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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In 1599 Robert Walker was born.
Around 1637. Robert Walker [aged 38]. Self-Portrait.
Around 1644. Robert Walker [aged 45]. Portrait of John Acland 1st Baronet [aged 53].
After 1st July 1644. Robert Walker [aged 45]. Portrait of John Evelyn [aged 23]. See Diary Entry 1st July 1664.
Around 1645. Robert Walker [aged 46]. Self-Portrait.
John Evelyn's Diary. 1st July 1648. I sate for my picture, in which there is a Death's head, to Mr. Walker [aged 49], that excellent painter.
Note 1. See Portrait by Robert Walker.
Around 1649. Robert Walker [aged 50]. Oliver Cromwell [aged 49].
Around 1650. Robert Walker [aged 51]. Portrait of Henry Ireton [aged 39].
Around 1650. Robert Walker [aged 51]. Portrait of Richard Sackville 5th Earl Dorset [aged 27].
John Evelyn's Diary. 6th August 1650. To Mr. Walker's [aged 51], a good painter, who showed me an excellent copy of Titian.
Around 1652. Robert Walker [aged 53]. Portrait of General John Lambert [aged 32].
In 1653. Robert Walker [aged 54]. Portrait of Elizabeth Bourchier [aged 55].
Elizabeth Bourchier: In 1598 she was born to John Bourchier. On 22nd August 1620 Oliver Cromwell and she were married. In 1665 she died.
In 1654. Robert Walker [aged 55]. Portrait of William Wentworth 2nd Earl Strafford [aged 27].
Around 1654. Robert Walker [aged 55]. Portrait of Major General Charles Fleetwood [aged 36].
Before 1658. Robert Walker [aged 58]. Portrait of Conyers Darcy 2nd Earl Holderness [aged 35].
In 1658 Robert Walker [aged 59] died.