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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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John Downman is in Painters.
Around 1750 John Downman was born.
Around 1779. Possibly John Downman (age 29). Portrait of John Mortlock (age 24).
John Mortlock: In 1755 he was born. In 1784 John Mortlock was elected MP Cambridge. In 1816 he died.
Around 1780. John Downman (age 30). Portrait of Georgiana Spencer Duchess Devonshire (age 22).
Around 1780. John Downman (age 30). Portrait of Baron Gustaf Adam von Nolcken (age 46).
Around 1792. John Downman (age 42). Miniature portrait of Sarah Hussey Delaval Countess Tyrconnel (age 29).
Before 1815. After John Downman (age 64). Portrait of Antony Gibbs (age 58).
Antony Gibbs: In 1756 he was born. In 1815 Antony Gibbs died.
Before 1824. John Downman (age 73). Portrait of Jane Surtees (age 72).
Jane Surtees: In 1751 she was born to Robert Surtees and Dorothy Lambton.
On 24th December 1824 John Downman (age 74) died.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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1873. John Downman. Stone lithograph after the original by Edward H. Mitchell. Portrait of Henrietta Frances Spencer Countess Bessborough.