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.
Paternal Family Tree: Bootle-Wilbraham
On 7th March 1771 Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale.
In 1795 Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale was elected MP Westbury.
In 1796 Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale was elected MP Newcastle under Lyme.
On 27th October 1801 [his son] Richard Bootle-Wilbraham was born to Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale. He married 22nd May 1832 Jessy Brooke, daughter of Richard Brooke 6th Baronet and Harriet Cunliffe Lady Brooke, and had issue.
In 1805 [his daughter] Emma Caroline Bootle-Wilbraham Countess Derby was born to Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale. She married 31st May 1825 Edward Smith-Stanley 14th Earl of Derby, son of Edward Smith-Stanley 13th Earl of Derby and Charlotte Margaret Hornby Countess Derby, and had issue.
On 22nd December 1807 [his son] Edward Bootle-Wilbraham was born to Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale.
In 1812 Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale was elected MP Clitheroe.
In 1818 Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale was elected MP Dover.
On 31st May 1825 [his son-in-law] Edward Smith-Stanley 14th Earl of Derby [aged 26] and [his daughter] Emma Caroline Bootle-Wilbraham Countess Derby [aged 20] were married. She by marriage Countess Derby. He the son of Edward Smith-Stanley 13th Earl of Derby [aged 50] and Charlotte Margaret Hornby Countess Derby.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
On 30th January 1828 Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale was created 1st Baron Skelmersdale in Lancashhire.
On 22nd May 1832 [his son] Richard Bootle-Wilbraham [aged 30] and [his daughter-in-law] Jessy Brooke were married.
On 5th May 1844 [his son] Richard Bootle-Wilbraham [aged 42] died of influenza.
On 3rd April 1853 Edward Bootle-Wilbraham 1st Baron Skelmersdale died. His grandson Edward [aged 15] succeeded 2nd Baron Skelmersdale in Lancashhire.