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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In 1523 John Bell was appointed to the Legantine court of audience which examined William Tyndale [aged 29] on charges of heresy.
In 1526 John Bell was collated Warden of the church of Stratford-Upon-Avon, Preceptor of the hospital of St.Wulstans, Magister, Bachelor of Civil law, acta capitularia (Chapter act book) Coventry & Lichfield diocese.
In 1531 John Bell and Bishop John Longland [aged 58] were sent to deliver a letter to, and to canvass, Oxford, for a favourable opinion concerning the King's Great Matter; of which they successfully secured despite the danger, being pelted with stones by the popish opposition, together while overcoming the strong resistance from the junior members of convocation.
From 10th May 1533 to 17th May 1533 John Bell served as proctor for the king at the trial at Dunstable Abbey [Map] which definitively nullified Henry's first marriage in time for the coronation of Anne Boleyn.
On 15th October 1537 the future Edward VI was christened by Bishop John Stokesley [aged 62] at the Chapel Royal in Hampton Court Palace [Map]. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer [aged 48] performed the Baptismal Rites, and was appointed Godfather. Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 64] and Queen Mary I of England and Ireland [aged 21] were Godparents.
King Edward VI of England and Ireland was created Duke of Cornwall, 1st Earl Chester.
Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu carried the Salt. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 53] was Godfather and supported the Marchioness of Exeter. Richard Long [aged 43] was knighted. Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex [aged 52], Philip Boteler [aged 45], John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford [aged 66] and John Gage [aged 57] attended. Mary Scrope [aged 61] carried Lady Mary's train. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex [aged 54] carried a covered basin. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex carried the canopy.
Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 37] helped his young niece the future Elizabeth I to carry the Crisom. Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter [aged 41] supported his wife Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter [aged 34] to carry the child. Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde [aged 60] bore a taper of virgin wax. William Fitzalan 11th or 18th Earl of Arundel [aged 61] carried the train of the Prince's robe. Christopher Barker proclaimed the Prince's titles.
Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset was created 1st Earl Hertford.
Nicholas Carew [aged 41], Francis Bryan [aged 47], Anthony Browne [aged 37] and John Russell 1st Earl Bedford [aged 52] surrounded the font.
Henry Knyvet of Charlton Wiltshire [aged 27], Edward Neville [aged 66], Thomas Seymour 1st Baron Seymour [aged 29], Richard Long and John Wallop [aged 47] carried the canopy.
Arthur Hopton [aged 48], Bishop Robert Parfew aka Warton and Bishop John Bell attended.
William Fitzwilliam 1st Earl of Southampton [aged 47] was created 1st Earl of Southampton. Mabel Clifford Countess Southampton [aged 55] by marriage Countess of Southampton.
Before 1539 John Bell was appointed Canon and prebendary of the collegiate church of St. Stephen in Westminster Palace.
In 1539 John Bell was appointed Archdeacon of Gloucester Cathedral.
In 1539 John Bell was appointed Bishop of Worcester. On 17th August 1539 he he was consecrated by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer [aged 49].
Henry Machyn's Diary. After 5th August 1556. The (blank) day of August ded [died] ij bysshops, the bysshope of Chechastur Day [deceased], and the bysshope of Wosseter doctur Belle sumtyme bysshope.
Note. P. 112. Funeral of doctor John Bell, formerly bishop of Worcester. His sepulchral brass, formerly in Clerkenwell church, is now in Parliament Street; a small copy is engraved by Malcolm, Londinium Redivivum, iii. 212. See the epitaph in Stowe and the other Histories of London.
On 11th August 1556 Bishop John Bell died.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 13th August 1556. The xiij day of August was bered at Clarkynwell doctur Belle sum-tyme bysshope of (Worcester), and wher that he was put in ys coffen lyke a bysshope, with myter and odur thynges that longyst to a bysshope; with ij whyt branchys and ij dosen of stayffes torchys and iiij grett tapurs, and a surmon; doctur Harpfelle dyd make yt.