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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Biography of George Richmond 1809-1896

George Richmond is in Painters.

On 28th March 1809 George Richmond was born in Brompton, Kensington.

Around 1835. George Richmond [age 25]. Self-Portrait.

Around 1835. George Richmond [age 25]. Portrait of Robert Gascoyne-Cecil 3rd Marquess Salisbury [age 4].

1840. George Richmond [age 30]. Self-Portrait.

Around 1854. George Richmond [age 44]. Self-Portrait.

1855. George Richmond [age 45]. Portrait of Bishop Robert Eden 3rd Baron Auckland [age 55].

1864. George Richmond [age 54]. Portrait of Archbishop Charles Longley [age 69].

1870. George Richmond [age 60]. Portrait of William Heathcote 5th Baronet [age 68].

Memoires of Jacques du Clercq

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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1873. George Richmond [age 63]. Portrait of Archbishop Charles Longley.

1876. George Richmond [age 66]. Portrait of Granville Leveson-Gower 2nd Earl Granville [age 60].

1876. George Richmond [age 66]. Portrait of Juliana Pole-Carew Baroness Robartes [age 63].

Juliana Pole-Carew Baroness Robartes: On 1st July 1812 she was born to Reginald Pole aka Pole-Carew and Caroline Anne Lyttelton. On 12th April 1881 Juliana Pole-Carew Baroness Robartes died.

1877. George Richmond [age 67]. Portrait of Bishop Edward Stuart Talbot [age 32].

1878. George Richmond [age 68]. Portrait of William John Legh 1st Baron Newton [age 49].

1880. George Richmond [age 70]. Portrait of Samuel Hoare 1st Baronet [age 38].

Samuel Hoare 1st Baronet: On 7th September 1841 he was born to John Gurney Hoare and Caroline Barclay. In 1866 Samuel Hoare 1st Baronet and Katherine Louisa Hart Davis were married. On 7th August 1899 Samuel Hoare 1st Baronet was created 1st Baronet Hoare of Sidestrand Hall. On 20th January 1915 Samuel Hoare 1st Baronet died. His son Samuel succeeded 2nd Baronet Hoare of Sidestrand Hall.

On 19th March 1896 George Richmond [age 86] died.