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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
Winterslow Barrow 223320 is in Winterslow, Wiltshire [Map].
Winterslow Barrow 223320 [Map]. A Bronze Age bell barrow, part of the Winterslow Hut Barrow Group, situated to the northwest of 'The Pheasant'. The barrow was designated as Idmiston 23 by Grinsell (1957) and survives as an earthwork 30 metres in diameter and 3.5 metres high. The mound is not situated within the centre of the ditched area, as the berm varies from 9 metres to 12 metres in width. The ditch is visible both as an earthwork and a cropmark, is 4 metres wide and up to 0.2 metres in depth. Excavations by the Rev. A.B Hutchins in 1814 located an intrusive Saxon inhumation accompanied by a shield, spear, buckle and a bucket. The grave goods give a 5th or 6th century date for the burial.
1814. Thomas Guest (age 33). Grave Group from a Surface Interment at Winterslow Barrow 223320 [Map]. The bucket, shield boss and grip, spearhead and bronze brooch date to the Saxon period. They are from a surface interment (burial) in the Winterslow 'colossal barrow', which is possibly pictured behind the grave goods.
1814. Thomas Guest (age 33). Grave Group from a Bell Barrow at Winterslow Barrow 223320 [Map]. The beaker, copper dagger and two flint arrowheads were excavated from a bell barrow by the Revd A. B. Hutchings, and they are now in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.
1814. Thomas Guest (age 33). Two Biconical Urns from a Barrow at Winterslow Barrow 223320 [Map].
1814. Thomas Guest (age 33). These Bronze Age Urns excavated by Reverend A. B. Hutchings at Winterslow Barrow 223320 [Map] are now in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. This is one of four paintings by Guest in the Museum's collection.