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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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William Goscombe John is in Sculptors.
On 21st February 1860 William Goscombe John was born to [his father] Thomas John and [his mother] Elizabeth Smith in Canton, Cardiff.
In August 1890 William Goscombe John (age 30) and Marthe Weiss were married.
On 22nd August 1903 Robert Gascoyne-Cecil 3rd Marquess Salisbury (age 73) died. Monument at St Etheldreda's Church, Hatfield [Map] by William Goscombe John (age 43). His son James (age 41) succeeded 4th Marquess Salisbury in Wiltshire, 10th Earl Salisbury. Cicely Anne Gore Marchioness Salisbury (age 36) by marriage Marchioness Salisbury in Wiltshire. Note the St George Pendant signifying his being a Knight of the Garter.
Cicely Anne Gore Marchioness Salisbury: On 15th July 1867 she was born to Arthur Saunders Gore 5th Earl Arran and Edith Jocelyn. On 17th May 1887 James Gascoyne-Cecil 4th Marquess Salisbury and she were married. She the daughter of Arthur Saunders Gore 5th Earl Arran and Edith Jocelyn. He the son of Robert Gascoyne-Cecil 3rd Marquess Salisbury and Georgina Alderson Marchioness of Salisbury. On 5th February 1955 Cicely Anne Gore Marchioness Salisbury died.
Academy Architecture 1905. 1905. A Drummer Boy, Dettingen, 1743, Part of the Memorial to the King's Liverpool Regiment. W. Goscombe John (age 44), A. R. A., Sculptor.
In 1911 William Goscombe John (age 50) was knighted during the investiture of Edward, Prince of Wales (age 16) at Caernarfon Castle [Map].
In 1915 [his son-in-law] Frederick Luke Val Fildes and [his daughter] Muriel John were married. She the daughter of William Goscombe John (age 54) and [his wife] Marthe Weiss. He the son of Luke Fildes (age 71).
In 1923 [his wife] Marthe Weiss died. She was buried at Hampstead Cemetery.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
"The Response" aka Northumberland Fusiliers War Memorial, Newcastle upon Tyne [Map] Sculpted by William Goscombe John (age 63). The memorial was inauguratred on the 5th of July, 1923, by the Prince of Wales (age 29).
A portrayal of the spirit of 1914 with which Great Britain entered WWI. The memorial was given by ship-owner and MP Sir George Renwick to commemorate the raising of the B. Coy. 9th Battalion and the 16th, 18th and 19th Service Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers.
The Times. 24th October 1928. The King was represented by Sir Harry Verney, and the Prince of Wales by the Hon Bruce Ogilvy, and Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll by Col B. W. L. MacMahon at the service for Sir Frank Dicksee which took place yesterday in Westminster Abbey. The Dean of Westminster officiated, assisted by Canon Storr, and the Reverend H. L. Nixon. A procession was formed at the West Door, and proceeded through the nave headed by the full choir and clergy.
The Pall Bearers were all titled with the exception of J. W. MacKail the distinguished academic and son-in-law of Sir Edward Burne-Jones. Amongst the mourners were many members of the Dicksee family, including Miss Mary Dicksee (sister), and Mr Herbert Thomas Dicksee. Official representatives included The French Ambassador, the Belgian Ambassador. The Brazilian Ambassador, the Swedish Minister, the High Commissioners for Australia and New Zealand, and (the 2nd) Lord Leverhume. Also present were many Academicians including W. Ouless, Sir John Lavery (age 72), W. Goscombe-John (age 68). Mrs Blair Leighton, widow of Edmund, and Lady East (age 83), widow of Sir Alfred were also among the mourners. The list of mourners in The Times includes many of the most distinguished people of the day.
On 15th December 1952 William Goscombe John (age 92) died. He was buried at Hampstead Cemetery.
[his daughter] Muriel John was born to William Goscombe John and Marthe Weiss. She married 1915 Frederick Luke Val Fildes, son of Luke Fildes.
The Port Sunlight War Memorial [Map] was unveiled in 1921. On the memorial are the names of all of the company's employees who died as a result of both World Wars. Sculpted by William Goscombe John. The memorial cost £10,000; it was paid for by Lever Brothers Ltd and through public subscription. The bronzes were cast by A. B. Burton. The stone is Devon granite.
