Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes
Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.
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Earl Norfolk is in Earldoms of England Alphabetically.
There have been five creations of Earl Norfolk:
1st. 1066. Ralph "Staller" Gael 1st Earl East Anglia. Extinct. 1096.
2nd. 1141. Hugh Bigod 1st Earl Norfolk. Extinct. 12th December 1306.
3rd. 1312. Thomas of Brotherton 1st Earl Norfolk. Extinct. 19th November 1481.
4th. 7th February 1477. Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York. Extinct. August 1483. Disappearance of the Princes in the Tower.
5th. 1644. Thomas Howard 14th or 21st Earl of Arundel 4th Earl of Surrey 1st Earl Norfolk. Extant.
Earl Norfolk and Suffolk aka East Anglia is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1066. Ralph "Staller" Gael 1st Earl East Anglia [aged 55] created.
1068. Son Ralph de Gael 2nd Earl East Anglia [aged 26] succeeded.
1096. Ralph de Gael 2nd Earl East Anglia extinct.
Around 1066 Ralph "Staller" Gael 1st Earl East Anglia [aged 55] was created 1st Earl Norfolk and Suffolk aka East Anglia.
In 1068 Ralph "Staller" Gael 1st Earl East Anglia [aged 57] died. His son Ralph [aged 26] succeeded 2nd Earl Norfolk and Suffolk aka East Anglia.
Around 1096 Ralph de Gael 2nd Earl East Anglia [aged 54] died. Earl Norfolk and Suffolk aka East Anglia extinct.
Earl Norfolk is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1141. Hugh Bigod 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 46] created.
1177. Son Roger Bigod 2nd Earl Norfolk [aged 33] succeeded.
1221. Son Hugh Bigod 3rd Earl Norfolk [aged 39] succeeded.
18th February 1225. Son Roger Bigod 4th Earl Norfolk [aged 16] succeeded.
1270. Nephew Roger Bigod 5th Earl Norfolk [aged 25] succeeded.
12th December 1306. Roger Bigod 5th Earl Norfolk extinct.
In 1141 Hugh Bigod 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 46] was created 1st Earl Norfolk. Gundred Beaumont Countess Norfolk [aged 6] by marriage Countess Norfolk.
In 1177 Hugh Bigod 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 82] died at Palestine. His son Roger [aged 33] succeeded 2nd Earl Norfolk. Ida Tosny Countess Norfolk [aged 21] by marriage Countess Norfolk.
In 1221 Roger Bigod 2nd Earl Norfolk [aged 77] died. His son Hugh [aged 39] succeeded 3rd Earl Norfolk. Maud Marshal Countess Norfolk and Surrey [aged 27] by marriage Countess Norfolk.
On 18th February 1225 Hugh Bigod 3rd Earl Norfolk [aged 43] died. His son Roger [aged 16] succeeded 4th Earl Norfolk.
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.
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Around May 1225 Roger Bigod 4th Earl Norfolk [aged 16] and Isabella Dunkeld Countess Norfolk [aged 30] were married. She by marriage Countess Norfolk. She the daughter of King William I of Scotland and Ermengarde Beaumont Sarthe Queen Consort Scotland [aged 55]. He the son of Hugh Bigod 3rd Earl Norfolk and Maud Marshal Countess Norfolk and Surrey [aged 31]. They were half second cousin twice removed. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
In 1270 Roger Bigod 4th Earl Norfolk [aged 61] died. His nephew Roger [aged 25] succeeded 5th Earl Norfolk.
In 1290 Roger Bigod 5th Earl Norfolk [aged 45] and Alice Hainaut Countess Norfolk were married. She by marriage Countess Norfolk. She the daughter of John of Avesnes II Count Hainaut II Count Holland [aged 43] and Philippa Luxemburg Countess Hainaut and Holland [aged 38]. They were half fifth cousin once removed. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Stephen I England.
Before 12th December 1306 Roger Bigod 5th Earl Norfolk [aged 61] died. Earl Norfolk extinct. In 1302 Roger Bigod 5th Earl Norfolk had surrendered his Earldom to King Edward I [aged 67] and was recreated Earl Norfolk with the remainder "to the heirs of his body" effectively disinheriting his brother John Bigod having fallen out over the repayment of a loan - see 
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough.
