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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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Groom of the Stool is in Grooms.
In 1509 William Compton (age 27) was appointed Groom of the Stool to King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 17).
In 1526 Henry Norreys (age 44) was appointed Groom of the Stool.
John Evelyn's Diary. 17th June 1683. I visited my Lady Arlington (age 49), groom of the stole to her Majesty (age 44), who being hardly set down to supper, word was brought her that the Queen was going into the park to walk, it being now near eleven at night; the alarm caused the Countess to rise in all haste, and leave her supper to us.
In 1685 Robert Leke 3rd Earl Scarsdale (age 30) was appointed Groom of the Stool.
John Evelyn's Diary. 17th February 1685. This morning his Ma* (age 51) restor'd the staffe and key to Lord Arlington (age 67), Chamberlaine; to Mr. Savell (age 43), Vice-chamberlaine; to Lords Newport (age 64) and Malnard (age 62), Treasurer and Comptroler of the Household; Lord Godolphin (age 39) made Chamberlaine to ye Queene (age 26); Lord Peterborow (age 63) Groome of ye Stole in place of the Earle of Bath (age 56); the Treasurer's staff to the Earle of Rochester (age 42); and his brother the Earle of Clarendon Lord Privie Seale in place of the Marquis of Halifax (age 51), who was made President of the Council; the Secretarys of State remaining as before.
John Evelyn's Diary. 23rd January 1686. I din'd at my Lady Arlington's (age 52), groome of the stole to the Queene Dowager (age 47), at Somerset House [Map], where din'd the Countesses of Devonshire (age 40), Dover (age 76), &c. in all 11 ladys of quality, no man but myselfe being there.
John Evelyn's Diary. 5th December 1686. I dined at my Lady Arlington's (age 52), Groom of the Stole to the Queen Dowager (age 48) at Somerset House [Map], where dined divers French noblemen, driven out of their country by the persecution.
On 22nd April 1689 Elizabeth Butler Countess Derby (age 29) was appointed Principal Lady in Waiting to Mary Stewart II Queen England Scotland and Ireland (age 26) as well as Groom of the Stool and Mistress of the Robes attracting a salary of £1200 per annum (£800 and £400 respectively).
John Evelyn's Diary. 8th December 1700. Great alterations of officers at Court, and elsewhere, - Lord Chief Justice Treby died; he was a learned man in his profession, of which we have now few, never fewer; the Chancery requiring so little skill in deep law-learning, if the practicer can talk eloquently in that Court; so that probably few care to study the law to any purpose. Lord Marlborough (age 50) Master of the Ordnance, in place of Lord Romney (age 59) made Groom of the Stole. The Earl of Rochester (age 58) goes Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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In 1761 Francis Hastings 10th Earl Huntingdon (age 31) was appointed Groom of the Stool which position he held until 1770.
In 1812 Charles Burroughs-Paulet 13th Marquess Winchester (age 47) was appointed Groom of the Stool to King George III (age 73). He held this office through the reigns of King George IV (age 49) and King William IV (age 46) until King William's death in 1837.
Thomas Heneage was appointed Groom of the Stool to King Henry VIII of England and Ireland.