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: Temple
In 1628 William Temple 1st Baronet was born to [his father] John Temple of Dublin (age 28).
In 1654 William Temple 1st Baronet (age 26) and Dorothy Osborn (age 27) were married. Her suitors had included Thomas Osborne 1st Duke Leeds (age 21), Henry Cromwell (age 25) and Justinian Isham 2nd Baronet (age 44). Before their marriage they had conducted a clandestine epistolary relationship; her seventy-nine letters survive: British Library (ADD. MSS. 33975) - see Letters of Dorothy Osborn.
On 31st January 1666 William Temple 1st Baronet (age 38) was created 1st Baronet Temple of Sheen in Surrey.
On 14th November 1677 William Temple 1st Baronet (age 49) died. Baronet Temple of Sheen in Surrey extinct.
On 14th November 1677 [his father] John Temple of Dublin (age 77) died.
John Evelyn's Diary. 27th August 1678. I took leave of the Duke (age 50), and dined at Mr. Henry Bruncker's (age 51), at the Abbey of Sheene [Map], formerly a monastery of Carthusians, there yet remaining one of their solitary cells with a cross. Within this ample inclosure are several pretty villas and fine gardens of the most excellent fruits, especially Sir William Temple's (lately Ambassador into Holland), and the Lord Lisle's (age 29), son to the Earl of Leicester (age 59), who has divers rare pictures, above all, that of Sir Brian Tuke's, by Holbein.
John Evelyn's Diary. 14th January 1682. Dined at the Bishop of Rochester's (age 57), at the Abbey [Map], it being his marriage day, after twenty-four years. He related to me how he had been treated by Sir William Temple, foreseeing that he might be a delegate in the concern of my Baroness Ogle (age 14) now likely come in controversy upon her marriage with Mr. Thynn (age 34); also how earnestly the late Earl of Danby (age 49) [NOTE. The word 'late' suggest the Earl being dead but may refer to his downfall around 1678], Lord Treasurer, sought his friendship, and what plain and sincere advice he gave him from time to time about his miscarriages and partialities; particularly his outing Sir John Duncomb (age 60) from being Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Sir Stephen Fox (age 54), above all, from being Paymaster of the Army. The Treasurer's excuse and reason was, that Fox's credit was so over great with the bankers and monied men, that he could procure none but by his means, "for that reason", replied the Bishop, "I would have made him my friend, Sir Stephen being a person both honest and of credit". He told him likewise of his stateliness and difficulty of access, and several other miscarriages, and which indeed made him hated.
John Evelyn's Diary. 24th March 1688. After dinner, we went to see Sir William Temple's near to it; the most remarkable things are his orangery and gardens, where the wall-fruit-trees are most exquisitely nailed and trained, far better than I ever noted.
In 1695 [his former wife] Dorothy Osborn (age 68) died.
Great x 2 Grandfather: Peter Temple of Stowe 
Great x 1 Grandfather: Anthony Temple
GrandFather: William Temple
Father: John Temple of Dublin