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: Gerard
Before 23rd October 1587 [his father] William Gerard (age 36) and [his mother] Dorothy Ratcliffe were married.
On 23rd October 1587 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet was born to [his father] William Gerard (age 36) and [his mother] Dorothy Ratcliffe.
In 1591 [his father] William Gerard (age 40) was appointed Justice of the Peace Middlesex.
In 1609 [his father] William Gerard (age 58) died. His son Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 21) inherited Flambards House.
In 1614 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 26) and Mary Barrington were married.
In 1614 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 26) was elected MP Wigan.
On 12th October 1617 [his son] Francis Gerard 2nd Baronet was born to Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 29) and [his wife] Mary Barrington. He married in or before 1653 his fifth cousin once removed Isabel Cheeke and had issue.
In 1620 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 32) was created 1st Baronet Gerard of Harrow on the Hill.
In 1621 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 33) was elected MP Middlesex.
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 1624 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 36) was elected MP Middlesex and MP Isle of Wight. He sat for MP Middlesex.
In 1625 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 37) was elected MP Middlesex.
In 1626 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 38) was elected MP Middlesex.
In 1626 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 38) was appointed High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire.
In April 1640 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 52) was elected MP Middlesex.
In November 1640 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 53) was elected MP Middlesex.
In or before 1653 [his son] Francis Gerard 2nd Baronet (age 35) and [his daughter-in-law] Isabel Cheeke were married. They were fifth cousin once removed.
On 6th January 1670 Gilbert Gerard 1st Baronet (age 82) died. His son Francis (age 52) succeeded 2nd Baronet Gerard of Harrow on the Hill.
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Gerard
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Gerard
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Gerard
Great x 1 Grandfather: James Gerard of Astley
GrandFather: William Gerard
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Holcroft
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Holcroft
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Holcroft
Father: William Gerard
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Page of Sudbury Court in Middlesex
GrandMother: Dorothy Page
GrandFather: Anthony Ratcliffe Alderman
Mother: Dorothy Ratcliffe