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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Biography of Armand de Gramont 12th Duc de Gramont 1879-1962

On 10th December 1878 [his father] Antoine Alfred Agénor de Gramont 11th Duc de Gramont (age 27) and [his mother] Marguerite de Rothschild Duchess Gramont (age 23) were married. Her father [his grandfather] Mayer Carl Freiherr von Rothschild (age 58) disapproved; he disowned her. He the son of [his grandfather] Agénor 10th Duc de Gramont (age 59).

On 29th September 1879 Armand de Gramont 12th Duc de Gramont was born to [his father] Antoine Alfred Agénor de Gramont 11th Duc de Gramont (age 28) and [his mother] Marguerite de Rothschild Duchess Gramont (age 24).

On 17th January 1880 [his grandfather] Agénor 10th Duc de Gramont (age 60) died. His son [his father] Antoine (age 28) succeeded 11th Duke Gramont. [his mother] Marguerite de Rothschild Duchess Gramont (age 24) by marriage Duchess Gramont.

In 1904 Armand de Gramont 12th Duc de Gramont (age 24) and Élaine Greffulhe Duchess Gramont (age 21) were married. He the son of Antoine Alfred Agénor de Gramont 11th Duc de Gramont (age 52) and Marguerite de Rothschild Duchess Gramont (age 48).

1904. Philip de László (age 34). Portrait of Armand de Gramont 12th Duc de Gramont (age 24).

On 25th July 1905 [his mother] Marguerite de Rothschild Duchess Gramont (age 49) died.

On 3rd August 1907 [his father] Antoine Alfred Agénor de Gramont 11th Duc de Gramont (age 55) and [his step-mother] Princess Maria Ruspoli (age 19) were married. She by marriage Duchess Gramont. The difference in their ages was 36 years. He the son of [his grandfather] Agénor 10th Duc de Gramont.

1922. Philip de László (age 52). Portrait of Armand de Gramont 12th Duc de Gramont (age 42).

On 30th January 1925 [his father] Antoine Alfred Agénor de Gramont 11th Duc de Gramont (age 73) died. His son Armand (age 45) succeeded 12th Duke Gramont. [his wife] Élaine Greffulhe Duchess Gramont (age 42) by marriage Duchess Gramont.

Deeds of King Henry V

Henrici Quinti, Angliæ Regis, Gesta, is a first-hand account of the Agincourt Campaign, and subsequent events to his death in 1422. The author of the first part was a Chaplain in King Henry's retinue who was present from King Henry's departure at Southampton in 1415, at the siege of Harfleur, the battle of Agincourt, and the celebrations on King Henry's return to London. The second part, by another writer, relates the events that took place including the negotiations at Troye, Henry's marriage and his death in 1422.

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On 11th February 1958 [his wife] Élaine Greffulhe Duchess Gramont (age 75) died.

On 2nd August 1962 Armand de Gramont 12th Duc de Gramont (age 82) died.