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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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Around 1847 Alice aka Alexa Wilding was born.
1863. Retouched 1873. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 34). "Die Geliebte" aka "The Beloved" aka "The Bride". Models: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 16), Ellen Smith, Marie Ford Model, Fanny Entwhistle aka Eaton (age 27) and Keomi aka Keytumas Gray (age 21).
Two Biblical texts are inscribed on the frame below the painting.
My beloved is mine and I am his. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: For thy love is better than wine. [The Song of Songs by King Solomon]
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company, and shall be brought unto thee.
Between 1864 to 1868. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 35). Venus Verticordia aka Venus, Changer of the heart. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 17).
Between 1864 to 1868. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 35). Study for Venus Verticordia aka Venus, Changer of the heart. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 17).
1865. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 36). Study for Washing Hands. Drawing of Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 18).
1866. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 37). Monna Vanna aka Vain Woman. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 19). The fan also appears in the painting Veronica Veronese.
From 1866 to 1870. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 37). Sibylla Palmifera aka Soul's Beauty. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 19).
1866. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 37). Regina Cordium aka Queen of Hearts. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 19).
Around 1866. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 37). Study for Sibylla Palmifera aka Soul's Beauty. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 19).
Around 1867. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 38). Mary Magdalene. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 20).
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
1867. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 38). Rosa Triplex. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 20).
Around 1867. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 38). Aspecta Medusa. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 20).
1868. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 39). Study for La Pia de' Tolomei. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 21).
1868. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 39). La Pia de' Tolomei. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 21).
1870. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 41). Study for Dante's Dream. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 23).
1870. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 41). Study for Dante's Dream. Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 23).
1871. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 42). "Dante's Dream at the Time of the Death of Beatrice". Models: Beatrice: Jane Morris nee Burden (age 31), far left Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 24), far right Annie Miller (age 36).
Between 1872 and 1873. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 43). Study for Lilith's Head. Model probably Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 25).
1872. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 43). The Bower Meadow. Models Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 25) right in green, Marie Spartali aka Stillman (age 27) left in red.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
1872. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 43). Veronica Veronese. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 25). Sold to Frederick Richards Leyland in 1872 for £840. In 1923 it was acquired by the estate of Samuel Bancroft which donated it in 1935 to the Delaware Art Museum. The painting depicts an uncaged bird, with camomile in the cage, on the desk primroses and daffodils. The fan at her side also appears in the paintint Monna Vanna. The quote is attributed on the frame to "The Letters of Girolamo Ridolfi,", which may a conceit, Suddenly leaning forward, the Lady Veronica rapidly wrote the first notes on the virgin page. Then she took the bow of her violin to make her dream reality; but before commencing to play the instrument hanging from her hand, she remained quiet a few moments, listening to the inspiring bird, while her left hand strayed over the strings searching for the supreme melody, still elusive. It was the marriage of the voices of nature and the soul—the dawn of a mystic creation. Translation from the French by Rowland Elzea.
1873. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 44). "La Ghirlandata" aka "The Garlanded Woman" aka "The Lady of the Wreath". Model: Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 26). Mary "May" Morris (age 10) modelled for the heads in the corners. A woman playing a harp as two angels surround her, enclosed by vivid flowers – including honeysuckle and roses – and luscious green foliage which melds into the green of her dress.
1874. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 45). Roman Widow. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 27).
1874. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 45). Alexa Wilding. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 27).
1874. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 45). Damsel of the Sanct Grael. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 27).
Between 1875 and 1878. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 46). The Blessed Damozel. Models centre Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 28), probably left-hand angel Mary "May" Morris (age 12). The first four verses of his poem The Blessed Damozel are written on the frame. In the collection of the Lady Lever Art Gallery [Map].
1875. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 46). La Bella Mano aka The Beautiful Hand. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 28).
1875. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 46). Study for La Bella Mano aka The Beautiful Hand. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 28).
1877. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 48). A Sea-Spell. Model Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 30).
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
1879. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (age 50). "Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 32)".
On 25th April 1884 Alice aka Alexa Wilding (age 37) died.