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: Dormer
In 1441 Michael Dormer was born to [his father] Geoffrey Dormer of Thame (age 33).
On 9th March 1503 [his father] Geoffrey Dormer of Thame (age 95) died.
In 1509 [his son] William Dormer of Long Crendon was born to Michael Dormer (age 68).
Around 1520 [his son] John Dormer was born to Michael Dormer (age 79).
Before 1533 Richard Collier and [his future wife] Katherine Dallam were married.
Between 1533 and November 1535 Robert Pakington (age 44) and [his future wife] Katherine Dallam were married.
On 21st August 1539 Michael Dormer (age 98) and Katherine Dallam were married.
In 1541 Michael Dormer was elected Lord Mayor of London.
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 13th October 1541. This yeare, on St. Edwardes daie after dynner, one George Robinson, mercer, being one of the Wardens of the Mercers, as he was talking with the major elect in the old majorsa house, sodenlie fell downe, and was taken all his left side, firom the topp of his heade to the soule of his foote, so that he cold not speake perfectlie nor stirre, and was washed with vineger and aqua-vitas, and had to bed in the said majors howse, and laie their that night, and the next daie he was caried to his owne howse in a chaire, and died the third daie after.
Note a. Sir William Roche.
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. This yeare, the fyrst daye of December [1541], was arrigned at the Guyld Hall in London Thomas Culpepper (age 27),a one of the Gentlemen of the Kinges Pryvie Chamber, and Frauncis Dorand (age 28), gentleman, for high treason against the Kinges Majestic in mysdemeanor with the Quene,b as appeered by thejrr inditements which they confessed,c and had their judgments to be drawne, hanged, and quartered, the Lord Mayor sitting there as cheife, the Lord Chauncellor (age 53) on his right hand, and the Duke of Norfolke (age 68) on his left hand, the Duke of Suffolke (age 57), the Lord Privye Scale, the Earles of Sussex (age 58), of Hertford (age 41), and divers other of the Kinges Counsell, with all the judges, sittinge there also in commission the same daye.
Note a. It was alleged against Thomas Culpepper, who was a relative of the Queen, that he had on one occasion, when the Court was it Lincoln, stayed for three hours in the same room with the Queen and Lady Rochford.
Note b. Archbishop Cranmer declared to the King, on his return from his progress in the North, that he had evidence that the Queen before her marriage had been seduced by Francis Dereham, to whom she had been engaged to be married.
Note c. Francis Dereham is generally said to have confessed that he had been guilty of incontinence with the Qneen before her marriage, but, from the best evidence we possess, it seems doubtful whether Dereham confessed anything of the kind. — See State Papers, Henry VIII. vol. i.
Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 2nd February 1542. This yeare, on Candlemas daye, my lord mayor [Michael Dormer] was presented to the Kinge at his Pallace of Westminster, and there made knight, and Sir William Denham, alderman, allso.
In 1545 Michael Dormer died.
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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Before 29th January 1563 [his former wife] Katherine Dallam died.