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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Canon Row, Westminster Abbey Area, London, England, British Isles

Canon Row is in Westminster Abbey Area.

On 19th March 1553 Richard Cecil (age 58) died at Canon Row. He was buried at St Margaret's Church, Westminster [Map].

In 1572 Thomas Wharton 2nd Baron Wharton (age 52) died at Canon Row. His son Philip (age 17) succeeded 3rd Baron Wharton. Frances Clifford Baroness Wharton by marriage Baroness Wharton.

Hertford House Canon Row, Westminster Abbey Area, London, England, British Isles

Before 25th December 1560 Edward Seymour 1st Earl Hertford (age 21) and Catherine Grey Countess Hertford (age 20) were married in secret by an anonymous clergyman at Hertford House Canon Row. She by marriage Countess Hertford. She the daughter of Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk and Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk. He the son of Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset and Anne Stanhope Duchess Somerset (age 63). They were sixth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

Prior's Winehouse, Canon Row, Westminster Abbey Area, London, England, British Isles

Roger Whitley's Diary. 4th January 1690. Satorday, went to Parliment; dined at Prior's Winehouse with 2 Mainwarings, Dousdale & Burrage; Bromley came to us before & after dinner; I left them together, went to Committe; called at the Rummer Tavern (neare Lockets) at my retorne for Roger, he went home with me; stayd neare an houer &c; I stayd at home all night.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 7th January 1690. Tuesday, went to Parliment; dined at Prior's Winehouse with Mainwaring, Borage & Blake; came home about 6; Mr Thomas came & supt; parted neare 8.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 8th January 1690. Wednesday, went to Parliment dined at Prior's Winehouse with 2 Mainwarings, Andrews, Hussey &c; went to the Committe; called on Roger at the Rummer Tavern, parted past 9.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 9th January 1690. Thursday, went to Parliment dined at Prior's Winehouse with 2 Mainwarings, Andrews, Guyse, sollicitor &c; went to Committe, then (with 2 Mainwarings) to the Castle in Fleet Streete; there was Dashwood, Lewes, Thomas & my sonne (age 39); afterwards came Edisbury; we parted past 10.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 13th January 1690. Monday, went to Parliment; dined at Prior's Winehouse with G. Mainwaring (age 47), Foly, 2 Harleys, Blake, Montague & 3 other Members (I know not theire names) went to the Commite & to the Cellar (to Roger) past 7; stayd till neare 9; then went home.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 16th January 1690. Thursday, went to Parliment dined at Prior's Winehouse with 2 Mainwarings & Stratford; went to Committe (till past 9) then to the Cellar with 2 Mainwarings; parted neare 11.

Roger Whitley's Diary. 17th January 1690. Friday, went to Parliment; dined at Prior's Winehouse with 2 Mainwarings went to Committe; then to the Globe in Chancery Lane; there was Halles & 2 Mainwarings parted past 10.