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.
Paternal Family Tree: Monck
In 1604 [his father] Thomas Monck (age 33) and [his mother] Elizabeth Smith were married.
Around 1610 Bishop Nicholas Monck was born to [his father] Thomas Monck (age 39) and [his mother] Elizabeth Smith at Potheridge Merton Great Torrington, Devon. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward IV of England.
In 1627 [his father] Thomas Monck (age 56) died.
In 1629 Bishop Nicholas Monck (age 19) was educated at Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 3rd March 1631 Bishop Nicholas Monck (age 21) graduated Bachelor of Arts at Wadham College, Oxford University.
On 30th October 1633 Bishop Nicholas Monck (age 23) graduated Master of Arts: Oxford University at Wadham College, Oxford University.
In 1642 Bishop Nicholas Monck (age 32) and Susannah Payne were married.
On 23rd January 1653 [his brother] George Monck 1st Duke Albemarle (age 44) and [his sister-in-law] Anne Clarges Duchess Albermarle (age 33) were married.
In 1660 [his brother] George Monck 1st Duke Albemarle (age 51) was appointed 459th Knight of the Garter by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 29).
John Evelyn's Diary. 6th January 1661. Dr. Allestree (age 39) preached at the Abbey [Map], after which four Bishops were consecrated, Hereford (age 51), Norwich (age 61), ...
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 6th January 1661 Bishop Nicholas Monck (age 51) was consecrated Bishop of Hereford.
On 7th December 1661 Bishop Nicholas Monck (age 51) died at Old Palace Yard, Westminster Palace.
John Evelyn's Diary. 20th December 1661. The Bishop of Gloucester (age 70) preached at the Abbey [Map] at the funeral of the Bishop of Hereford (deceased), brother to the [his brother] Duke of Albemarle (age 53). It was a decent solemnity. There was a silver miter, with episcopal robes, borne by the herald before the hearse, which was followed by the Duke his brother, and all the bishops, with divers noblemen.
On 20th December 1661 Bishop Nicholas Monck (deceased) was buried at the Chapel of St Edmund, Westminster Abbey [Map].
[his daughter] Mary Monck was born to Bishop Nicholas Monck and Susannah Payne. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward IV of England. She married Arthur Fairwell.
[his daughter] Elizabeth Monck was born to Bishop Nicholas Monck and Susannah Payne. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward IV of England. She married Curwen Rawlinson and had issue.
[his son] Nicholas Monck was born to Bishop Nicholas Monck and Susannah Payne. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward IV of England.
Kings Wessex: Great x 16 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 13 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 19 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 14 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 3 Grand Son of King Edward IV of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 15 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 13 Grand Son of Louis VII King of the Franks
Kings France: Great x 16 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 21 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Monck 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Humphrey Monck
Great x 2 Grandfather: Anthony Monck of Powdering
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Monke of Potheridge Devon
GrandFather: Anthony Monck of Potheridge Great Grand Son of King Edward IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York 
Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: King Edward IV of England 
2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York 
Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Arthur Plantagenet 1st Viscount Lisle Son of King Edward IV of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Waite
Great x 1 Grandmother: Frances Plantagenet Grand Daughter of King Edward IV of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Grey Baron Ferrers of Groby 
6 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Grey 1st Viscount Lisle 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Ferrers 6th Baroness Ferrers Groby 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Grey Viscountess Lisle 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Talbot 1st Viscount Lisle 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Talbot Viscountess Lisle 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Cheddar Viscountess Lisle
Father: Thomas Monck 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward IV of England
Bishop Nicholas Monck 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward IV of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Smith
GrandFather: George Smith of Exeter
Great x 2 Grandfather: Alexander Muttleberry of Jordans in Somerset
Great x 1 Grandmother: Alice Muttleberry
Mother: Elizabeth Smith
Great x 1 Grandfather: James Walker of Exeter
GrandMother: Joan Walker