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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Paternal Family Tree: Head
Anna Gabriella Head was born to [her father] Francis Head 4th Baronet.
In May 1721 [her uncle] Richard Head 3rd Baronet (age 28) died unmarried. His brother [her father] Francis (age 27) succeeded 4th Baronet Head of Hermitage in Kent.
In 1753 Moses Mendes and Anna Gabriella Head were married.
On 2nd June 1753 [her future brother-in-law] Henry Roper 11th Baron Teynham (age 20) and Maria Wilhelmina Head were married. A Marriage of Two Sets of Siblings; her sister Anna Gabriella Head would subsequently marry his brother John Roper (age 18). Further, their two younger brothers Francis Roper (age 15) and Philip Roper Roper (age 13) also married siblings Mary Lyttelton (age 19) and Barbara Lyttelton respectively.
In 1755 [her son] Francis Head was born to [her husband] Moses Mendes and Anna Gabriella Head.
In 1757 [her son] James Roper Head was born to [her husband] Moses Mendes and Anna Gabriella Head.
On 21st March 1760 John Roper (age 25) and Anna Gabriella Head were married. A Marriage of Two Sets of Siblings; her sister Maria Wilhelmina Head had previously married his brother Henry Roper 11th Baron Teynham (age 26). Further, their two younger brothers Francis Roper (age 22) and Philip Roper Roper (age 20) also married siblings Mary Lyttelton (age 26) and Barbara Lyttelton respectively.
On 21st March 1766 [her brother-in-law] Philip Roper Roper (age 26) and Barbara Lyttelton were married. A Marriage of Two Sets of Siblings; her sister Mary Lyttelton (age 32) was previously married to his brother Francis Roper (age 28). Further, their two older brothers John Roper (age 31) and Henry Roper 11th Baron Teynham (age 32) also married siblings Anna Gabriella Head and Maria Wilhelmina Head respectively.
On 27th November 1768 [her father] Francis Head 4th Baronet (age 74) died. His brother [her uncle] John (age 66) succeeded 5th Baronet Head of Hermitage in Kent.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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In 1771 Anna Gabriella Head died.
In 1780 [her former husband] John Roper (age 45) died without issue.
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Head 1st Baronet
Great x 1 Grandfather: Francis Head
GrandFather: Francis Head 2nd Baronet
Father: Francis Head 4th Baronet