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.
Before 1415 Margery Jourdemayne "The Witch of Eye" was born.
Before 27th October 1441 Eleanor Cobham Duchess of Gloucester [aged 41], wife of the heir presumptive Humphrey 1st Duke Gloucester [aged 51], brother of the deceased King Henry V of England, uncle of King Henry VI of England and II of France [aged 19], was tried for predicting the future of the King; in reality a veiled attack on her husband who had over-reached himself. She had consulted two astrologers Thomas Southwell and Roger Bolingbroke. All three were arrested, tried and found guilty. Eleanor denied most of the charges but confessd to obtaining potions from Margery Jourdemayne "The Witch of Eye" [aged 26]. She was sentenced to do public penance, divorce her husband and remain confined for the remainder of her life.
On 27th October 1441 Margery Jourdemayne "The Witch of Eye" [aged 26] was burned at the stake at Smithfield [Map].
Chronicle of Gregory. 27th October 1441. And on Syn Symon and Jude is eve was the wycche [aged 26] be syde Westemyster brent in Smethefylde [Map], and on the day of Symon and Jude [28th October 1441] the person [parson] of Syn Stevynnys in Walbroke, whyche that was one of the same fore said traytours [Thomas Southwell], deyde in the Toure [Map] for sorowe.
Chronicle of William of Worcester. Another magical woman, commonly called Witch of Eye [Margery Jourdemayne "The Witch of Eye" [aged 26]], was captured near the town of Westminster on account of the aforementioned Eleanor and was burned at Smithfield [27th October 1441].
Alia mulier magica, vocata vulgariter Wyche of Eye, juxta villam Westmonasterii capta est pro prædicta Elianora, et apud Smythfeld cremata.
An English Chronicle. [27th October 1441]. And this same tyme was take a womman callid the wicche of Eye [Margery Jourdemayne "The Witch of Eye" [aged 26]], whooȝ sorcerie and wicchecraft the said dame Alienore [aged 41] hadde longe tyme vsid; and be suche medicineȝ and drynkis as the said wicche made, the said Alienore enforced the forsaid duke of Gloucestre to loue her and to wedde her. Wherfore, and also for cause of relaps, the same wicche was brend in Smythfeld, in the vigily of Saint Simon and Jude.