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: Wood of Hatherley House
Before 2nd June 1768 [his father] William Wood and [his mother] Catherine Cluse were married.
On 2nd June 1768 Matthew Wood 1st Baronet was born to [his father] William Wood and [his mother] Catherine Cluse.
On 5th November 1795 Matthew Wood 1st Baronet (age 27) and Maria Page were married.
In 1796 [his son] Reverend John Page-Wood 2nd Baronet was born to Matthew Wood 1st Baronet (age 27) and [his wife] Maria Page.
In 1798 [his mother] Catherine Cluse died.
On 29th November 1801 [his son] William Page Wood 1st Baron Hatherley was born to Matthew Wood 1st Baronet (age 33) and [his wife] Maria Page. He married 1830 Charlotte Moor.
On 4th January 1804 [his son] Western Wood was born to Matthew Wood 1st Baronet (age 35) and [his wife] Maria Page.
In 1809 [his father] William Wood died.
In 1809 Matthew Wood 1st Baronet (age 40) was appointed Sheriff of London.
In 1815 Matthew Wood 1st Baronet (age 46) was elected Lord Mayor of London.
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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In 1817 Matthew Wood 1st Baronet (age 48) was elected Lord Mayor of London.
In June 1817 Matthew Wood 1st Baronet (age 48) was elected MP City of London unopposed at a by-election. He held the seat until his death.
On 7th June 1820 Charles Cavendish Fulke Greville (age 26) noted in his diary "The Queen (age 52) arrived in London yesterday at seven o'clock ... She travelled in an open landau, Alderman Wood (age 52) sitting by her side and Lady Anne Hamilton (age 54) and another woman opposite. Everybody was disgusted at the vulgarity of Wood in sitting in the place of honour, while the Duke of Hamilton's (age 52) sister was sitting backwards in the carriage"
In 1830 [his son] William Page Wood 1st Baron Hatherley (age 28) and [his daughter-in-law] Charlotte Moor were married. There was no issue from the marriage.
In 1837 Matthew Wood 1st Baronet (age 68) was created 1st Baronet Wood of Hatherley House in Gloucestershire.
On 25th September 1843 Matthew Wood 1st Baronet (age 75) died. His son John (age 47) succeeded 2nd Baronet Wood of Hatherley House in Gloucestershire.
On 2nd July 1848 [his former wife] Maria Page died.