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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Paternal Family Tree: Lascelles
Before 6th November 1655 [his father] Francis Lascelles (age 43) and [his mother] Frances St Quintin were married.
On 6th November 1655 Daniel Lascelles was born to [his father] Francis Lascelles (age 43) and [his mother] Frances St Quintin.
In November 1667 [his father] Francis Lascelles (age 55) died. He was buried at St Lawrence's Church, Kirkby Sigston [Map].
On 22nd August 1672 Daniel Lascelles (age 16) and Margaret Metcalfe were married.
In 1681 [his son] George Lascelles was born to Daniel Lascelles (age 25) and [his wife] Margaret Metcalfe.
In 1690 [his son] Henry Lascelles was born to Daniel Lascelles (age 34) and [his wife] Margaret Metcalfe.
In 1690 [his wife] Margaret Metcalfe died.
On 3rd February 1702 Daniel Lascelles (age 46) was elected MP Northallerton.
Before 25th February 1702 Daniel Lascelles (age 46) and Mary Lascelles (age 40) were married. They were second cousins.
On 25th February 1702 [his son] Edward Lascelles was born to Daniel Lascelles (age 46) and [his wife] Mary Lascelles (age 40).
On 7th November 1705 [his son] Francis Lascelles was born to Daniel Lascelles (age 50).
In 1718 Daniel Lascelles (age 62) was appointed High Sheriff of Yorkshire.
This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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On 12th February 1729 [his son] George Lascelles (age 48) died at Fenchurch Street [Map].
On 5th September 1734 Daniel Lascelles (age 78) died. He was buried at St Lawrence's Church, Kirkby Sigston [Map].
On or before 30th October 1734, the date she was buried, [his former wife] Mary Lascelles (age 72) died.
Great x 1 Grandfather: Francis Lascelles 
GrandFather: William Lascelles
Father: Francis Lascelles
Great x 1 Grandfather: George St Quintin
GrandFather: William St Quintin
Mother: Frances St Quintin