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: Frankland
Around 1640 William Frankland 1st Baronet was born to [his father] Henry Frankland of Thirkelby in Yorkshire (age 31).
In December 1660 King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 30) rewarded of further tranche of those who supported his Restoration by awarding them Baronetcies...
On 3rd December 1660 George Winn 1st Baronet (age 53) was created 1st Baronet Winn of Nostel in Yorkshire.
On 22nd December 1660 John Keyt 1st Baronet (age 44) was created 1st Baronet Keyt of Ebrington in Gloucestershire for having raised a troop of horse to fight in the Royalist cause.
On 24th December 1660 William Frankland 1st Baronet (age 20) was created 1st Baronet Frankland of Thirkleby in Yorkshire.
In or before 1665 William Frankland 1st Baronet (age 24) and Arabella Belasyse Lady Thirkleby (age 27) were married. She by marriage Lady Frankland of Thirkleby in Yorkshire.
In 1665 [his son] Thomas Frankland 2nd Baronet was born to William Frankland 1st Baronet (age 25) and [his wife] Arabella Belasyse Lady Thirkleby (age 28). He married 1683 Elizabeth Russell Lady Thirkleby, daughter of John Russell 3rd Baronet and Frances Cromwell Baroness Russell, and had issue.
In 1669 [his son] John Frankland was born to William Frankland 1st Baronet (age 29) and [his wife] Arabella Belasyse Lady Thirkleby (age 32) at Thirkleby, North Yorkshire.
In 1671 William Frankland 1st Baronet (age 31) was elected MP Thirsk.
Around 1672 [his father] Henry Frankland of Thirkelby in Yorkshire (age 63) died.
In 1683 [his son] Thomas Frankland 2nd Baronet (age 18) and [his daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Russell Lady Thirkleby (age 19) were married. They had ten children.
On 26th February 1687 [his wife] Arabella Belasyse Lady Thirkleby (age 50) died.
On 2nd August 1697 William Frankland 1st Baronet (age 57) died. His son Thomas (age 32) succeeded 2nd Baronet Frankland of Thirkleby in Yorkshire. [his daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Russell Lady Thirkleby (age 33) by marriage Lady Frankland of Thirkleby in Yorkshire.
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.
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After 2nd August 1697. All Saints Church, Thirkleby, North Yorkshire [Map]. Memorial to William Frankland 1st Baronet (deceased).
[his daughter] Grace Frankland was born to William Frankland 1st Baronet and Arabella Belasyse Lady Thirkleby. She married Leonard Smelt and had issue.
[his son] Henry Frankland was born to William Frankland 1st Baronet and Arabella Belasyse Lady Thirkleby.
GrandFather: William Frankland