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 30th December 1804 [her father] James Bruce Carstairs [aged 34] and [her mother] Andalusia Grant were married.
On 6th December 1809 Andalusia Carstairs was born to [her father] James Bruce Carstairs [aged 39] and [her mother] Andalusia Grant.
On 26th December 1823 Arscott Ourry Molesworth 7th Baronet [aged 34] died at Pencarrow House, Cornwall. His son [her future husband] William [aged 13] succeeded 8th Baronet Molesworth of Pencarrow in Cornwall.
In January 1831 the Bath Herald reviewed a performance of Andalusia Carstairs [aged 21] at a Christmas Eve concert: 'Behold & See (a duet with Braham from the Messiah, Handel), electrified the audience….. Her performance in the whole of the pieces allotted to her was sweet & beautiful in the extreme.'
In June 1831 Temple West [aged 60] and Andalusia Carstairs [aged 21] were married. The difference in their ages was 38 years.
In April 1839 [her husband] Temple West [aged 68] died from a stroke. His will, made within three months of the marriage, left his wife Andalusia Carstairs [aged 29] Mathan Lodge his Worcestershire and some £2000.
On 9th July 1844 William Molesworth 8th Baronet [aged 34] and Andalusia Carstairs [aged 34] were married at St George's Church, Hanover Square. They had met only four months before.
On 10th September 1845 [her father] James Bruce Carstairs [aged 75] died.
Egloshayle Church [Map]. After 10th September 1845. Memorial to [her father] James Bruce Carstairs [aged 75], commissioned by his daughter of Andalusia Carstairs Lady Molesworth [aged 35], wife of [her husband] William Molesworth 8th Baronet [aged 35]. The reference to him being the last Baronet of Kinross would appear to be a mistake although the last Baronet John Bruce 2nd Baronet had a sister Anne Bruce who married a John Carstairs of Kilconquhar?
On 22nd October 1855 [her husband] William Molesworth 8th Baronet [aged 45] died without issue. His half first cousin Hugh [aged 37] succeeded 9th Baronet Molesworth of Pencarrow in Cornwall. His will provided for his widow Andalusia Carstairs [aged 45] to live at Pencarrow during her lifetime.
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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On 16th May 1888 Andalusia Carstairs Lady Molesworth [aged 78] died. She left the bulk of her personal estate £26,140 13s & 7d to her friends Lord Torrington's nephew George Stanley Byng 8th Viscount Torrington [aged 47] who she had never met.