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: Buckworth
On 18th October 1662 John Buckworth 1st Baronet was born to John Buckworth (age 40). He was baptised on 28th October 1662 at St Olave's Church [Map].
Samuel Pepys' Diary. 24th December 1666. After dinner she goes and fetches a little son (age 4) of Mr. Backeworth's (age 44), the wittiest child and of the most spirit that ever I saw in my life for discourse of all kind, and so ready and to the purpose, not above four years old.
In 1687 John Buckworth (age 65) died.
On 28th October 1687 John Buckworth 1st Baronet (age 25) and Elizabeth Hall Lady Buckworth were married at Westminster Abbey [Map].
On 2nd December 1693 John Buckworth 1st Baronet (age 31) was knighted at Petersham, Surrey.
On 1st December 1697 John Buckworth 1st Baronet (age 35) was created 1st Baronet Buckworth of Sheen in Surrey. [his wife] Elizabeth Hall Lady Buckworth by marriage Lady Buckworth of Sheen in Surrey.
In 1704 John Buckworth 1st Baronet (age 41) was elected Sheriff of London.
On or before 5th April 1704 [his son] John Buckworth 2nd Baronet was born to John Buckworth 1st Baronet (age 41) and [his wife] Elizabeth Hall Lady Buckworth. He was baptised on 5th April 1704.
On or before 23rd April 1704 [his son] Everard Buckworth 3rd Baronet was born to John Buckworth 1st Baronet (age 41) and [his wife] Elizabeth Hall Lady Buckworth. He ws baptised on 23rd April 1704. He married before 8th July 1726 Mary Dipple and had issue.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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On 12th June 1709 John Buckworth 1st Baronet (age 46) died. He was buried at St Peter le Poer Church, Broad Street. His son John (age 5) succeeded 2nd Baronet Buckworth of Sheen in Surrey.
In 1712 John Hiccocks and [his former wife] Elizabeth Hall Lady Buckworth were married.
On 20th May 1737 [his former wife] Elizabeth Hall Lady Buckworth died. She was buried at St Peter le Poer Church, Broad Street on 27th May 1737.