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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St Andrew's Church, Hartburn is in Hartburn, Northumberland [Map], Churches in Northumberland.
Around 1200 the chancel of St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map] was rebuilt and, thereafter, extended in the 13th century.
On 23rd April 1743 John Brown (age 35) and Jane Loraine (age 35) were married at St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map].
After 17th December 1816. Memorials in St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map] to Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Hollis Bradford (deceased) and Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Fitzroy (age 8).
Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Fitzroy: On 14th May 1808 he was born to Henry Fitzroy and Caroline Pigot. On 27th February 1828 Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Fitzroy died. He was buried at St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map]. On 9th August 1831 Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Fitzroy and Lucy Sarah Lethbridge were married. On 4th December 1856 Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Fitzroy and Louisa Emily Macdonald were married.
On 27th February 1828 Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Fitzroy (age 19) died. He was buried at St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map].
On 14th February 1830 Mary Ann Atkinson died at sea on their passage homewards from India. She was buried in the vault at St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map] on 16th May 1830.
1834. Monument to Mary Ann Atkinson by Francis Leggatt Chantrey (age 52) at St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map].
Mary Ann Atkinson: On 1st June 1818 General Thomas Bradford and she were married. On 14th February 1830 she died at sea on their passage homewards from India. She was buried in the vault at St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map] on 16th May 1830.
On 28th November 1853 General Thomas Bradford (age 75) died. He was buried at St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map].
1873. Monument at St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map] to Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Hollis Bradford sculpted by Henry Hugh Armstead (age 44).
In August 1921 a memorial to Captain Willoughby Thornton Wrigley was unveiled at a ceremony at St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map] attended by Colonel E P A Riddell CMG DSO.
Captain Willoughby Thornton Wrigley: On 8th March 1895 he was born to Reverend Daniel Wrigley at Nhill. He was educated at St John's School Leatherhead. On 15th August 1920 Captain Willoughby Thornton Wrigley was killed in action by rebels at Sharaban in Iraq. He was buried at the Baghdad North Gate Cemetery.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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2022. Photos of the interior and exterior of St Andrew's Church, Hartburn [Map].
