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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Before January 1855 [his father] William Francis Willoughby Garforth of Wiganthorpe in Yorkshire and [his mother] Jane Agnes Duff (age 19) were married.
On 8th May 1859 Frank Alexander Garforth was born to [his father] William Francis Willoughby Garforth of Wiganthorpe in Yorkshire and [his mother] Jane Agnes Duff (age 24).
On 29th June 1883 Frank Alexander Garforth (age 24) was promoted to Lieutenant.
On 31st December 1896 Frank Alexander Garforth (age 37) was promoted to Commander.
In July 1900 Frank Alexander Garforth (age 41) incurred Their Lordships' displeasure by exhibiting an absence of seamanlike precautions in use of a hawser aboard the second class battleship Conqueror, which caused several men to be injured.
After 1901. Cross in the churchyard at the Church of the Holy Cross, Gilling East [Map] to various members of the Duff family and their descendants: [his grandfather] Major George Duff, [his grandmother] Janet Barnes (sister of Rector Reverend James Alexander Barnes), [his half-brother] George Ernest Garforth, Frank Alexander Garforth (age 41)
Major George Duff: On 29th September 1799 he was born to Captain Patrick Duff. Before 21st January 1848 he and Janet Barnes were married. On 21st January 1848 he died at Weisbaden.
Janet Barnes: On 25th January 1800 she was born to John Barnes. On 30th January 1880 she died.
George Ernest Garforth: he was born to William Francis Willoughby Garforth of Wiganthorpe in Yorkshire.
On 7th November 1901 Frank Alexander Garforth (age 42) drowned while in command of the guardship H.M.S. Hotspur at Bermuda. He was found to have fallen into the sea, but "no evidence exists to shew how he got there." He was buried at the Royal Naval Cemetery, Ireland Island, Sandys Parish, Bermuda.
GrandFather: Francis Garforth
Father: William Francis Willoughby Garforth of Wiganthorpe in Yorkshire
Great x 1 Grandfather: Captain Patrick Duff 
GrandFather: Major George Duff
Mother: Jane Agnes Duff
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Barnes
GrandMother: Janet Barnes