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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Earl Clare

Earl Clare is in Earldoms of England Alphabetically.

There have been three creations of Earl Clare:

1st. 2nd November 1624. John Holles 1st Earl de Clare. Extinct. 15th July 1711.

2nd. 19th October 1714. Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne. Extinct. 17th November 1768.

3rd. 12th June 1795. John Fitzgibbon 1st Earl of de Clare. Extinct. 1864.

Earl Clare 1st Creation 1624

Summary

2nd November 1624. John Holles 1st Earl de Clare (age 60) created.

4th October 1637. Son John Holles 2nd Earl de Clare (age 42) succeeded.

2nd January 1666. Son Gilbert Holles 3rd Earl de Clare (age 32) succeeded.

16th January 1689. Son John Holles 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 27) succeeded.

15th July 1711. John Holles 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne extinct.

On 2nd November 1624 John Holles 1st Earl de Clare (age 60) was created 1st Earl Clare. Anne Stanhope Countess de Clare (age 48) by marriage Countess Clare.

On 4th September 1626 John Holles 2nd Earl de Clare (age 31) and Elizabeth Vere Countess Clare were married. She by marriage Countess Clare. He the son of John Holles 1st Earl de Clare (age 62) and Anne Stanhope Countess de Clare (age 50). They were second cousin once removed.

On 4th October 1637 John Holles 1st Earl de Clare (age 73) died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Nottingham. His son John (age 42) succeeded 2nd Earl Clare, 2nd Baron Haughton.

On 2nd January 1666 John Holles 2nd Earl de Clare (age 70) died. His son Gilbert (age 32) succeeded 3rd Earl Clare, 3rd Baron Haughton. Grace Pierrepont Countess de Clare (age 33) by marriage Countess Clare

On 16th January 1689 Gilbert Holles 3rd Earl de Clare (age 55) died. His son John (age 27) succeeded 4th Earl Clare, 4th Baron Haughton.

On 1st March 1690 John Holles 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 28) and Margaret Cavendish Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 28) were married. She by marriage Countess Clare. She the daughter of Henry Cavendish 2nd Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 59) and Frances Pierrepont Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 59). He the son of Gilbert Holles 3rd Earl de Clare and Grace Pierrepont Countess de Clare (age 57). They were first cousins.

On 15th July 1711 John Holles 1st Duke Newcastle upon Tyne (age 49) died. Duke Newcastle upon Tyne, Earl Clare, Baron Haughton extinct.

Earl Clare 2nd Creation 1714

Summary

19th October 1714. Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne (age 21) created.

17th November 1768. Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne extinct.

Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans

Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 19th October 1714 Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne (age 21) was created 1st Earl Clare and 1st Viscount Haughton with a special remainder to his brother Henry Pelham (age 20).

Earl Clare 3rd Creation 1795

Summary

12th June 1795. John Fitzgibbon 1st Earl of de Clare (age 47) created.

28th January 1802. Son John Fitzgibbon 2nd Earl of de Clare (age 9) succeeded.

18th August 1851. Brother Richard Hobart Fitzgibbon 3rd Earl de Clare (age 58) succeeded.

1864. Richard Hobart Fitzgibbon 3rd Earl de Clare extinct.

On 12th June 1795 John Fitzgibbon 1st Earl of de Clare (age 47) was created 1st Earl Clare.

On 28th January 1802 John Fitzgibbon 1st Earl of de Clare (age 54) died. His son John (age 9) succeeded 2nd Earl Clare.

On 18th August 1851 John Fitzgibbon 2nd Earl of de Clare (age 59) died. His brother Richard (age 58) succeeded 3rd Earl Clare.

In 1864 Richard Hobart Fitzgibbon 3rd Earl de Clare (age 71) died. Earl Clare extinct.