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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On 12th December 1753 William Beechey was born.
1789. William Beechey [aged 35]. Portrait of Paul Sandby [aged 58].
1789. William Beechey [aged 35]. Portrait of Isabella Caroline Howard Baroness Cawdor [aged 18].
Isabella Caroline Howard Baroness Cawdor: In 1771 she was born to Frederick Howard 5th Earl Carlisle and Margaret Caroline Leveson-Gower Countess Carlisle. On 28th July 1789 John Campbell 1st Baron Cawdor and she were married. She the daughter of Frederick Howard 5th Earl Carlisle and Margaret Caroline Leveson-Gower Countess Carlisle. On 21st June 1796 John Campbell 1st Baron Cawdor was created 1st Baron Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire. She by marriage Baroness Cawdor of Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire. In 1848 Isabella Caroline Howard Baroness Cawdor died.
Before 1790. William Beechey [aged 36]. Portrait of George Brudenell aka Montagu 1st Duke Montagu [aged 77] in the Windsor Uniform.
In 1797. William Beechey [aged 43]. Portrait of Princess Amelia Hanover [aged 13].
Princess Amelia Hanover: On 7th August 1783 she was born to King George III of Great Britain and Ireland and Charlotte Mecklenburg Strelitz Queen Consort England. On 2nd November 1810 Princess Amelia Hanover died. Before September 1823 Elizabeth Boughton Baroness Templetown was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Princess Amelia Hanover.
In 1797. William Beechey [aged 43]. Portrait of Princess Sophia Hanover [aged 19].
Princess Sophia Hanover: On 3rd November 1777 she was born to King George III of Great Britain and Ireland and Charlotte Mecklenburg Strelitz Queen Consort England. On 27th May 1848 Princess Sophia Hanover died at Vicarage Place Kensington. Princess Augusta Hesse-Kassel Duchess Cambridge and Marie Luise Victoria Saxe Coburg Gotha Duchess Kent and Strathearn were present.
Around 1800. William Beechey [aged 46]. Portrait of King George III of Great Britain and Ireland [aged 61].
1800. William Beechey [aged 46]. Self-Portrait.
1803. William Beechey [aged 49]. Portrait of Henry Addington 1st Viscount Sidmouth [aged 45].
Around 1815. William Beechey [aged 61]. Portrait of Harriet Mellon Duchess St Albans [aged 37].
1818. William Beechey [aged 64]. Portrait of Princess Augusta Hesse-Kassel Duchess Cambridge [aged 20].
1826. William Beechey [aged 72]. Portrait of Thomas Assheton-Smith of Ashley in Cheshire [aged 74].
Around 1830. William Beechey [aged 76]. Portrait of King William IV of the United Kingdom [aged 64].
Before 1835 . William Beechey [aged 81]. Portrait of Joseph Nollekens. An autographed replica by Beechey of the work which now hangs in the Tate Britain, London
Before 1839. William Beechey [aged 85]. Portrait of Elizabeth Charlotte Eden Baroness Godolphin [aged 58].
Elizabeth Charlotte Eden Baroness Godolphin: In 1780 she was born to William Eden 1st Baron Auckland and Eleanor Elliot. On 31st March 1800 Francis Osborne 1st Baron Godolphin and she were married. He the son of Francis Osborne 5th Duke Leeds and Amelia Darcy 12th Baroness Darcy 9th Baroness Conyers. On 14th May 1832 Francis Osborne 1st Baron Godolphin was created 1st Baron Godolphin of Farnham Royal in Buckinghamshire. She by marriage Baroness Godolphin of Farnham Royal in Buckinghamshire. In 1847 Elizabeth Charlotte Eden Baroness Godolphin died.
Before 28th January 1839. William Beechey [aged 85]. Portrait of Charles Brudenell 1st Marquess Ailesbury [aged 65].
On 28th January 1839 William Beechey [aged 85] died.