douglas 12th Earl Morton died. His brother George succeeded 13th Earl Morton. On 4th January 1738 George Douglas 13th Earl Morton died. His son James succeeded 14th Earl Morton.
1750. John Smibert [aged 61]. Portrait Eleanora Ethelston [aged 50].
Eleanora Ethelston: Around 1700 she was born to Charles Ethelston of London. In 1724 Edward Nightingale and she were married. On 14th September 1771 she died. She was buried at The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, Bassingbourn [Map].
1750. John Smibert [aged 61]. Portrait Edward Nightingale [aged 54], de jure 7th Baronet.
Edward Nightingale: Around 1696 he was born to Edward Nightingale and Anna Charlotte Slingsby. In 1730 Gamaliel Nightingale died a lunatic and unmarried. His brother Edward de jure 7th Baronet Nightingale of Newport Pond in Essex. On 20th October 1750 Edward Nightingale died at Bath, Somerset [Map]. His son Edward de jure 8th Baronet Nightingale of Newport Pond in Essex.
Before 1751. John Smibert [aged 62] (atributed). Portrait Christian Hamilton Lady Dalrymple [aged 48].
Christian Hamilton Lady Dalrymple: In 1702 she was born to Thomas Hamilton 6th Earl Haddington and Helen Hope Countess Haddington. Coefficient of inbreeding 8.23%. In or before 1726 James Dalrymple 2nd Baronet and she were married. She by marriage Lady Dalrymple. She the daughter of Thomas Hamilton 6th Earl Haddington and Helen Hope Countess Haddington. In 1770 Christian Hamilton Lady Dalrymple died.
On 2nd April 1751 John Smibert [aged 63] died. He was buried at the Granary Burying Ground, Boston.