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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Marquess Douglas is in Marquess.
Around 1645 William Douglas 1st Marquess Douglas [aged 56] was created 1st Marquess Douglas. Mary Gordon Marchioness Douglas [aged 45] by marriage Marchioness Douglas.
On 19th February 1660 William Douglas 1st Marquess Douglas [aged 71] died at Douglas Castle, Douglas. His grandson James [aged 14] succeeded 2nd Marquess Douglas.
On 7th September 1670 James Douglas 2nd Marquess Douglas [aged 24] and Barbara Erskine Marchioness Douglas were married. She by marriage Marchioness Douglas. She the daughter of John Erskine 21st Earl of Mar. He the son of Archibald Douglas 1st Earl Ormonde 12th Earl Angus and Anne Stewart. They were sixth cousins.
On 13th December 1692 James Douglas 2nd Marquess Douglas [aged 46] and Mary Kerr Marchioness Douglas [aged 18] were married. She by marriage Marchioness Douglas. The difference in their ages was 28 years. She the daughter of Robert Kerr 1st Marquess Lothian [aged 56] and Jean Campbell. He the son of Archibald Douglas 1st Earl Ormonde 12th Earl Angus and Anne Stewart. They were fourth cousin once removed.
On 25th February 1700 James Douglas 2nd Marquess Douglas [aged 54] died. His son Archibald [aged 5] succeeded 2nd Marquess Douglas.
On 21st July 1761 Archibald Douglas 1st Duke of Douglas [aged 66] died. Duke Douglas extinct. His half second cousin twice removed James [aged 6] succeeded 3rd Marquess Douglas.
On 7th July 1769 James Hamilton 7th Duke Hamilton 4th Duke Brandon [aged 14] died at Hamilton Palace, Hamilton. His brother Douglas [aged 12] succeeded 8th Duke Hamilton, 5th Duke Brandon of Suffolk, 4th Marquess Douglas, 5th Baron Dutton of Cheshire.
On 2nd August 1799 Douglas Hamilton 8th Duke Hamilton 5th Duke Brandon [aged 43] died at Hamilton Palace, Hamilton. His uncle Archibald [aged 59] succeeded 9th Duke Hamilton, 6th Duke Brandon of Suffolk, 5th Marquess Douglas, 6th Baron Dutton of Cheshire. His half brother George [aged 30] succeeded 3rd Baron Hamilton of Hameldon in Leicestershire.
On 16th February 1819 Archibald Hamilton 9th Duke Hamilton 6th Duke Brandon [aged 78] died. His son Alexander [aged 51] succeeded 10th Duke Hamilton, 7th Duke Brandon of Suffolk, 6th Marquess Douglas, 7th Baron Dutton of Cheshire. Susanna Euphemia Beckford Duchess Hamilton Duchess Brandon [aged 32] by marriage Duchess Hamilton, Duchess Brandon of Suffolk.
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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 18th August 1852 Alexander Hamilton 10th Duke Hamilton 7th Duke Brandon [aged 84] died. His son William [aged 41] succeeded 11th Duke Hamilton, 8th Duke Brandon of Suffolk, 7th Marquess Douglas, 8th Baron Dutton of Cheshire.
On 8th July 1863 William Alexander Archibald Hamilton 11th Duke Hamilton 8th Duke Brandon [aged 52] died. His son William [aged 18] succeeded 12th Duke Hamilton, 8th Marquess Douglas, 9th Duke Brandon of Suffolk, 9th Baron Dutton of Cheshire.
On 16th May 1895 William Douglas Hamilton 12th Duke Hamilton 9th Duke Brandon [aged 50] died at Algiers. His fourth cousin Alfred [aged 33] succeeded 13th Duke Hamilton, 10th Duke Brandon of Suffolk, 9th Marquess Douglas, 10th Baron Dutton of Cheshire.
On 16th March 1940 Alfred Douglas-Hamilton 13th Duke of Hamilton 10th Duke Brandon [aged 78] died. His son Air [aged 37] succeeded 14th Duke Hamilton, 11th Duke Brandon of Suffolk, 10th Marquess Douglas, 11th Baron Dutton of Cheshire.
On 5th June 2010 Angus Douglas-Hamilton 15th Duke of Hamilton 12th Duke Brandon [aged 71] died. His son Alexander [aged 32] succeeded 16th Duke Hamilton, 13th Duke Brandon of Suffolk, 11th Marquess Douglas, 13th Baron Dutton of Cheshire.