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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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Earl Portarlington is in Earl Ireland.
In 1785 John Dawson 1st Earl Portarlington (age 40) was created 1st Earl Portarlington. Caroline Stuart Countess Portarlington (age 22) by marriage Countess Portarlington.
On 25th November 1798 John Dawson 1st Earl Portarlington (age 54) died. His son John (age 17) succeeded 2nd Earl Portarlington.
On 28th December 1845 John Dawson 2nd Earl Portarlington (age 64) died unmarried. His nephew Henry (age 23) succeeded 3rd Earl Portarlington.
On 3rd September 1847 Henry John Reuben Dawson-Damer 3rd Earl of Portarlington (age 24) and Alexandrina Octavia Maria Vane Countess Portarlington (age 24) were married. She by marriage Countess Portarlington. She the daughter of Charles William Vane 3rd Marquess Londonderry (age 69) and Frances Vane Tempest Marchioness Londonderry (age 47).
On 1st March 1889 Henry John Reuben Dawson-Damer 3rd Earl of Portarlington (age 66) died without issue. His first cousin Lionel (age 56) succeeded 4th Earl Portarlington. Harriet Lydia Robinson Montagu Countess Portarlington by marriage Countess Portarlington.
On 17th December 1892 Lionel Dawson-Damer 4th Earl of Portarlington (age 60) died. His son Lionel (age 34) succeeded 5th Earl Portarlington.
On 31st August 1900 Lionel Dawson-Damer 5th Earl of Portarlington (age 42) died. His son Lionel (age 17) succeeded 6th Earl Portarlington.
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 4th July 1959 Lionel Dawson-Damer 6th Earl of Portarlington (age 75) died. His grandson George (age 20) succeeded 7th Earl Portarlington.
On 6th October 2024 George Dawson-Damer 7th Earl of Portarlington (age 86) died. His son Charles (age 59) succeeded 8th Earl Portarlington.