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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St Giles' Church, Wrexham is in Wrexham.
St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map]. Exterior of the Church Tower.
After 8th July 1721. St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map]. Monument to Elihu Yale [deceased].
Elihu Yale: On 5th April 1649 he was born in Boston, Massachusetts. On 8th July 1721 he died.
On 8th April 1747 Mary Myddelton died. Monument in St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map] sculpted by Louis Francois Roubiliac [aged 44].
Mary Myddelton: she was born to Richard Myddelton 3rd Baronet and Frances Whitmore Lady Myddelton.
After 8th March 1751. St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map]. Monument to Mary Fitzhugh.
On 8th December 1754 Thomas Middleton [aged 63] died. Monument in St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map] sculpted by Louis Francois Roubiliac [aged 52].
Thomas Middleton: Around 1691 he was born to John Middleton. Before 8th December 1754 he and Arabella Hacker were married.
After 10th April 1776. St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map]. Monument to Philip Puleston. Sculpted by Charles Bromfield [aged 36].
After 18th April 1790. St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map]. Monument to Evan Morris.
Evan Morris: On 24th August 1889 Evan Morris was knighted by Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom on her visit to Wrexham. On 18th April 1890 he died.
After 22nd September 1802. Monument to Mary Davies in St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map] sculpted by Peter Mathias Van Gelder [aged 60].
After 1816. St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map]. Monument to the Lloyd Family. Sculpted by Richard Westmacott [aged 40].
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Wales Illustrated North Wales. St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map].
On 9th September 1863 Ellen Mary Palmer died. Monument in St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map] sculpted by Thomas Woolner [aged 37].
Ellen Mary Palmer: she was born to William Henry Roger Palmer 4th Baronet. On 25th May 1857 Archibald Peel and she were married.
After 14th November 1884. Monument to Frances Puleston in St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map]. Sculpted by Peter Mathias Van Gelder.
After 1922. St Giles' Church, Wrexham [Map]. Monuments to the Hugh-Jones Family.