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: Acton
In or before 1570 [his father] Richard Acton (age 24) and [his mother] Margaret Daniel were married.
In 1570 William Acton 1st Baronet was born to [his father] Richard Acton (age 25) and [his mother] Margaret Daniel
In 1591 [his father] Richard Acton (age 46) died.
Around 1620 [his daughter] Elizabeth Acton Lady Whitmore was born to William Acton 1st Baronet (age 50). She married before 6th April 1637 Thomas Whitmore 1st Baronet.
In 1628 William Acton 1st Baronet (age 58) was elected Sheriff of London.
On 12th February 1628 William Acton 1st Baronet (age 58) was elected Alderman for Aldersgate Ward.
In 1629 William Acton 1st Baronet (age 59) was created 1st Baronet Acton of the City of London.
Before 6th April 1637 [his son-in-law] Thomas Whitmore 1st Baronet (age 24) and [his daughter] Elizabeth Acton Lady Whitmore (age 17) were married. She being the sole heiress of her father William Acton 1st Baronet (age 67).
In 1640 William Acton 1st Baronet (age 70) 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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On 22nd January 1651 William Acton 1st Baronet (age 81) died. Baronet Acton of the City of London extinct.
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Acton
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Acton
GrandFather: William Acton
Father: Richard Acton
Mother: Margaret Daniel