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: Amherst
On 29th January 1717 Jeffrey Amherst 1st Baron Amherst was born to Jeffrey Amherst (age 40).
In 1750 Jeffrey Amherst (age 73) died.
In 1753 Jeffrey Amherst 1st Baron Amherst (age 35) and Jane Dalison were married.
After 1765 Jeffrey Amherst 1st Baron Amherst (age 47) and Mary Cary Baroness Amherst were married.
On 14th May 1776 Jeffrey Amherst 1st Baron Amherst (age 59) was created 1st Baron Amherst of Holmesdale in Kent.
The London Gazette 13020. Whitehall, August 30 [1788]. THE King has been pleased to grant the Dignity of a Baron of the Kingdom of Great Britain to the Right Honourable John Griffin (age 69), Lord Howard of Walden, Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, and General of His Majesty's Forces, and to the Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten, by the Name, Stile and Title of Lord Braybrooke, Baron of Braybrooke, in the County of Northampton; with Remainder to Richard Aldworth Neville (age 70), of Billingbear, in the County of Berks, Esq; and the Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten.
The King has also been pleased to grant the like Dignity of a Baron of the Kingdom of Great Britain to the Right Honourable Jeffery Lord Amherst (age 71), Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, and General of His Majesty's Forces, and to the Heirs Male of His Body lawfully begotten, by the Name, Stile and Title of 1st Baron Amherst, of Montreal in the County of Kent; with Remainder to his Nephew William Pitt Amherst (age 15), Esq; and the Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten. [Note. This was the second time Jeffrey Amherst had been created Baron Amherst. The first creation had no special remainder and would become extinct on his death since he had no children. This second creation had a special remainder to his nephew William Pitt Amherst to ensure the Barony would continue; William Pitt Amherst would subsequently be created Earl Amherst. [his wife] Mary Cary Baroness Amherst by marriage Baroness Amherst of Montreal in Kent.]
On 3rd August 1797 Jeffrey Amherst 1st Baron Amherst (age 80) died. Baron Amherst of Holmesdale in Kent extinct. His nephew William (age 24) succeeded 2nd Baron Amherst of Montreal in Kent.