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: Knightley
On 30th September 1577 [his step-father] Robert Beville (age 5) and [his mother] Mary Coles de Preston were married.
On 3rd June 1593 Richard Knightley was born to [his father] Edward Knightley (age 31) and [his mother] Mary Coles de Preston (age 15).
Around 1594 [his father] Edward Knightley (age 32) and [his mother] Mary Coles de Preston (age 16) were married.
On 18th November 1598 [his father] Edward Knightley (age 36) died.
On 19th June 1610 [his mother] Mary Coles de Preston (age 32) died.
On 9th December 1618 [his uncle] Valentine Knightley (age 63) died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Fawsley [Map]. Richard Knightley (age 25) inherited Fawsley Hall, Northamptonshire [Map].
In 1621 Richard Knightley (age 27) was elected MP Northamptonshire.
In 1626 Richard Knightley (age 32) was appointed High Sheriff of Northamptonshire.
On 9th September 1637 Richard Knightley (age 44) made his will:
£100 to the poor of the parish to be controlled by the Overseers of the Poor and Minister of the Church to purchase corn
that his trustee John CREW raise £2,500 from the rents and profits of his estates at Fawsley, Snorscombe, Charwelton, Byfield and Blakesley and purchase a £200 annuity for his kinsman Seymour KNIGHTLEY and a £100 annuity for Seymour's son Richard KNIGHTLEY for the rest of their lives
if his trustee cannot purchase the above annuities with the £2,500 then it should be divided; £1,666 13s 4d to Seymour KNIGHTLEY and £833 6s 8d to Seymour's son Richard KNIGHTLEY
all the furniture in her bedroom to his wife
£20 to his (step)sister Huett
£20 to his (step)sister DRYDEN
£20 to his (step)sister ELMES
£20 to his step-brother [his half-brother] William BEVILL
£20 to his cousin Richard TRIST the elder
£100 to his uncle [his uncle] Edward KNIGHTLEY (age 44). [Note. A half-uncle on this mother's side.]
£100 to his uncle [his uncle] Robert KNIGHTLEY (age 48).
£100 to his servant Robert HAMBLEDON
£50 to Valentine ACTON
£50 each to his servants Edward PETER and William LANCASTER
£40 to his cook Alban SMITH
£40 to all his other servants if they have been with him for at least 7 years
£10 minimum to all his other servants
a Bible and Crookes Guide to Blessedness to all his godchildren
his estate at Great Preston to his (step)sister Grace ELMES
£20 each to John CREW and Richard HAMPDEN of Hampden, Bucks as overseers of his will
the residue to Richard KNIGHTLEY, son of Thomas KNIGHTLEY, whom he also named as sole executor of his estate
Executor
Overseer of the will of John SMITH on 31 Aug 1636
Overseer of the will of George WEBB on 20 May 1637, receiving 2s 6d
On 8th November 1639 Richard Knightley (age 46) died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Fawsley [Map]. Richard Knightley (age 36) inherited Fawsley Hall, Northamptonshire [Map].
Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 14 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 20 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 15 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 11 Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 15 Grand Son of Louis VII King of the Franks
Kings France: Great x 17 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 22 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Knightley 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Knightley
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Knightley
Great x 1 Grandfather: Valentine Knightley
GrandFather: Richard Knightley 9 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Ferrers 
5 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Ferrers 6 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Freville
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edward Ferrers 7 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Ferrers 8 x Great Grand Daughter of
Father: Edward Knightley 10 x Great Grand Son of
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard Fermor 
GrandMother: Mary Fermor
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Browne 
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Browne
Richard Knightley 11 x Great Grand Son of
GrandFather: Peter Coles
Mother: Mary Coles de Preston
GrandMother: Elizabeth Schuckburgh