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.
Francis "Frank" Holl is in Painters.
On 4th July 1845 Francis "Frank" Holl was born to [his father] Francis Holl (age 30).
In 1860 Francis "Frank" Holl (age 14) entered the Royal Academy Schools as a probationer in painting. He rapidly progressed, winning silver and gold medals, and making his debut as an exhibitor in 1864 with A Portrait, and Turned out of Church, a subject picture. A Fern Gatherer (1865); The Ordeal (1866); Convalescent (the somewhat grim pathos of which attracted much attention), and Faces in the Fire (1867), succeeded.
1863. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 17). Self-Portrait.
1870. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 24). "No Tidings from the Sea".
1870. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 24). "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith". Proverbs Chapter 15 Verse 17.
1883. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 37). "Did you ever kill anybody Father?". The artist's daughter Nina the model.
Before 1884. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 38). Portrait of [his father] Francis Holl (age 68).
Francis Holl: On 23rd March 1815 he was born. On 14th January 1884 he died.
On 14th January 1884 [his father] Francis Holl (age 68) died.
Around 1885. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 39). Portrait of Thomas Brassey 1st Earl of Brassey (age 48).
1886. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 40). Portrait of John Everett Millais 1st Baronet (age 56).
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
1886. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 40). Portrait of William Schwenck Gilbert.
Around 1886. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 40). Portrait of Henry Pelham 3rd Earl Chichester (age 81).
1888. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 42). Portrait of John Warren 3rd Baron Tabley (age 52).
John Warren 3rd Baron Tabley: On 26th April 1835 he was born to George Leicester aka Warren 2nd Baron Tabley. On 19th October 1887 George Leicester aka Warren 2nd Baron Tabley died. His son John succeeded 3rd Baron Tabley, 7th Baronet Leicester of Timogue in Queen's County. On 22nd November 1895 he died. Baron Tabley extinct. His second cousin Peter succeeded 8th Baronet Byrne of Timogue in Queen's County
1888. Francis "Frank" Holl (age 42). Portrait of William Jenner 1st Baronet (age 72).
William Jenner 1st Baronet: On 30th January 1815 he was born. In 1858 he and Adela Adey were married. In 1868 William Jenner 1st Baronet was created 1st Baronet Jenner of Harley Street. On 11th December 1898 he died. His son Walter succeeded 2nd Baronet Jenner of Harley Street.
On 31st July 1888 Francis "Frank" Holl (age 43) died.
Before 1892. Francis "Frank" Holl. Portrait of Henry Brand 1st Viscount Hampden (age 77).