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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Richard Morgan was born to [his father] Philip ap Morgan Watkin of Llanfair Cilgoed and [his mother] Maud Philpot.
On 31st July 1524 Richard Morgan was admitted to Lincoln's Inn.
In 1545 Richard Morgan was elected MP Gloucester.
In 1547 Richard Morgan was elected MP Gloucester.
On 24th March 1551 Richard Morgan was sent to Fleet Prison [Map] for hearing Mass at the chapel of Princess Mary.
In 1553 Richard Morgan was elected MP Gloucester.
On 16th August 1553 Richard Morgan was appointed to the Privy Council.
On 23rd August 1553 Richard Morgan was appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.
On 2nd October 1553 Richard Morgan was knighted.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 5th November 1553. The v day of November dyd pryche master Feknam [aged 38] at sant Mare Overays [Map] a-for non, and ther wher at ys sermon the yerle of Devonshyre [aged 26], ser Antony Browne [aged 24], and juge Morgayn, and dyvers odur nobull men.
In May 1556 Richard Morgan died. He was buried at St Magnus the Martyr Church [Map] on 2nd June 1553.
Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.
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Henry Machyn's Diary. 2nd June 1556. The ij day of June was bered at sant Magnus [Map] at London bryge ser Recherd Morgayn knyght, a juge and on of the preve consell unto the nobull quen Mare, with a harold of armes bayryng ys cott armur, and with a standard and a penon of armes and elmett, sword, and targatt; and iiij dosen of skochyons, and ij whytt branchys and xij torchys and iiij gret tapurs, and xxiiij pore men in mantyll ffrysse gownes, and mony in blake; and master chansseler [aged 55] of London dyd pryche.
Note. P. 106. Funeral of sir Richard Morgan, chief justice of the common pleas. The following anecdote is recorded with regard to the death of this person, after describing the execution of lady Jane Grey: "Judge Morgan, that gave the sentence against hir, shortly after fell mad, and in hys raving cryed continuallye to have the ladie Jane taken away from him, and so ended his life." Holinshed, first edit. 1577, p. 1733; and Foxe, vol. iii. p. 37.
Father: Philip ap Morgan Watkin of Llanfair Cilgoed
GrandFather: Tomlyn Philpot of Blackbrook
Mother: Maud Philpot