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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Effigy of a Bacon in Gorleston Church, Suffolk is in Monumental Effigies of Great Britain.
THIS interesting figure exhibits a good example of those extraordinary appendages to armour called ailettes. Weever makes, taking them for escutcheonsa, a shrewd conjecture that they were intended to indicate the rank of Knight Banneret, being of the narrow oblong form to which the pennon of the Knight was reduced when he was raised to that honourable grade. This distinction was only conferred on the held of battle. Froissart gives us a lively idea of the ceremony employed, where he describes the making Sir John Chandos a Banneret by the Black Prince on the held at Navarete, or Vittoria. "The Spaniards seeing the English had halted did the same, in order of battle. Then each man tightened his armour, and made ready for instant combat. Sir John Chandos advanced in front of the battalions with his banner uncased in his hand. He presented it to the Prince, saying, 'My Lord, here is my banner; I present it to you that I may display it in whatever manner shall he most agreeable to you; for, thanks to God, I have now sufficient lands to enable me so to do, and maintain the rank which it ought to hold.' The Prince (Don Pedro being present) took the banner in his hand, which was blazoned with a sharp stake Gules on a held Argent, after having cut olf the tail to make it square, he displayed it, and returning it to him by the handle, said, 'Sir John, I return you your banner. God give you honour and strength to preserve it.' Upon this Sir John left the Prince, went hack to his men with the banner in his hand, and said to them, 'Gentlemen, behold my banner and yours; you will guard it, therefore, as becomes you.' His companions, taking the banner, replied with much cheerfulness, that if it pleased God and St. George they would defend it well, and act worthily of it. .... The banner was put into the hands of a worthy English Squire, called William Allestry, who bore it with honour that day, and loyally acquitted himself in the serviceb."
Note a. Fun. Monutn. p.847. edit. 1631.
Note b. Johnes's Froissart, voi. HI. p. 304. 8vo edit.
Image taken from a Brass.