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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: Poole
Around 1666 [his father] John Pole 3rd Baronet (age 16) and [his mother] Anne Morice Lady Pole (age 13) were married.
In 1678 William Pole 4th Baronet was born to [his father] John Pole 3rd Baronet (age 28) and [his mother] Anne Morice Lady Pole (age 25).
Before 13th April 1695 [his grandfather] Courtenay Pole 2nd Baronet (age 76) died. He was buried in Shute, Devon. His son [his father] John (age 45) succeeded 3rd Baronet Pole of Shute House in Devon. [his mother] Anne Morice Lady Pole (age 42) by marriage Lady Pole of Shute House in Devon.
On 7th July 1696 William Pole 4th Baronet (age 18) matriculated New College, Oxford University.
In 1701 William Pole 4th Baronet (age 23) was elected MP Newport.
On 17th January 1704 William Pole 4th Baronet (age 26) was elected MP Camelford at a by-election, which seat he retained in 1705.
In 1708 William Pole 4th Baronet (age 30) was elected MP Newport.
William of Worcester's Chronicle of England
William of Worcester, born around 1415, and died around 1482 was secretary to John Fastolf, the renowned soldier of the Hundred Years War, during which time he collected documents, letters, and wrote a record of events. Following their return to England in 1440 William was witness to major events. Twice in his chronicle he uses the first person: 1. when writing about the murder of Thomas, 7th Baron Scales, in 1460, he writes '… and I saw him lying naked in the cemetery near the porch of the church of St. Mary Overie in Southwark …' and 2. describing King Edward IV's entry into London in 1461 he writes '… proclaimed that all the people themselves were to recognize and acknowledge Edward as king. I was present and heard this, and immediately went down with them into the city'. William’s Chronicle is rich in detail. It is the source of much information about the Wars of the Roses, including the term 'Diabolical Marriage' to describe the marriage of Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s brother John’s marriage to Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, he aged twenty, she sixty-five or more, and the story about a paper crown being placed in mockery on the severed head of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.
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On 13th March 1708 [his father] John Pole 3rd Baronet (age 58) died. His son William (age 30) succeeded 4th Baronet Pole of Shute House in Devon.
In 1710 William Pole 4th Baronet (age 32) was elected MP Devon.
In 1712 William Pole 4th Baronet (age 34) was appointed Master of the Household.
In 1713 William Pole 4th Baronet (age 35) was elected MP Bossiney.
Around 28th February 1713 [his mother] Anne Morice Lady Pole (age 60) died.
On 17th March 1716 William Pole 4th Baronet (age 38) was elected MP Honiton; he was re-elected in 1722.
Around 1733 [his son] John Pole 5th Baronet was born to William Pole 4th Baronet (age 55).
On 31st December 1741 William Pole 4th Baronet (age 63) died. His son John (age 8) succeeded 5th Baronet Pole of Shute House in Devon.
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Pole
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Pole
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Pole of Colcombe House
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Pole 1st Baronet
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Peryam
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Peryam of Little Fulford
Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Peryam
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Parker of North Molton 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Parker
GrandFather: Courtenay Pole 2nd Baronet
Father: John Pole 3rd Baronet
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Shapcote
GrandMother: Urith Shapcote Lady Pole
GrandFather: William Morice
Mother: Anne Morice Lady Pole