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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Katherine Dallam was born to [her father] Thomas Dallam.
Before 1533 Richard Collier and Katherine Dallam were married.
In 1533 [her husband] Richard Collier died.
Between 1533 and November 1535 Robert Pakington (age 44) and Katherine Dallam were married.
On 13th November 1536 [her husband] Robert Pakington (age 47) was shot and killed with a handgun; probably the first person to be murdered in England with a gun.
On 21st August 1539 Michael Dormer (age 98) and Katherine Dallam were married.
In 1545 [her husband] Michael Dormer died.
Before 29th January 1563 Katherine Dallam died.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 29th January 1563. The xxix day of January was bered in sant [Olave's?] in the Jury my lade Dormer, late the wyff of ser [her former husband] Myghell Dormer [knyght], latt mare of London and merser and stapuller, .... and master doctur Dalle and ser Thomas her chaplen her sekturs [executors], and ther [were four] haroldes of armes, master Somersett, master Clarenshux (age 53), Marshalle and Ry[chmond,] and the qwyre hangyd with blake and armes, and ther was .... the corse and hangyd with blake and armes, and then cam the corse [covered with a] palle of blake velvett with armes a-pon bokeram skochyons; [and there were] iij pennons of armes borne a-boutt the corse; and xxvj roset gownes for so many pore women, and a lx blake gownes and cottes; [and there] dyd pryche the vekar, callyd Busken, of the parryche; and a v dosen of skochyons of armes, and after to here plase to dener.