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: Lamb
In 1705 Matthew Lamb 1st Baronet was born to [his father] Matthew Lamb of Southwell in Nottinghamshire.
In or before 1743 Matthew Lamb 1st Baronet (age 37) and Charlotte Coke (age 23) were married. She brought Melbourne Hall, Derbyshire [Map] to the Lamb family.
In 1743 [his daughter] Charlotte Lamb Countess Fauconberg was born to Matthew Lamb 1st Baronet (age 38) and [his wife] Charlotte Coke (age 23). She married 29th May 1766 Henry Belasyse 2nd Earl Fauconberg, son of Thomas Belasyse 1st Earl Fauconberg, and had issue.
In 1744 [his brother] Bishop Robert Lamb (age 41) was appointed Dean of Peterborough which position he held until 1764.
On 29th January 1745 [his son] Penistone Lamb 1st Viscount Melbourne was born to Matthew Lamb 1st Baronet (age 40) and [his wife] Charlotte Coke (age 26). He married 13th April 1769 Elizabeth Milbanke Viscountess Melbourne, daughter of Ralph Milbanke 5th Baronet, and had issue.
In 1746 Matthew Lamb 1st Baronet (age 41) purchased Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire [Map] commissioned a new hall to the designs of the architect Sir James Paine in around 1760.
In 1755 Matthew Lamb 1st Baronet (age 50) was created 1st Baronet Lamb of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.
In 1758 [his brother] Bishop Robert Lamb (age 55) was appointed Fellow of the Royal Society.
In 1764 [his brother] Bishop Robert Lamb (age 61) was elected Bishop of Peterborough.
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.
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On 29th May 1766 [his son-in-law] Henry Belasyse 2nd Earl Fauconberg (age 24) and [his daughter] Charlotte Lamb Countess Fauconberg (age 23) were married. She by marriage Countess Fauconberg. He the son of Thomas Belasyse 1st Earl Fauconberg (age 67).
On 6th November 1768 Matthew Lamb 1st Baronet (age 63) died. His son Penistone (age 23) succeeded 2nd Baronet Lamb of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.
On 3rd November 1769 [his brother] Bishop Robert Lamb (age 66) died unmarried. His younger brother Matthew Lamb 1st Baronet inherited his estate.
Around 1770 [his former wife] Charlotte Coke (age 50) died.