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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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Amesbury, Wiltshire is in Amesbury Hundred, Wiltshire.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 994. This year died Archbishop Siric: and Elfric, Bishop of Wiltshire, was chosen on Easter-day, at Amesbury [Map], by King Ethelred (age 28) and all his council. This year came Anlaf and Sweyne to London, on the Nativity of St. Mary, with four and ninety-ships. And they closely besieged the city, and would fain have set it on fire; but they sustained more harm and evil than they ever supposed that any citizens could inflict on them. The holy mother of God on that day in her mercy considered the citizens, and ridded them of their enemies. Thence they advanced, and wrought the greatest evil that ever any army could do, in burning and plundering and manslaughter, not only on the sea-coast in Essex, but in Kent and in Sussex and in Hampshire. Next they took horse, and rode as wide as they would, and committed unspeakable evil. Then resolved the king and his council to send to them, and offer them tribute and provision, on condition that they desisted from plunder. The terms they accepted; and the whole army came to Southampton, Hampshire [Map], and there fixed their winter-quarters; where they were fed by all the subjects of the West-Saxon kingdom. And they gave them 16,000 pounds in money. Then sent the king; after King Anlaf Bishop Elfeah and Alderman Ethelwerd;48 and, hostages being left with the ships, they led Anlaf with great pomp to the king at Andover, Hampshire [Map]. And King Ethelred received him at episcopal hands, and honoured him with royal presents. In return Anlaf promised, as he also performed, that he never again would come in a hostile manner to England.
Note 48. This was probably the veteran historian of that name, who was killed in the severe encounter with the Danes at Alton (Aethelingadene) in the year 1001.
In 1187 Ela of Salisbury 3rd Countess of Salisbury was born to William of Salisbury 2nd Earl Salisbury (age 37) and Eleanor Vitre Countess of Salisbury (age 29) in Amesbury, Wiltshire [Map]. She married 1196 her fifth cousin once removed William Longespée Earl Salisbury, son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and Ida Tosny Countess Norfolk, and had issue.
On 21st March 1316 Isabel Verdun Baroness Ferrers Groby was born to Theobald Verdun 2nd Lord Verdun (age 37) and Elizabeth Clare Lady Verdun (age 20) at Amesbury, Wiltshire [Map]. She a great granddaughter of King Edward I of England. She married before 28th February 1333 her fourth cousin once removed Henry Ferrers 2nd Baron Ferrers of Groby, son of William Ferrers 1st Baron Ferrers of Groby and Ellen or Margaret Segrave Baroness Ferrers Groby, and had issue.
The Wiltshire River Avon is formed from the confluence of the River Avon West, Wiltshire and River Avon East, Wiltshire one kilometre before Upavon, Wiltshire [Map] after which it flows broadly south past East Chisenbury, Wiltshire [Map], Enford, Wiltshire [Map], Fifield, Wiltshire [Map], Fittleton, Wiltshire [Map], Netheravon, Wiltshire [Map], Figheldean, Wiltshire [Map], Durrington Walls, around Amesbury, Wiltshire [Map] and past Amesbury Abbey, Wiltshire [Map], Wilsford, Wiltshire [Map], Great Durnford, Wiltshire [Map], Middle Woodford, Wiltshire [Map], Little Durnford, Wiltshire [Map], Old Sarum [Map], Stratford sub Castle, Wiltshire [Map], through Salisbury where it is joined by the River Nadder
After Salisbury the Wiltshire River Avon flows south in multiple channels past Longford Castle, Wiltshire [Map], after which it is joined by the River Eble, then Charlton-All-Saints, Wiltshire [Map], Downton, Wiltshire [Map], Breamore, Hampshire [Map], Burgate, Hampshire [Map], Fordingbridge, Hampshire [Map], Bickton, Hampshire [Map], Ibsley, Hampshire [Map], Ringwood, Hampshire [Map], Bistern, Hampshire [Map], Sopley, Hampshire [Map], Avon, Dorset [Map] and Christchurch, Dorset [Map] before reaching Christchurch Harbour where it joins the English Channel.
