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: Arkwright
On 27th June 1805 [his father] Captain Robert Arkwright (age 22) and [his mother] Frances Crawford (age 19) were married. The marriage against the wishes of his father who disapproved of her being an actress. He received a wedding gift of £30,000 from his father and later an allowance of £500 a year. He leased Stoke Hall (Derbys) from 1816-32, but after the death of his elder brother he occupied Sutton Scarsdale Hall, Derbyshire [Map], which he subsequently inherited on his father's death in 1843.
On 10th October 1814 Reverend Godfrey Harry Arkwright was born to [his father] Captain Robert Arkwright (age 31) and [his mother] Frances Crawford (age 28).
On 23rd April 1843 [his grandfather] Richard Arkwright (age 87) died. His son [his father] Captain Robert Arkwright (age 60) inherited Sutton Scarsdale Hall, Derbyshire [Map].
On 13th November 1844 Reverend Godfrey Harry Arkwright (age 30) and Frances Rafella FitzHerbert (age 20) were married at St Mary's Church, Tissington [Map].
On 17th March 1846 [his son] Francis Arkwright was born to Reverend Godfrey Harry Arkwright (age 31) and [his wife] Frances Rafella FitzHerbert (age 22). He married 15th September 1875 Evelyn Addington, daughter of William Wells Addington 3rd Viscount Sidmouth.
On 10th March 1849 [his mother] Frances Crawford (age 62) died. She was buried at St Mary's Church, Sutton Scarsdale [Map].
On 9th July 1849 [his wife] Frances Rafella FitzHerbert (age 25) died at Mayfield Hall, Staffordshire [Map]. Memorial at St Mary's Church, Tissington [Map],
Frances Rafella FitzHerbert: On 23rd November 1823 she was born to Henry FitzHerbert 3rd Baronet and Agnes Beresford Lady Fitzherbert. On 13th November 1844 Reverend Godfrey Harry Arkwright and she were married at St Mary's Church, Tissington [Map].
On 6th August 1859 [his father] Captain Robert Arkwright (age 76) died. His son Reverend Godfrey Harry Arkwright (age 44) inherited Sutton Scarsdale Hall, Derbyshire [Map].
On 24th April 1862 Reverend Godfrey Harry Arkwright (age 47) and Marian Hilary Pellew (age 31) were married.
On 17th December 1866 Reverend Godfrey Harry Arkwright (age 52) died. His son Francis Arkwright (age 20) inherited Sutton Scarsdale Hall, Derbyshire [Map]. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Sutton Scarsdale [Map].
Francis Arkwright: On 17th March 1846 he was born to Reverend Godfrey Harry Arkwright and Frances Rafella FitzHerbert. On 15th September 1875 Francis Arkwright and Evelyn Addington were married. On 1st March 1915 Francis Arkwright died. Sutton Scarsdale Hall, Derbyshire [Map] was inherited by his cousin William Arkwright who
St Mary's Church, Sutton Scarsdale [Map]. Memorial window to Reverend Godfrey Harry Arkwright (deceased).
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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On 22nd December 1901 [his former wife] Marian Hilary Pellew (age 70) died.
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard Arkwright
GrandFather: Richard Arkwright
Father: Captain Robert Arkwright
Reverend Godfrey Harry Arkwright
GrandFather: Stephen George Kemble of Newcastle
Mother: Frances Crawford