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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Ferdinand Bol is in Painters.
On 24th June 1616 Ferdinand Bol was born to [his father] Balthasar Bol at Dortrecht.
After 1630 Ferdinand Bol (age 13) studied with Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn.
1644. Ferdinand Bol (age 27). Portrait of an unknown woman.
Between 1645 and 1650. Ferdinand Bol (age 28). Lady with a Fan.
In 1653 Ferdinand Bol (age 36) and Elisabeth Dell were married.
In 1660 [his wife] Elisabeth Dell died.
Around 1665 Godfrey Kneller (age 18) became a pupil of Ferdinand Bol (age 48).
1667. Ferdinand Bol (age 50). Portrait of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter (age 59).
In 1669 Ferdinand Bol (age 52) and Anna van Erckel were married.
1669. Ferdinand Bol (age 52). Self-Portrait.
Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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1669. Ferdinand Bol (age 52). Portrait of a Man.
Before 1680. Ferdinand Bol (age 63). Self-Portrait, Behind a Parapet.
Around June 1680 [his wife] Anna van Erckel died.
On 24th August 1680 Ferdinand Bol (age 64) died.