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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In 1766 Maria Smith Marchioness Northampton was born to [her father] Joshua Smith of Erlestoke Merchant [aged 34].
On 18th August 1787 Charles Compton 1st Marquess Northampton [aged 27] and Maria Smith Marchioness Northampton [aged 21] were married. He the son of Spencer Compton 8th Earl of Northampton [aged 49] and Jane Lawton Countess Northampton.
On 7th April 1796 [her father-in-law] Spencer Compton 8th Earl of Northampton [aged 57] died. His son [her husband] Charles [aged 36] succeeded 9th Earl of Northampton. Maria Smith Marchioness Northampton [aged 30] by marriage Countess of Northampton.
In 1812 [her husband] Charles Compton 1st Marquess Northampton [aged 51] was created 1st Marquess Northampton, 1st Earl Compton of Compton in Warwickshire, 1st Baron Wilmington of Wilmington in Sussex. Maria Smith Marchioness Northampton [aged 46] by marriage Marchioness Northampton.
On 20th March 1819 [her father] Joshua Smith of Erlestoke Merchant [aged 87] died.
On 24th May 1828 [her husband] Charles Compton 1st Marquess Northampton [aged 68] died. His son Spencer [aged 38] succeeded 2nd Marquess Northampton, 10th Earl of Northampton, 2nd Earl Compton of Compton in Warwickshire, 2nd Baron Wilmington of Wilmington in Sussex. Margaret Douglas-Maclean-Clephane Marchioness Northampton [aged 36] by marriage Marchioness Northampton.
On 14th March 1843 Maria Smith Marchioness Northampton [aged 77] died.
Floor tiles at Church of St Mary Magdalen, Castle Ashby [Map]: Here lies the bodies of Jane the first wife of Spencer Compton 8th Earl of Northampton, Charles Compton 1st Marquess Northampton, Mary his wife also of Spencer Second Marquis of Northampton and Margaret his wife and also his grandchildren.
Jane Lawton Countess Northampton: In 1758 Spencer Compton 8th Earl of Northampton and she were married. On 18th October 1763 Charles Compton 7th Earl of Northampton died. His brother Spencer succeeded 8th Earl of Northampton. She by marriage Countess of Northampton. On 26th November 1767 she died.