Earl Norfolk is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Succeeded Countesses of England, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1312. Thomas of Brotherton 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 11] created.
4th August 1338. Daughter Margaret Plantagenet 1st Duchess of Norfolk succeeded.
24th March 1399. Grandson Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk [aged 31] succeeded.
22nd September 1399. Son Thomas Mowbray 4th Earl Norfolk 2nd Earl Nottingham [aged 14] succeeded.
8th June 1405. Brother John Mowbray 2nd Duke of Norfolk [aged 13] succeeded. See Northern Rising.
19th October 1432. Son John Mowbray 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 17] succeeded.
6th November 1461. Son John Mowbray 4th Duke of Norfolk [aged 17] succeeded.
17th January 1476. Daughter Anne Mowbray 8th Countess Norfolk [aged 3] succeeded. See Death of the Duke of Norfolk.
19th November 1481. Anne Mowbray 8th Countess Norfolk extinct.
In 1312 Thomas of Brotherton 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 11] was created 1st Earl Norfolk.
Before 12th October 1326 Thomas of Brotherton 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 26] and Alice Hales Countess Norfolk were married. She by marriage Countess Norfolk. He the son of King Edward I of England and Margaret of France Queen Consort England.
Before 4th April 1336 Thomas of Brotherton 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 35] and Mary Brewes Countess Norfolk [aged 34] were married. She by marriage Countess Norfolk. He the son of King Edward I of England and Margaret of France Queen Consort England. They were half second cousin twice removed. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King John of England.
On 4th August 1338 Thomas of Brotherton 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 38] died at Framlingham Castle, Suffolk [Map]. His daughter Margaret succeeded 2nd Countess Norfolk. She also succeeded to the title Earl Marshal, the only woman to have held this office, and inherited Framlingham Castle, Suffolk [Map].
On 24th March 1399 Margaret Plantagenet 1st Duchess of Norfolk died. Duke Norfolk extinct since it was created for life only. She was buried in the choir of Christ Church, Greyfriars [Map]. Her grandson Thomas [aged 31] succeeded 3rd Earl Norfolk. Elizabeth Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk [aged 33] by marriage Countess Norfolk.
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 22nd September 1399 Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk [aged 31] died of plague in Venice [Map] whilst in exile. He was buried at St Mark's Cathedral, Venice [Map]. Duke Norfolk forfeit. His son Thomas [aged 14] succeeded 4th Earl Norfolk, 2nd Earl Nottingham, 7th Baron Mowbray, 8th Baron Segrave and Earl Marshal.
Before 1st June 1402 Thomas Mowbray 4th Earl Norfolk 2nd Earl Nottingham [aged 16] and Constance Holland Countess Norfolk and Nottingham [aged 15] were married. She by marriage Countess Norfolk, Countess Nottingham. She the daughter of John Holland 1st Duke Exeter and Elizabeth Lancaster Duchess Exeter [aged 39]. He the son of Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk and Elizabeth Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk [aged 36]. They were third cousins. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
On 8th June 1405 before a great crowd at York [Map]..
Archbishop Richard Scrope [aged 55] was beheaded.
Thomas Mowbray 4th Earl Norfolk 2nd Earl Nottingham [aged 19] was beheaded. His brother John [aged 13] succeeded 5th Earl Norfolk, 3rd Earl Nottingham, 8th Baron Mowbray, 9th Baron Segrave.
On 19th October 1432 John Mowbray 2nd Duke of Norfolk [aged 40] died at Epworth. His son John [aged 17] succeeded 3rd Duke Norfolk, 6th Earl Norfolk, 4th Earl Nottingham, 9th Baron Mowbray, 10th Baron Segrave and Earl Marshal.
On 6th November 1461 John Mowbray 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 46] died. He was buried at Thetford Priory, Norfolk [Map]. His son John [aged 17] succeeded 4th Duke Norfolk, 7th Earl Norfolk, 5th Earl Nottingham, 10th Baron Mowbray, 11th Baron Segrave and Earl Marshal.
