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.
Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.
St Andrew's Cathedral Priory is in St Andrew's [Map].
On 4th August 1279 Bishop William Fraser was elected Bishop of St Andrews.
In 1297 Bishop William de Lamberton was consecrated Bishop of St Andrews.
John of Fordun's Chronicle. 111. Stirling Castle [Map] besieged by the King of England
Just after Easter, in the year 1304, that same king besieged Strivelyn [Map] Castle for three months without a break. For this siege, he commanded all the lead of the refectory of Saint Andrews [Map] to be pulled down, and had it taken away for the use of his engines. At last, the aforesaid castle was surrendered [20th July 1304] and delivered unto him on certain conditions, drawn up in writing, and sealed with his seal. But when he had got the castle, the king [aged 64] belied his troth, and broke through the conditions: for William Oliphant, the warden thereof, he threw bound into prison in London, and kept him a long time in thrall. The same year, when both great and small in the kingdom of Scotland (except William Wallace alone) had made their submission unto him; when the surrendered castles and fortified towns, which had formerly been broken down and knocked to pieces, had been all rebuilt, and he had appointed wardens of his own therein; and after all and sundry of Scottish birth had tendered him homage, the king, with the Prince of Wales [aged 19], and his whole army, returned to England. He left, however, the chief warden as his lieutenant, to amend and control the lawlessness of all the rest, both Scots and English. He did not show his face in Scotland after this.
On 25th March 1306, King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland [aged 31] was crowned King Scotland at Scone Abbey [Map] by Bishop of St Andrews and Bishop Robert Wishart. Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland [aged 22] was crowned Queen Consort Scotland. Christopher Seton [aged 28] and Bishop David de Moravia were present. He was wearing royal robes and vestments previously hidden from the English by Bishop Robert Wishart.
The following day, 26th March 1306, King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland was crowned by Isabella Countess Buchan whose family held the hereditary right to place the crown on the King's head; she had arrived too late for the coronation the day before. The right was held by her brother Duncan Fife 4th Earl Fife [aged 18] who was under-age and held by the English so she assumed the right in his place.
On 30th April 1388 Archbishop Alexander Neville [aged 47] was translated to Bishop of St Andrews. He never took possession of the see because the Scots acknowledged the Avignon papacy with their own candidate, Bishop Walter Trail.
Around May 1497 King James IV of Scotland [aged 24] nominated his brother James of Ross [aged 21] to be Archbishop of St Andrews. James of Ross was a minor, and so the revenues of the archbishopric would be controlled by King James.
In 1538 James Stewart 1st Earl of Moray Regent [aged 7] was appointed Prior of St Andrew's securing his income.
On 28th November 1547 Archbishop John Hamilton [aged 35] was appointed ArchBishop of St Andrews.
Around August 1548 Cardinal David Beaton was consecrated as ArchBishop of St Andrews.
Bishop Roger Beaumont was appointed Bishop of St Andrews.
Bishop Walter Trail was appointed Bishop of St Andrews.
Archbishop Alexander Stewart was appointed ArchBishop of St Andrews.