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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Paternal Family Tree: Vesey
On 10th March 1638 Archbishop John Vesey was born to [his father] Rector Thomas Vesey. He was educated at Westminster School [Map] and Trinity College, Dublin.
After 1665 Archbishop John Vesey (age 26) and Anne Muschamp (age 15) were married.
Around 1668 [his son] Bishop Thomas Vesey 1st Baronet was born to Archbishop John Vesey (age 29) and [his wife] Anne Muschamp (age 18) at Cork [Map]. He married before 6th August 1730 his first cousin Mary Muschamp and had issue.
Before 1672 John Vesey (age 33) was appointed Archdeacon of Armagh and Dean of Cork.
On 11th January 1673 Dean John Vesey (age 34) was elected Bishop of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe.
On 22nd December 1673 Bishop John Vesey (age 35) was consecrated Bishop of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe.
On 21st January 1677 [his son] Agmondisham Vesey was born to Archbishop John Vesey (age 38) and [his wife] Anne Muschamp (age 27). He married 26th February 1696 Charlotte Sarsfield, daughter of William Sarsfield and Mary Walters.
On 18th March 1679 Bishop John Vesey (age 41) was translated to Archbishop of Tuam.
In 1682 [his son] George Vesey was born to Archbishop John Vesey (age 43) and [his wife] Anne Muschamp (age 32).
On 26th February 1696 [his son] Agmondisham Vesey (age 19) and [his daughter-in-law] Charlotte Sarsfield (age 23) were married.
On 28th March 1716 Archbishop John Vesey (age 78) died.
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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On 2nd June 1721 [his former wife] Anne Muschamp (age 71) died.
GrandFather: William Vesey
Father: Rector Thomas Vesey