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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Corby Castle, Cumberland is in Corby, Cumberland, Castles in Cumberland.
On 4th September 1591 Elizabeth Howard (age 32) died at Corby Castle, Cumberland [Map].
On 29th December 1643 William Howard was born to Francis Howard (age 55) at Corby Castle, Cumberland [Map].
In 1669 Thomas Howard was born to William Howard (age 25) at Corby Castle, Cumberland [Map]. He married (1) 1703 his fifth cousin Barbara Lowther, daughter of John Lowther 1st Viscount Lonsdale and Katherine Thynne Viscountess Lonsdale (2) 1720 his fourth cousin twice removed Barbara Musgrave and had issue.
On 2nd July 1757 Henry Howard was born to Philip Howard (age 26) at Corby Castle, Cumberland [Map]. He married (1) 22nd November 1788 Maria Archer, daughter of Andrew Archer 2nd Baron Archer and Sarah West Baroness Archer (2) 18th March 1793 Catherine Marie Mary Charlotte Neave and had issue.
On 9th September 1789 Maria Archer (age 21) died in childbirth at Corby Castle, Cumberland [Map]. Monument in Holy Trinity Church, Wetheral [Map] sculpted by Joseph Nollekens (age 52) costing £1500. He regarded it as his finest work; entitled Faith. When Nollekens realized that his work was destined for so remote a part of the Kingdom it is said that he burst into tears as he felt so few people would see it. This work is represented on the Nollekens Monument in Paddington Parish Church by William Behnes. On seeing the sculpture Wordsworth wrote "XXXIX Monument Of Mrs Howard By Nollekens In Wetheral Church, Near Corby, On The Banks Of The Eden".
Maria Archer: Around 1768 she was born to Andrew Archer 2nd Baron Archer and Sarah West Baroness Archer. On 22nd November 1788 Henry Howard and she were married.
In 1810 Philip Howard (age 79) died at Corby Castle, Cumberland [Map].
On 1st May 1842 Henry Howard (age 84) died at Corby Castle, Cumberland [Map].
Maria Howard was born to Philip Howard at Corby Castle, Cumberland [Map]. She married 6th August 1786 George William Petre, son of Robert Edward Petre 9th Baron Petre and Anne Howard, and had issue.