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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Gentlemen of the Bedchamber

Gentlemen of the Bedchamber is in Gentlemen.

Before 1599 Henry Carey 1st Viscount Falkland (age 23) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber.

In 1603 James Hay 1st Earl Carlisle (age 23) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to King James IV of Scotland.

After January 1649 Henry Wilmot 1st Earl Rochester (age 36) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 18).

In 1652 William Crofts 1st Baron Crofts (age 41) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to the exiled King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 21).

In 1679 James Hamilton Duke Hamilton, 1st Duke Brandon (age 20) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 48).

In 1689 Richard, Baron Lumley (age 39) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber.

In 1689 Emanual Scrope Howe (age 26) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber.

In 1695 Arnold Keppel 1st Earl Albermarle (age 24) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber and Master of the Robes.

In 1718 Edward Rich 7th Earl Warwick 4th Earl Holland (age 19) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to George, Prince of Wales (age 34).

In 1719 Peregrine Bertie 2nd Duke Ancaster and Kesteven (age 32) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to King George I (age 58).

Memoires of Jacques du Clercq

This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.

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On 19th May 1719 Edward Rich 7th Earl Warwick 4th Earl Holland (age 21) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to King George I (age 58).

In 1760 William Douglas 4th Duke Queensberry (age 35) was appointed Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to King George III of Great Britain and Ireland (age 21).