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 27th April 1759 Bishop Bowyer Sparke was born to [his father] Major William Sparke at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk [Map].
On 27th October 1777 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 18] was admitted as a Pensioner to Pembroke College, Cambridge University. He matriculated in 1778, graduated BA in 1782 as Seventh Wrangler, second Member's Prize in 1784 and 1784, MA in 1785 and DD in 1803. In 1784 he became a Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge University.
Around 1778 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 18] was tutor to John Henry Manners 5th Duke Rutland.
Around 1779 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 19] was awarded Sir W Browne's medal for a Greek Ode.
In 1789 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 29] was appointed Rector of Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire [Map] by John Henry Manners 5th Duke Rutland [aged 11], his former pupil.
In November 1790 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 31] and Miss Hobbs of Blandford in Dorset were married.
In 1794 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 34] translated Gray's Elegy: "Elegia Thomæ Gray Græcè reddita Curavit BE Sparke AM".
In 1800 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 40] was appointed Rector of Redmile, Leicestershire by John Henry Manners 5th Duke Rutland [aged 22], his former pupil.
In 1800 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 40] was appointed Rector of Scalford, Leicestershire by John Henry Manners 5th Duke Rutland [aged 22], his former pupil.
On 14th March 1802 [his wife] Miss Hobbs of Blandford in Dorset died.
In May 1803 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 44] was appointed Dean of Bristol Cathedral.
In October 1809 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 50] was elected Bishop of Chester.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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In 1810 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 50] was elected Fellow of the Royal Society.
In May 1812 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 53] was translated to Bishop of Ely which position he held until his death in 1836.
In April 1822 Reverend Robert Behoe Radcliffe [aged 24] was ordained Priest by Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 62] at St George's Church, Hanover Square.
In March 1823 Reverend Robert Behoe Radcliffe [aged 25] was ordained Deacon by Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 63] at St George's Church, Hanover Square.
On 4th April 1836 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [aged 76] died at his home Ely House.
On 16th April 1836 Bishop Bowyer Sparke [deceased] was interred at Bishop West's Chapel, Ely Cathedral.