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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In 1356 William Hylton 4th Baron Hylton was born.
In 1381 William Hylton 4th Baron Hylton (age 25) was responsible for pirating two Scottish ships.
In 1383 William Hylton 4th Baron Hylton (age 27) agreed to accompany the Bishop of Nowich on his crusade to Flanders.
In 1386 William Hylton 4th Baron Hylton (age 30) agreed to servce the King for fifty marks a year with twenty men-at-arms and twenty archers.
In 1403 William Hylton 4th Baron Hylton (age 47) was declared an outlaw.
In 1435 William Hylton 4th Baron Hylton (age 79) died.
Time Team Series 2 Episode 2: Medieval Dining Hall was filmed between 10th June 1994 and 12th June 1994. It was originally shown on 15th January 1995.
Location: Hylton Castle, County Durham [Map].
Category: Time Team Late Medieval.
Mick Aston (age 48), Bristol University Landscape Archaeologist
Carenza Lewis (age 31), Royal Commission on Historic Monuments
Phil Harding (age 44), Wessex Archaeological Trust Field Archaeologist
Robin Bush (age 51), Archivist
Victor Ambrus (age 59), Historical Illustrator
Susan Ord, Denny Wilson, Community Representatives
John Gator, Chris Gaffney, Geophysics
Stewart Ainsworth (age 43), Bernard, Landscape Archaeologist
Steve Speke, Local Archaeologist
Beric Morley, English Heritage Medieval Buildings Expert
Mark Horton, Bristol University
Rob Bell, Garden Archaeological Consultant
Graciela Ainsworth, Conservationist
White Company
Eric Little, Castle Guide
Sources. English Heritage Managed, [Map] Effigy of William Hylton 4th Baron Hylton.
Historical Figures. William Hylton 4th Baron Hylton.
Outcomes. Early 15th Century Flemish floor tiles, stone roofing tiles, conserved stag on building and Hylton Achievement of Arms, Silver Coin, plan of site, 3D model of site. Later buildings around 1600 with gardens.