On 17th January 1476 John Mowbray 4th Duke of Norfolk [aged 31] died at Framlingham Castle, Suffolk [Map]. Suspicious since he was only 32? Duke Norfolk, Earl Surrey and Earl Nottingham extinct. His daughter Anne [aged 3] succeeded 8th Countess Norfolk, 11th Baroness Mowbray, 12th Baroness Segrave and inherited the vast Mowbray estates. She was subsequently married to Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York [aged 2] two years later.
On 19th November 1481 Anne Mowbray 8th Countess Norfolk [aged 8] died at Greenwich, Kent [Map]. She was buried at Chapel of St Erasmus of Formiae, Westminster Abbey [Map]. Earl Norfolk extinct. Baron Mowbray and Baron Segrave abeyant.
Earl Norfolk is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
7th February 1477. Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York [aged 3] created.
August 1483. Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York extinct. See Disappearance of the Princes in the Tower.
On 7th February 1477 Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York [aged 3] was created 1st Duke Norfolk, 1st Earl Norfolk by his father King Edward IV of England [aged 34] in preparation for his marriage to Anne Mowbray 8th Countess Norfolk [aged 4]. She, Anne, being daughter of the last Duke of Norfolk of the 1st Creation John Mowbray 4th Duke of Norfolk.
Around August 1483 the Princes in the Tower, brothers King Edward V of England [aged 12] and Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York [aged 9] disappeared from the Tower of London [Map].
King Edward V of England: Earl March and Earl Pembroke extinct.
Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York: Duke York, Duke Norfolk and Earl Norfolk, Earl Nottingham extinct.
Commines writes "Not long after, he received letters from the Duke of Gloucester, who had made himself king, styled himself Richard III, and barbarously murdered his two nephews".
Robert Ricart, Mayor of Bristol: "And this yere the two sonnes of King E. were put to scylence in the Towre of London." although it should be noted this was written in the margin.
Croyland Chronicle: "while a rumour was spread that the sons of king Edward before-named had died a violent death, but it was uncertain how."
Polydore Vergil: "And to rid himself of this altogether he decided to kill his nephews, for as long as they were safe he could by no means be free of danger."
Jean Molinet: "They were imprisoned for about five weeks; and by the captain of the tower, the Duke Richard secretly had them put to death and eliminated."
Mancini: "I have seen not a few people burst into tears and weep when his memory was brought up after he was removed from the sight of men, and it was already suspected that he had been eliminated. Whether he has indeed been removed, and by what manner of death, I have not yet discovered."
Robert Fabyan: "In which passe tyme the prynce, or of ryght kynge Edwarde the v., with his broder the duke of Yorke, were put under suer kepynge within the Tower, in suche wyse that they neuer came abrode after."
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Earl Norfolk is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extant Earldoms of England.
Summary
1644. Thomas Howard 14th or 21st Earl of Arundel 4th Earl of Surrey 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 58] created.
4th October 1646. Son Henry Howard 15th or 22nd Earl of Arundel 5th Earl of Surrey 2nd Earl Norfolk [aged 38] succeeded.
17th April 1652. Son Thomas Howard 5th Duke of Norfolk [aged 25] succeeded.
13th December 1677. Brother Henry Howard 6th Duke of Norfolk [aged 49] succeeded.
13th January 1684. Son Henry Howard 7th Duke of Norfolk [aged 29] succeeded.
2nd April 1701. Nephew Thomas Howard 8th Duke of Norfolk [aged 17] succeeded.
23rd December 1732. Brother Edward Howard 9th Duke of Norfolk [aged 46] succeeded.
20th September 1777. Second Cousin Charles Howard 10th Duke of Norfolk [aged 56] succeeded.
31st August 1786. Son Charles Howard 11th Duke of Norfolk [aged 40] succeeded.
16th December 1815. Third Cousin Bernard Howard 12th Duke of Norfolk [aged 50] succeeded.
16th March 1842. Son Henry Charles Howard 13th Duke of Norfolk [aged 50] succeeded.
18th February 1856. Son Henry Granville Fitzalan 14th Duke of Norfolk [aged 41] succeeded.
