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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Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine 1894 V28 Pages 172-173

Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine 1894 V28 Pages 172-173 is in Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine 1894 V28.

Opening of Barrows, &c., near Haxon. By William Cunnington.

In June, 1851, I opened a long barrow east of Combe, about half-a-mile from Beach's Barn, and nearly south-west from Everleigh Church, which had been ploughed over for some years, and reduced in height to little more than 4ft. There was no central interment, but at the east end we found a very great heap of large flints, beneath which were many skeletons in complete disorder. A perfect lower jaw with sixteen teeth was brought away. With only two men it was impossible to examine the barrow in the day, so it was reluctantly left.

In September, 1894, 1 visited the neighbourhood again, hoping thoroughly to complete the examination. On this occasion Mr. B. H. Cunnington and Col. Dunn were present. We were wrongly directed to a large barrow under cultivation on Haxon Down. In this a considerable section was made without definite results, but on the floor of the barrow there was an abundance of wood ashes, and scattered throughout the earth were numerous flint-flakes, with some good examples of scrapers, also, just under the surface, a large four-sided conical weapon or bludgeon.¹ The evidence was in favour of its being a cremated interment. On the following morning we were again disappointed. A barrow under cultivation, three-fourths of a mile east of Combe, was attempted, and this proved to be a round barrow which had been previously opened; near the centre were many portions of a skeleton, and a fragment of thick Ancient British urn.

On the afternoon of the same day we were directed by Mr. Burry to a field about two hundred yards south of Beach's Barn, and adjoining the old Salisbury and Devizes Road, where large flints were frequently ploughed up, and where, extending over several acres, there are indistinct traces of long angular banks, and much general irregularity of the surface, showing that there had been former occupation. In two excavations on this spot we soon had abundant evidence of a Romano-British station. Every shovelfuU of earth contained fragments of pottery, stone roofing-tiles, brick-tiles, flat-headed nails, &c., wilh occasional pieces of Samian ware, though genuine examples were rare. The pottery was mostly of a common kind, with much of the smother-kiln, black variety, also some imitation Samian. Oyster shells were abundant (none of the "real natives") and a few shells of Mytilas edulis, so common on our coasts. These arc of interest. Have they been before found in connection with Romano-British antiquities? There were teeth and bones in abundance of the ordinary domestic auimals, horse, ox, sheep, hog, &c. In one of the holes, at a depth of 2½ft., there was a level space paved with stone tiles, mostly of oolitic rock. This spot would doubtless yield abundant remains of the ancient inhabitants, if carefully and thoroughly examined.

Note 1. These implements are now in our Museum.

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