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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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Etal Castle, Northumberland is in Etal, Northumberland [Map], Castles in Northumberland.
Etal Castle, Northumberland [Map] is a ruined medieval fortification in the village of Etal, Northumberland, England. It was built around 1341 by Robert Manners, and comprised a residential tower, a gatehouse and a corner tower, protected by a curtain wall. The castle was involved both in local feuding and the border wars between England and Scotland. There was a battle between the rival Manners and Heron families outside the walls in 1428, and in 1513 it was briefly captured by King James IV of Scotland during his invasion of England.
Robert Manners: In 1298 he was born. On 28th September 1355 Robert Manners died.
On 20th January 1428 William Heron (age 30) was killed during a fight with John Manners (age 53) outside of Etal Castle, Northumberland [Map].
Chronicle of Scotland by Robert Lindesay Volume 1 Book 20 Chapter 18. [September 1513] Hou the king passit to the feild of floudane. Hou the king cuist doun werk [Map]1 and norem [Map]2 and fuird [Map]3 and atill [Map]4. Hou the king mellit with the lady furd. Hou the men of weiris wictuallis wer spendit. Hou the lady of fuird askit licence at the king to wisie hir freindis. Hou the lady fuird schowit the Erle of Surrie all the king of Scotlandis secreittis.
Note 1. Wark Castle, Northumberland [Map].
Note 2. Norham Castle [Map].
Note 3. Ford Castle [Map].
Note 4. Etal Castle, Northumberland [Map].
In 1908 James Joicey 1st Baron Joicey (age 61) bought Etal Castle, Northumberland [Map] and its estates.