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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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Pursuivant

Pursuivant is in Officer of Arms.

Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary

Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary is, probably, the Pursuivants in Ordinary for the Order of the Garter.

On 18th June 1536 William Harvey [aged 26] was appointed Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary.

On 9th December 1558 John Hollingworth was appointed Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 9th December 1558. The ix day of Desember was creatyd at Somersett plasse [Map], wher the quen('s) [aged 25] grace lys, master Rychmond Norroy, and Rysbanke creatyd Bluw-mantyll.

On 8th January 1559 Richard Turpin was appointed Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 8th January 1559. The sam day was creatyd of my lorde of Norfolk a pursewantt, Bluwe mantyll, and creatyd Rychemund, [who] cam latt over the see owt of Franche.

Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary

Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary is the Pursuivants in Ordinary for the Beaufort family one of whose emblems is the Portcullis. It was instituted around 1485 around the time of the Coronation of Henry VII whose mother was Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond.

On 22nd July 1559 Edward Merlin was created Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary.

The London Gazette 25183. Whitehall, December 27, 1882. The Queen has been pleased to direct Letters Patent to be passed under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland granting unto William Alexander Lindsay [aged 36], Esq., the office of Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms, vacant by the promotion of Arthur Staunton Larken, Esq., to the office of Richmond Herald

Rose-Blanche Pursuivant Extraordinary

Henry Machyn's Diary. 25th January 1562. The 25 day of January was appointed Master Robert Cooke [aged 27], Blanch-Rosse pursewant at armes, my lord Robart Dudley's [aged 29] servant, the wyche he never servyd in no plase a-for.

Note. P. 272. Robert Cooke, afterwards Clarenceux king of arms, was created Rose-Blanch pursuivant Jan. 25, and Chester herald Jan. 29, 1561; his patent for the latter office is printed in Rymer's Fœdera, &c. vol. xv. p. 620; followed by that advancing his predecessor, William Flower, to the office of Norroy (see the ceremony of creation mentioned in p. 276).

Rouge Dragon Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary

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Chronicles of the Reigns of Edward I and II Volume 2

The Chronicles of the Reigns of Edward I and Edward II, Volume 2, comprising A Sorrowful Commendation on King Edward, the Life of Edward II by a Monk of Bridlington, Life of Edward II by a Monk of Malmesbury and Life of Edward by Thomas de la More, presents a rich collection of medieval English chronicles illuminating the political, military, ecclesiastical and social upheavals of the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. The volume offers contemporary and near-contemporary accounts of the reigns of Edward I and Edward II, a period marked by war with Scotland, conflict between Crown and nobility, disputes over royal government, ecclesiastical tensions, rebellion, deposition and civil violence. Particular attention is given to the struggle surrounding Piers Gaveston, Thomas of Lancaster and the Despensers, as well as the turbulent final years of Edward II and the political circumstances that shaped the early reign of Edward III. These chronicles are especially valuable for their vivid narrative detail. They preserve speeches, political arguments, descriptions of battles and executions, accounts of parliaments and royal councils, reports of diplomatic missions, ecclesiastical controversies, prodigies and natural events, and contemporary judgements on the conduct of kings, magnates and churchmen. Written from differing institutional and regional perspectives, the texts reveal not only what happened but how medieval observers interpreted events, often through ideas of divine judgement, legitimate kingship, loyalty, treason and moral retribution. An important primary-source collection for readers interested in Edward I, Edward II, medieval politics, the Scottish wars, the baronial opposition, the fall of Edward II, church history and fourteenth-century England, Volume 2 provides an indispensable window into one of the most turbulent periods of the English Middle Ages.

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Rouge Dragon Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary is a Pursuivants in Ordinary for Wales.

In 1553 William Colbarne was appointed Rouge Dragon Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary which position he held until 1564.

On 17th January 1690 Peter Le Neve [aged 28] was appointed Rouge Dragon Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary.

In Thomas William King was appointed Rouge Dragon Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary which office he held until 1848.

Rouge Rose Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary

On 22nd February 1616 Augustine Vincent [aged 32] was appointed Rouge Rose Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary. He was invested on 22nd March 1616.

Wallingford Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary

In 1489 Thomas Wriothesley [aged 1] was appointed Wallingford Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary in the service of Prince Arthur Tudor [aged 2].