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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Islands is in England.
On 21st April 1847 Bishop Walter Augustus Shirley [aged 49] died at Bishop's Court Isle of Man.
Castle Rushen is also in Castles in Isle of Man.
In 28th November 1832 Cornelius Smelt [aged 84] died in office at Castle Rushen [Map]. He was buried under the altar at St Mary's Church, Castletown [Map].
On 10th August 1826 Cornelius Smelt [aged 78] attended a meeting at the George Inn, Castletown, there being present some of the highest officials then residing in Castletown, Chairman of the meeting being Colonel Mark Wilks. At the meeting a resolution was passed to commission a portrait of Governor Smelt by Thomas Barber [aged 55]. The portrait was purchased by Captain Caesar Bacon, husband of Smelt's daughter, and was placed in his home at Seafield, Santon. The portrait stayed in the family until 1925 when it was presented to the Manx Museum.
Between September 1651 and November 1651 a rebellion against the Royalist leader of the Isle of Man James Stanley 7th Earl of Derby [aged 44] who had been captured at the Battle of Worcester. His wife Charlotte Thouars Countess Derby [aged 51] resisted the rebels with the aid of Philip Musgrave 2nd Baronet [aged 44] and Illiam Dhone (her husband's Receiver General). The Countess eventually surrendered after hearing of her husband's death. Illiam Dhone changed sides and worked with Parliamentarian soldiers to achieve a bloodless coup. Illiam Dhone was eventually arrested by the Earl's son Charles Stanley 8th Earl of Derby [aged 23] and executed by firing squad at Hango Hill on 2nd January 1663.
In 28th November 1832 Cornelius Smelt [aged 84] died in office at Castle Rushen [Map]. He was buried under the altar at St Mary's Church, Castletown [Map].
Around 1985 St Mary's Church, Castletown [Map] was deconsecrated. The remains of Cornelius Smelt were exhumed and reinterred in the Bacon family vault alongside his daughter at St Peter's Church in Onchan.
In 1822 Ambrose St John [aged 62] died at Douglas.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 25th July 1044. This year died Elfward, Bishop of London, on the eighth day before the calends of August. He was formerly Abbot of Evesham, and well furthered that monastery the while that he was there. He went then to Ramsey, and there resigned his life: and Mannie was chosen abbot, being consecrated on the fourth day before the ides of August.