1860. Son Henry Fitzalan Howard 15th Duke of Norfolk [aged 12] succeeded.
11th February 1917. Son Bernard Fitzalan 16th Duke of Norfolk [aged 8] succeeded.
31st January 1975. Second Cousin Miles Stapleton Fitzalan Howard 17th Duke of Norfolk [aged 59] succeeded.
24th June 2002. Son Edward Fitzalan-Howard 18th Duke of Norfolk [aged 45] succeeded.
In 1644 Thomas Howard 14th or 21st Earl of Arundel 4th Earl of Surrey 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 58] was created 1st Earl Norfolk. Alethea Talbot Countess Arundel, Surrey and Norfolk [aged 59] by marriage Countess Norfolk.
On 4th October 1646 Thomas Howard 14th or 21st Earl of Arundel 4th Earl of Surrey 1st Earl Norfolk [aged 61] died. His son Henry [aged 38] succeeded 14th or 22nd Earl Arundel, 5th Earl Surrey, 2nd Earl Norfolk, 12th Baron Maltravers, 12th Baron Arundel, 15th Baron Mowbray, 16th Baron Segrave. Elizabeth Stewart Countess Arundel and Norfolk [aged 36] by marriage Countess Arundel, Countess Norfolk, Countess Norfolk.
On 17th April 1652 Henry Howard 15th or 22nd Earl of Arundel 5th Earl of Surrey 2nd Earl Norfolk [aged 43] died. His son Thomas [aged 25] succeeded 16th or 23rd Earl Arundel, 6th Earl Surrey, 3rd Earl Norfolk, 13th Baron Maltravers, 13th Baron Arundel, 16th Baron Mowbray, 17th Baron Segrave.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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On 13th December 1677 Thomas Howard 5th Duke of Norfolk [aged 50] died in Padua unmarried. He had suffered mental disabilities all his life. His brother Henry [aged 49] succeeded 6th Duke Norfolk, 17th or 24th Earl Arundel, 7th Earl Surrey, 4th Earl Norfolk, 18th Baron Segrave, 19th Baron Strange Blackmere, 17th Baron Mowbray, 16th Baron Talbot, 15th Baron Furnivall, 14th Baron Maltravers, 14th Baron Arundel. Jane Bickerton Duchess Norfolk [aged 34] by marriage Duchess Norfolk. The marriage being so unpopular with his family they went abroad for some time.
On 13th January 1684 Henry Howard 6th Duke of Norfolk [aged 55] died. His son Henry [aged 29] succeeded 7th Duke Norfolk, 18th or 25th Earl Arundel, 8th Earl Surrey, 5th Earl Norfolk, 2nd Earl Norwich, 18th Baron Mowbray, 19th Baron Segrave, 16th Baron Furnivall, 20th Baron Strange Blackmere, 17th Baron Talbot, 15th Baron Maltravers, 15th Baron Arundel, 2nd Baron Howard of Castle Rising, Earl Marshal. Mary Mordaunt Duchess Norfolk [aged 25] by marriage Duchess Norfolk.
On 2nd April 1701 Henry Howard 7th Duke of Norfolk [aged 46] died of apoplexy. He was buried in the Fitzalan Chapel, Arundel Castle [Map]. His nephew Thomas [aged 17] succeeded 8th Duke Norfolk, 19th or 26th Earl Arundel, 9th Earl Surrey, 6th Earl Norfolk, 3rd Earl Norwich, 19th Baron Mowbray, 20th Baron Segrave, 17th Baron Furnivall, 21st Baron Strange Blackmere, 18th Baron Talbot, 16th Baron Maltravers, 16th Baron Arundel, 3rd Baron Howard of Castle Rising.
On 23rd December 1732 Thomas Howard 8th Duke of Norfolk [aged 49] died without issue. His brother Edward [aged 46] succeeded 9th Duke Norfolk, 20th or 27th Earl Arundel, 10th Earl Surrey, 7th Earl Norfolk, 4th Earl Norwich, 20th Baron Mowbray, 21st Baron Segrave, 18th Baron Furnivall, 22nd Baron Strange Blackmere, 19th Baron Talbot, 17th Baron Maltravers, 17th Baron Arundel, 4th Baron Howard of Castle Rising and Earl Marshal. Mary Blount Duchess Norfolk [aged 21] by marriage Duchess Norfolk.
