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 8th September 1857 Julian Russell Story was born.
1884. Julian Russell Story (age 26). Portrait of Dowager Viscountess Wolseley, Louisa Erskine Holmes (age 40).
1884. Julian Russell Story (age 26). Portrait of Frances Wolseley (age 11).
Frances Garnet Wolseley 2nd Viscountess Wolseley: On 15th September 1872 she was born to Garnet Wolseley 1st Viscount Wolseley and Louisa Erskine Holmes Viscountess Wolseley. The London Gazette 25514. Whitehall, September 25, 1885. THE Queen has been pleased to direct Letters Patent to be passed under the Great Seal, granting the dignity of a Viscount of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland unto Garnet Joseph, Baron Wolseley, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., General and General Officer Commanding in Chief the Forces in Egypt, and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, by the name, style, and title of Viscount Wolseley, of Wolseley, in the county of Stafford, and in default of such issue male the dignity of a Viscountess to Frances Garnet Wolseley, Spinster, only daughter of the said Garnet Joseph, Baron Wolseley, and after her decease, the dignity of a Viscount to the heirs male of her body lawfully begotten. [See Viscountcies of England Created with a Special Remainder, Louisa Erskine Holmes Viscountess Wolseley by marriage Viscountess Wolseley of Wolseley in Staffordshire.] On 25th March 1913 Garnet Wolseley 1st Viscount Wolseley died. His daughter Frances succeeded 2nd Viscountess Wolseley of Wolseley in Staffordshire. Baron Wolseley of Cairo and Wolseley in Staffordshire extinct. On 24th December 1936 Frances Garnet Wolseley 2nd Viscountess Wolseley died unmarried. Viscount Wolseley of Wolseley in Staffordshire extinct.
1889. Julian Russell Story (age 31). Portrait of Mrs Humhprey Ward i.e. Mary Augusta Arnold (age 37).
Around 1890. Julian Russell Story (age 32). Portrait of Geraldine Henry (1865–1892). She was raised in England and Ireland and, in 1887, married Edward Hooker Gilbert, a textile manufacturer from Ware, Massachusetts. Two years after this portrait was painted, she died at her father's home, Kylmore Castle in Ireland, in a drowning accident at the age of twenty-seven.
1891. Julian Russell Story (age 33). Portrait of George William Henry Venables-Vernon 7th Baron Vernon (age 36).
Before 1901. Julian Russell Story (age 43). Portrait of Frederick Roberts.
Before 1919. Julian Russell Story (age 61). Portrait of Lieutenant-General Reginald Pole-Carew (age 69).
Lieutenant-General Reginald Pole-Carew: On 1st May 1849 he was born to William Henry Pole-Carew. On 19th February 1901 Lieutenant-General Reginald Pole-Carew and Beatrice Butler were married. The difference in their ages was 27 years. She the daughter of James Butler 3rd Marquess Ormonde and Elizabeth Harriet Grosvenor Marchioness Ormonde.
On 24th February 1919 Julian Russell Story (age 61) died.