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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Margidunum, Nottinghamshire
Bingham, Nottinghamshire
High Cross, Warwickshire
Ilchester, Somerset
Fosse Way
Fosse Way 5e High Cross to Leicester
Fosse Way 5b Ilchester to Bath
Fosse Way 5a Axmouth to Ilchester
Fosse Way 5f Leicester to Lincoln
Fosse Way 5d Cirencester to High Cross
Fosse Way Bath
Fosse Way Cirencester
Fosse Way Leicester
Fosse Way is in Roman Roads.
50AD. Margidunum, Nottinghamshire [Map] is a Roman Fort on the Fosse Way near Bingham, Nottinghamshire [Map]. A civilian settlement then developed in about 70-80 AD on either side of the Fosse Way. A stone wall nearly 3m wide was later built in front of the earth rampart, with two ditches beyond it. The fort was protected to the south and east by marshland. The site remained occupied until about 500 AD.
The Fosse Way is number 5 in 'Roman Roads of Britain' by Ivan D Margary.
In the Roman Period High Cross, Warwickshire [Map] was known as Venonae. It was an important settlement being the crossing point of two major Roman Roads Watling Street and the Fosse Way.
In the Roman period, Ilchester, Somerset [Map] was named Lindinis and was the site of a fort and then a town on the Fosse Way. It eventually served as one of two regional capitals for the Durotriges tribe.
Fosse Way. After Batheaston the Fosse Way continues along Bannerdown Road [Map] where it curves around Solsbury Hill, Somerset [Map] to reach the high ground where the road straightens out passing Three Shires Stone [Map], Fosse Gate, Wiltshire [Map], crossing the Gloucestershire River Avon 1.2km south-west of Easton Grey [Map] before reaching the Cotswold Airport, Gloucestershire [Map] after which it travels to Corinium Dobunnorum [Map] aka Cirencester.
Fosse Way 5e High Cross to Leicester. From Venonae [Map] aka High Cross the Fosse Way continues north-west over the River Soar near to Sapcote, Leicestershire [Map] then continues to Ratae Corieltavorum [Map] aka Leicester.
Fosse Way 5b Ilchester to Bath. From Lindinis [Map] aka Ilchester the Fosse Way crosses the River Yeo at Northover, Somerset [Map], then travels just west of the Podimore Roundabout, Somerset [Map], to Wraxall, Somerset [Map] where there is a slight deviation to climb Wraxall Hill, Somerset [Map], and then descend Pye Hill, Somerset [Map]. Then through Cannard's Grave, Somerset [Map] to Beacon's Hill, Somerset [Map] where the Fosse Way is crossed by the Sorviodunum [Map] aka Old Sarum to Charterhouse, Somerset [Map] Roman Road. Then through Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Somerset [Map], Midsomer Norton, Somerset [Map], Clandown, Somerset [Map], Peasdown, Somerset [Map], Dunkerton Bottom, Somerset [Map], Wellsway, Somerset [Map], Holloway [Map] to the Roman Bridge [Map] over the Gloucestershire River Avon into Aquae Sulis aka Bath.
Fosse Way 5a Axmouth to Ilchester. The Fosse Way starts in Seaton, Devon [Map] and/or Axmouth, Devon [Map] after which it travels north through Musbury, Devon [Map] to Axminster, Devon [Map] where crosses the Exeter, Devon [Map] to Dorchester, Dorset [Map] Roman Road. From Axminster, Devon [Map] the Fosse Way continues through Chard, Somerset [Map], Dinnington, Somerset [Map], Yeabridge, Somerset [Map] to Lindinis [Map] aka Ilchester.
Fosse Way 5f Leicester to Lincoln. Leaving Ratae Corieltavorum [Map] aka Leicester the Fosse way continues north-west through Thurmaston, Leicestershire [Map], past Syston [Map], where it makes a slight change in direction, through Six Hills, Leicestershire [Map] where Roman road (RM58) forks off north east to Grantham [Map]. Then passing Vernementum [Map] aka Willoughby-on-the-Wolds the Fosse Way make another minor change in alignment at Cotgrave [Map] before continuing through Margidunum, Nottinghamshire [Map], Ad Pontem [Map] aka East Stoke. Ad Pontem refers to it being close to the River Trent. The road continues through Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire [Map] then Crococalana Roman Settlement [Map] near present day Brough. At Bracebridge [Map] the Fosse Way meets Ermine Street 2 before continuing into Lindum Colonia [Map] aka Lincoln.
Fosse Way 5d Cirencester to High Cross. From Corinium Dobunnorum [Map] aka Cirencester the Fosse Way continues straight through Fossbridge, Gloucestershire [Map] where it crosses the River Coln, then past Northleach [Map] where it crosses the modern A40, then past Bourton-on-the-Water [Map] after which Icknield Street continues towards Alcester, Warwickshire [Map] and Lichfield, Staffordshire [Map]. 4.5km after Bourton-on-the-Water the Fosse Way makes a change in direction heading north passing through Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire [Map], Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire [Map], Halford, Warwickshire [Map], past Fosse Way, Compton Verney [Map], Princethorpe, Warwickshire [Map], then Bretford, Warwickshire [Map] where it crosses the Warwickshire River Avon. After it crosses the River Avon it continues straight to Venonae [Map] aka High Cross where it crossed Watling Street.
Fosse Way Bath. In Aquae Sulis aka Bath the Fosse Way continues along Southgate Street [Map], Stall Street [Map] past the [Map]. Here the Fosse Way had to turn right and combine with the London to Sea Mills Roman Road along Cheap Street [Map] before turning left into High Street [Map] then along either, or both, Walcot Street [Map] and/or Broad Street [Map], both were Roman roads. Thereafter the Fosse Way passes through Batheaston [Map] along London Road [Map].
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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Fosse Way Cirencester. In Corinium Dobunnorum [Map] aka Cirencester the Fosse Way follows the Old Tetbury Road [Map] and Castle Street [Map] as far as the Market Place [Map] where it gives way to the East-West Silchester to Gloucester road following Cricklade Street [Map], Lewis Lane [Map] and London Road [Map] before reaching the Burford Road [Map].
Fosse Way Leicester. At Ratae Corieltavorum [Map] aka Leicester the Fosse way crossed the River Soar at Leicester Roman Bridge [Map] entering the town by the west gate. Thereafter it continued straight along the High Street [Map] to the North-East Gate [Map] and thereafter along Haymarket [Map] and Belgrave Gate [Map].