On 20th September 1777 Edward Howard 9th Duke of Norfolk [aged 91] died. Earl Norwich and Baron Howard of Castle Rising extinct. His second cousin Charles [aged 56] succeeded 10th Duke Norfolk, 21st or 28th Earl Arundel, 11th Earl Surrey, 8th Earl Norfolk, 18th Baron Maltravers, 18th Baron Arundel. Catherine Brockholes Duchess Norfolk [aged 59] by marriage Duchess Norfolk. Baron Furnivall, Baron Talbot, Baron Strange Blackmere, Baron Mowbray and Baron Segrave abeyant.
On 31st August 1786 Charles Howard 10th Duke of Norfolk [aged 65] died. His son Charles [aged 40] succeeded 11th Duke Norfolk, 22nd or 29th Earl Arundel, 12th Earl Surrey, 9th Earl Norfolk, 19th Baron Maltravers, 19th Baron Arundel. Frances Scudamore Duchess Norfolk [aged 36] by marriage Duchess Norfolk.
On 16th December 1815 Charles Howard 11th Duke of Norfolk [aged 69] died. His third cousin Bernard [aged 50] succeeded 12th Duke Norfolk, 23rd or 30th Earl Arundel, 13th Earl Surrey, 10th Earl Norfolk, 20th Baron Maltravers, 20th Baron Arundel. Elizabeth Belasyse Duchess Norfolk [aged 45] by marriage Duchess Norfolk.
On 16th March 1842 Bernard Howard 12th Duke of Norfolk [aged 76] died. He was buried at Fitzalan Chapel, Arundel Castle [Map]. His son Henry [aged 50] succeeded 13th Duke Norfolk, 24th or 31st Earl Arundel, 14th Earl Surrey, 11th Earl Norfolk, 21st Baron Maltravers, 21st Baron Arundel. Charlotte Sophia Leveson-Gower Duchess Norfolk [aged 54] by marriage Duchess Norfolk.
On 18th February 1856 Henry Charles Howard 13th Duke of Norfolk [aged 64] died. His son Henry [aged 41] succeeded 14th Duke Norfolk, 25th or 32nd Earl Arundel, 15th Earl Surrey, 12th Earl Norfolk, 22nd Baron Maltravers, 22nd Baron Arundel.
In 1860 Henry Granville Fitzalan 14th Duke of Norfolk [aged 45] died. His son Henry [aged 12] succeeded 15th Duke Norfolk, 26th or 33rd Earl Arundel, 16th Earl Surrey, 13th Earl Norfolk, 23rd Baron Maltravers, 23rd Baron Arundel.
On 11th February 1917 Henry Fitzalan Howard 15th Duke of Norfolk [aged 69] died. His son Bernard [aged 8] succeeded 16th Duke Norfolk, 27th or 34th Earl Arundel, 17th Earl Surrey, 14th Earl Norfolk, 24th Baron Maltravers, 24th Baron Arundel.
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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On 31st January 1975 Bernard Fitzalan 16th Duke of Norfolk [aged 66] died. His second cousin Miles [aged 59] succeeded 17th Duke Norfolk, 28th or 35th Earl Arundel, 18th Earl Surrey, 15th Earl Norfolk, 25th Baron Maltravers, 25th Baron Arundel. Anne Constable-Maxwell Duchess Norfolk [aged 47] by marriage Duchess Norfolk. His daughter Anne [aged 36] succeeded 14th Lord Herries of Terregles.
On 24th June 2002 Miles Stapleton Fitzalan Howard 17th Duke of Norfolk [aged 86] died. His son Edward [aged 45] succeeded 18th Duke Norfolk, 36th Earl Arundel, 19th Earl Surrey, 16th Earl Norfolk, 26th Baron Maltravers, 26th Baron Arundel, 5th Baron Howard of Glossop in Derbyshire, 13th Baron Beaumont. Georgina Susan Gore Duchess of Norfolk [aged 40] by marriage Duchess Norfolk.