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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 2 Dec. 1669 Arthur Spry carried a motion for an imposition on wine and brandy and the abolition of licences, so that 'it will reach all, as well what the merchant spends on his own house as the gentleman', and he acted as teller against the proposal to prohibit the import of brandy. He took the chair for another local bill to enable a quay to be erected at Falmouth, and for a similar bill for Dover. He supported duties on tobacco and on canvas, and favoured a land-tax at a shilling in the pound, but opposed any imposition on mines. He was named to both committees for prolonging the Conventicles Act.
Before 4th February 1612 [his father] George Spry of Bodmin and Place, Cornwall and [his mother] Anne Ayshford were married.
On or before 4th February 1612, the date he was baptised, Arthur Spry was born to [his father] George Spry of Bodmin and Place, Cornwall and [his mother] Anne Ayshford.
On 24th April 1649 Arthur Spry (age 37) and Mary Gayer were married.
On 4th May 1656 [his wife] Mary Gayer died. Memorial at St Anthony's Church, St Anthony in Roseland [Map].
Mary Gayer: she was born to Richard Gayer of Plymouth and Isabel Amadis. On 24th April 1649 Arthur Spry and she were married.
After 4th May 1656 Arthur Spry (age 44) and Lucy Hele were married.
On 5th May 1660 Arthur Spry (age 48) was elected MP St Mawes.
On 16th May 1660 Arthur Spry (age 48) was elected MP St Mawes. He was appointed to 276 committees, including the committee of elections and privileges in seven sessions, acted as teller in ten divisions, and made seven recorded speeches. His first committee of political importance was for the prevention of sectarian meetings, to which he was added on 14 May 1663. He helped to manage a conference on 13 May 1664 on the bill to make Falmouth a parish. On 12 Dec. 1666 he brought in an estimate of the yield of a stamp tax, which was accepted.
On 17th September 1685 Arthur Spry (age 73) died. He was buried at St Anthony's Church, St Anthony in Roseland [Map].
The burial place of Arthur Spry, Esquire, who died on the 17th day of September in the year of our Lord 1685, and whose age at the time of death was seventy-three, etc."
Depositum Arthuri Spry Armig: qui obiit 17 die Sep Anno Domi 1685 et celatis sua septuagesimo tertio etc.
Father: George Spry of Bodmin and Place, Cornwall
GrandFather: Arthur Ayshford of Wonwell, Devon
Mother: Anne Ayshford