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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MP Bere Alston is in Member Parliament.
In 1584 Edward Phelips (age 27) was elected MP Bere Alston.
In 1624 Thomas Jermyn (age 7) was elected MP Bere Alston.
In 1640 Hugh Pollard 2nd Baronet (age 37) was elected MP Bere Alston in the Long Parliament.
In 1646 Francis Drake 2nd Baronet (age 28) was elected MP Bere Alston.
In 1665 Joseph Maynard (age 25) was elected MP Bere Alston.
In 1694 Henry Hobart 4th Baronet (age 37) was elected MP Bere Alston.
In 1727 Francis Drake 4th Baronet (age 33) was elected MP Tavistock and MP Bere Alston. He chose to sit for Tavistock which seat he held until 1734.
In 1727 William Morden aka Harbord 1st Baronet (age 31) was elected MP Bere Alston.
In 1727 John Hobart 1st Earl Buckinghamshire (age 33) was elected MP Bere Alston.
In 1728 Archer Croft 2nd Baronet (age 44) was elected MP Bere Alston.
In 1734 Francis Drake 4th Baronet (age 40) was elected MP Bere Alston which seat he held until his death in 1740.
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 1741 William Morden aka Harbord 1st Baronet (age 45) was elected MP Bere Alston.
In 1790 George Howland Beaumont 7th Baronet (age 36) was elected MP Bere Alston which seat he held until 1796.