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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Died from poisoning is in Murder.
On 19th December 966 Sancho "Fat" I King Leon [aged 34] died from poisoning. His son Ramiro [aged 5] succeeded III King Leon.
On 16th December 1153 Ranulf Gernon 4th Earl Chester [aged 54] died from poisoning by William "The Younger" Peverell [aged 73]. His son Hugh [aged 6] succeeded 5th Earl Chester. William "The Younger" Peverell was exiled.
On 20th July 1304 Hugh Mortimer 3rd Baron Mortimer [aged 49] died from poisoning, possibly by his wife Matilda Baroness Mortimer. He was buried in Worcester Cathedral [Map]. Baron Mortimer Burford aka Richard's Castle abeyant between his daughters Joan Mortimer Baroness Talbot and Alice Mortimer [aged 4] and their descendants. His wife sought the protection of Margaret of France Queen Consort England [aged 25]. After the death of King Edward I of England [aged 65] in 1307 she, Matilda Baroness Mortimer died suddenly, probably murdered in revenge for the murder of her husband.
On 27th August 1312 John Ferrers 1st Baron Ferrers of Chartley [aged 41] died from poisoning. His son John [aged 4] succeeded 2nd Baron Ferrers of Chartley.
In 1313 Reginald of Bar Bishop Metz died from poisoning.
On 7th October 1368 Lionel of Antwerp 1st Duke of Clarence [aged 29] died from poisoning at Alba [Map]. Duke Clarence extinct. His daughter Philippa [aged 13] succeeded 2nd Countess of Ulster. He was buried at the St Pietro Ciel d'Oro Church, Pavia [Map].
There was strong speculation he had been poisoned by his wife's [aged 14] father [aged 48].
On 20th July 1387 Robert IV Artois Count of Eu [aged 31] died from poisoning.
In 1425 John "Pitiless" Wittelsbach II Duke Bavaria Straubing [aged 50] died from poisoning. His uncle Otto succeeded V Duke Bavaria.
In 1501 sisters Margaret Drummond [aged 26], Eupheme Drummond and Sibylla Drummond died from poisoning, food poisoning, at Drummond Castle.
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 16th April 1594 Ferdinando Stanley 5th Earl of Derby [aged 35] died from poisoning. His brother William [aged 33] succeeded 6th Earl Derby. Baron Mohun of Dunster and Baron Stanley abeyant.
On 14th September 1613 Thomas Overbury [aged 32] died from poisoning at the Tower of London [Map].
On 6th November 1656 Robert Shirley 4th Baronet [aged 27] died from poisoning, probably, in the Tower of London [Map]. His son Seymour [aged 9] succeeded 5th Baronet Shirley of Staunton Harold in Leicestershire.
On 24th August 1770 probably by committing suicide by consuming arsenic at Brook Street, Holborn. He was 17 years and nine months old.