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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Birling, Kent is in Kent.
On 20th November 1253 William Saye was born to William Saye (age 44) and Sybil Marshal (age 44) at Birling, Kent [Map].
On 17th June 1340 William Saye 3rd Baron Say was born to Geoffrey Saye 2nd Baron Say (age 31) and Maud Beauchamp Baroness Say (age 30) at Birling, Kent [Map]. He married his third cousin once removed Beatrice Brewes Baroness Say and had issue.
On 12th December 1574 Thomas Fane (age 64) and Mary Neville 7th and 5th Baroness Abergavenny 3rd Baroness Despencer (age 20) were married at Birling, Kent [Map]. The difference in their ages was 44 years.
In September 1576 Frances Manners Baroness Bergavenny (age 46) died at Birling, Kent [Map].
Around 1602 Charles Neville was born to Henry Neville 2nd Baron Abergavenny (age 23) and Mary Sackville (age 18) at Birling, Kent [Map].
On 15th October 1616 Rachel Lennard Baroness Bergavenny (age 63) died in Birling, Kent [Map].
On 1st December 1622 Edward Neville 1st Baron Abergavenny (age 72) died. He was buried at Birling, Kent [Map]. His son Henry (age 43) succeeded 2nd Baron Abergavenny. Catherine Vaux Baroness Bergavenny (age 30) by marriage Baroness Abergavenny.
Before 24th December 1641 Henry Neville 2nd Baron Abergavenny (age 62) died. He was buried at Birling, Kent [Map]. His granddaughter Margaret succeeded 3rd Baroness Abergavenny.
Before 7th June 1649 Christopher Neville (age 65) died. On 7th June 1649 he was buried at Birling, Kent [Map].
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 19th May 1873 Caroline Leeke Countess Abergavenny died at Birling, Kent [Map].
Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1528. This day, as the King came "towards evensong," the marquis of Exeter brought two great bucks from Burllyng [Map], the best of which the King sends to your Grace. This day the King has received his Maker at the Friars', when my Lord of Lincoln administered. On Tuesday the King goes to Waltham [Map]. Greenwich [Map], Corpus Christi Day. Signed.
On 8th February 1394 Thomas Cobham (age 51) died. He was buried at All Saints Church, Birling.
After 4th June 1535 George Neville 5th and 3rd Baron Abergavenny (deceased) died. He was buried at All Saints Church, Birling; his heart was buried at Mereworth, probably St Lawrence's Church, Mereworth. His son Henry (age 5) succeeded 6th Baron Abergavenny, 4th Baron Abergavenny.