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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.
John "Rex" Whistler is in Painters.
On 24th June 1905 John "Rex" Whistler was born.
1925. John "Rex" Whistler (age 19). Trial Scene from 'The Merchant of Venice'.
1926. John "Rex" Whistler (age 20). "Medusa".
1927. John "Rex" Whistler (age 21). "The Expedition in Pursuit of Rare Meats". A mural, commissioned in 1926 and completed in 1927 by the gallery's inaugural director, Charles Aitken, at the Tate Gallery in London, for the re-opening of its restaurant, where it forms the entire interior surround of what was the eponymously named eatery.
1928. John "Rex" Whistler (age 22). "Ave Silvae Dornii" i.e. "Hail, Forest of Dorney". Mural at Dorneywood House, Buckinghamshire. inscribed with the initials CT [Courtauld Thomson], who commissioned the painting, signed and dated 1928. Illusionistic architectural framing device with Corinthian columns, inscribed at top "Ave Silvae Dornii" i.e. "Hail, Forest of Dorney".
1929. John "Rex" Whistler (age 23). Portrait of Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson 14th Baron Berners (age 45).
Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson 14th Baron Berners: On 18th September 1883 he was born to Commander Hugh Tyrwhitt. On 5th September 1918 Raymond Robert Tyrwhitt-Wilson 13th Baron Berners died. His nephew Gerald succeeded 14th Baron Berners, 5th Baronet Tyrwhitt of Stanley Hall in Shropshire. On 19th April 1950 Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson 14th Baron Berners died. His first cousin Vera succeeded 15th Baroness Berners. Baronet Tyrwhitt of Stanley Hall in Shropshire extinct.
1933. John "Rex" Whistler (age 27). Self-portrait.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
1934. John "Rex" Whistler (age 28). Self-portrait.
1934. John "Rex" Whistler (age 28). Angela (age 17) and Penelope (age 19) Dudley Ward. Whistler is the fountain satyr
Claire Angela Dudley Ward: On 25th May 1916 she was born to William Dudley Ward and Winifred "Freda" May Birkin. On 1st December 1999 Claire Angela Dudley Ward died.
Penelope Dudley Ward: On 4th August 1914 she was born to William Dudley Ward and Winifred "Freda" May Birkin. On 22nd January 1982 Penelope Dudley Ward died.
1935. John "Rex" Whistler (age 29). Portrait of Alexandra Caroline Paget (age 21).
1936. John "Rex" Whistler (age 30). "Capriccio". A large wall mural in the dining room of Plas Newydd House, Anglesey.
1937. John "Rex" Whistler (age 31). Portrait of Charles Henry Alexander Paget 6th Marquess Anglesey (age 51).
Charles Henry Alexander Paget 6th Marquess Anglesey: On 14th April 1885 he was born to Alexander Victor Paget. On 3rd August 1912 Charles Henry Alexander Paget 6th Marquess Anglesey and Victoria Marjorie Harriet Manners Marchioness Anglesey were married. She by marriage Marchioness Anglesey. She the daughter of Henry John Brinsley Manners 8th Duke Rutland and Violet Lindsay Duchess Rutland. They were fifth cousins.
Around 1938. John "Rex" Whistler (age 32). Portrait of Alexandra Caroline Paget (age 24).
Around 1938. John "Rex" Whistler (age 32). Portrait of Elizabeth Hester Mary Paget (age 22).
Elizabeth Hester Mary Paget: In 1916 she was born to Charles Henry Alexander Paget 6th Marquess Anglesey and Victoria Marjorie Harriet Manners Marchioness Anglesey. After 1939 Raimund Hofmann and she were married. She the daughter of Charles Henry Alexander Paget 6th Marquess Anglesey and Victoria Marjorie Harriet Manners Marchioness Anglesey. In 1980 Elizabeth Hester Mary Paget died.
1940. John "Rex" Whistler (age 34). Portrait of Viscountess Ridley.
Rosamond Cornelia Gwladys Guest Viscountess Ridley: she was born to Ivor Bertie Guest and Cornelia Henrietta Maria Spencer-Churchill Baroness Wimborne. On 8th February 1899 Matthew White Ridley 2nd Viscount Ridley and she were married. On 28th November 1904 Matthew White Ridley 1st Viscount Ridley died. His son Matthew succeeded 2nd Viscount Ridley of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland, 2nd Baron Wensleydale of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland, 6th Baronet Ridley of Blagdon in Northumberland. She by marriage Viscountess Ridley of Blagdon and Blyth in Northumberland. On 2nd December 1947 Rosamond Cornelia Gwladys Guest Viscountess Ridley died.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
1940. John "Rex" Whistler (age 34). Self-portrait.
1940 or 1941. John "Rex" Whistler (age 34). "The Master Cook". Portrait of Sergeant Isaacs of the Welsh Guards.
1940. John "Rex" Whistler (age 34). Portrait of Cecil Beaton (age 35).
1940. John "Rex" Whistler (age 34). Portrait of Lieutenant Richard Whiskard.
1942. John "Rex" Whistler (age 36). Portrait of Robert Gascoyne-Cecil (age 25) 6th Marquess of Salisbury.
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil 6th Marquess of Salisbury: On 24th October 1916 he was born to Robert Arthur James Gascoyne-Cecil 5th Marquess Salisbury and Elizabeth Vere Cavendish Marchioness Salisbury. On 18th December 1945 Robert Gascoyne-Cecil 6th Marquess of Salisbury and Marjorie Olein Wyndham-Quin were married. He the son of Robert Arthur James Gascoyne-Cecil 5th Marquess Salisbury and Elizabeth Vere Cavendish Marchioness Salisbury. On 23rd February 1972 Robert Arthur James Gascoyne-Cecil 5th Marquess Salisbury died. His son Robert succeeded 6th Marquess Salisbury in Wiltshire, 12th Earl Salisbury. On 11th July 2003 Robert Gascoyne-Cecil 6th Marquess of Salisbury died. His son Robert succeeded 7th Marquess Salisbury in Wiltshire, 13th Earl Salisbury.
On 18th July 1944 John "Rex" Whistler (age 39) was killed in action after he left his tank to go to the aid of other men in his unit. His body now lies in Section III, Row F, Grave 22 of Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery.