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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MP Downton

MP Downton is in Member Parliament.

In 1529 Nicholas Hare (age 45) was elected MP Downton.

In 1554 James Bassett (age 28) was elected MP Downton.

In 1572 Edward St Lo (age 53) was elected MP Downton.

In 1722 John Verney (age 22) was elected MP Downton.

In May 1741 John Verney (age 41) was elected MP Downton.

In 1774 Philip Hales 5th Baronet (age 39) was elected MP Downton. His brother-in-law Anthony Duncombe 1st Baron Feversham was influential in the result. He was successful only after petitioning against the original result; he took his seat in February 1775.

In December 1779 Bartholomew Bouverie (age 26) was elected MP Downton, but was unseated on petition already in February of the following year.

In 1790 Bartholomew Bouverie (age 36) was elected MP Downton which seat he held until 1796.

In 1801 William Pleydell-Bouverie 3rd Earl Radnor (age 21) was elected MP Downton.

Anne Boleyn. Her Life as told by Lancelot de Carle's 1536 Letter.

In 1536, two weeks after the execution of Anne Boleyn, her brother George and four others, Lancelot du Carle, wrote an extraordinary letter that described Anne's life, and her trial and execution, to which he was a witness. This book presents a new translation of that letter, with additional material from other contemporary sources such as Letters, Hall's and Wriothesley's Chronicles, the pamphlets of Wynkyn the Worde, the Memorial of George Constantyne, the Portuguese Letter and the Baga de Secrets, all of which are provided in Appendices.

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In 1803 Charles Marsham 2nd Earl Romney (age 25) was elected MP Downton.

In 1806 Duncombe Pleydell-Bouverie (age 25) was elected MP Downton.

In 1806 Bartholomew Bouverie (age 52) was elected MP Downton which seat he held until 1812.

In April 1813 Thomas Brooke-Pechell 2nd Baronet (age 60) was elected MP Downton which seat he held until 1818.

In 1819 Bartholomew Bouverie (age 65) was elected MP Downton which seat he held until Jun 1826.

In February 1819 Thomas Brooke-Pechell 2nd Baronet (age 66) was elected MP Downton which seat he held until 1826.

In 1826 Bartholomew Bouverie (age 72) was elected MP Downton which seat he held until 1830.

In 1832 Philip Pleydell-Bouverie (age 43) was elected MP Downton.