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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Before 1506 Bishop Richard Sampson commenced his educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge University receiving B.Civ.L in 1506 and D.Civ.L in 1513. Thereafter the studied at the College of Sorbonne and Sens.
In 1516 Bishop Richard Sampson was appointed Dean of St Stephens Chapel in Westminster Abbey.
Before 1517 Bishop Richard Sampson was appointed diocesan chancellor and vicar-general of the Bishop Tournai by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (age 43).
In 1517 Bishop Richard Sampson was appointed Archdeacon of Cornwall.
In 1517 Bishop Richard Sampson was appointed Prebendary of Newbald.
In 1523 Bishop Richard Sampson was appointed Dean of Windsor.
In 1526 Bishop Richard Sampson was appointed Vicar of Stepney.
In 1529 Bishop Richard Sampson was appointed Archdeacon of Suffolk.
Archives of Venice. Oct. 11. [1529] Sanuto Diaries, v. lii. p. 153.
515. Lodovico Falier to the Signory.
Narrates conversations held with Cardinal Wolsey, and Cardinal Campeggio, late Legate in England, who has departed on his way to Rome.
King Henry has sent two ambassadors to the Emperor1, and two ambassadors to the King of France2, with congratulations on the peace made; and he has also sent an ambassador to the Pope.
London, 11th October. Registered, by Sanuto 9th November.
[Italian.]
Note 1. Qu., Sir Nicholas Carew (age 33) and Dr. Richard Sampson,
Note 2. Qu., George Boleyn (age 26) and Dr. John Stokesley (age 54).
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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In 1533 Bishop Richard Sampson was appointed Dean of Lichfield.
In 1534 Bishop Richard Sampson was appointed Rector of Hackney.
In 1535 Bishop Richard Sampson was appointed Treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral [Map].
On 11th June 1536 Bishop Richard Sampson was elected Bishop of Chichester.
Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. January 1541. You have heard before in the beginning of this year, that Doctor Wilson, and Doctor Sampson Bishop of Chichester, were sent unto the Tower who now were pardoned of the King, and set again at their liberty.
On 19th February 1544 Bishop Richard Sampson was translated to Bishop of Lichfield.
On 25th September 1554 Bishop Richard Sampson died at Eccleshall Castle, Staffordshire [Map]. He was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall [Map].
Chronicle of Edward Hall [1496-1548]. In this month was sent to the Tower, Doctor Wilson, and docter Sampson Bishop of Chichester, for relieving of certain traitorous persons, which denied the King's Supremacy and for the same offence was one Richard Farmer Grocer of London, a riche and wealthy man, and of good estimation in the City, committed to the Marshall See [Map], and after in Westminster Hall was arraigned and attainted in the Premunire, and lost all his goods.