William of Jumièges facts for kids
William of Jumièges was a monk and historian who lived a very long time ago, starting around the year 1000. He was one of the first people to write about the famous Norman conquest of England in 1066. He lived at Jumièges Abbey in Normandy, which is now part of France.
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Who Was William of Jumièges?
William of Jumièges was a monk, which means he dedicated his life to religious service in a monastery. We don't know much about his personal life. We only know he was a monk at Jumièges because of a letter he wrote to William the Conqueror.
His Early Life and Education
William was likely born around the year 1000. He mentioned seeing some events from the time of Duke Richard III, who ruled from 1026 to 1027. This helps us guess his birth year. He probably joined the monastery in the early 1000s. There, he was taught by a person named Thierry de Mathonville.
His Nickname: Calculus
Another historian, Orderic Vitalis, said that William's nickname was "Calculus." We don't know why he had this nickname. It's a mystery! William lived until after 1070, but we don't know the exact date he died.
A Norman Perspective
William was from Normandy, and he wrote from a Norman point of view. Even though he was a monk and probably didn't have military training, he was very proud of what his people achieved. He wrote about their history with great pride.
The Story He Wrote: Gesta Normannorum Ducum
William of Jumièges is most famous for writing a history book called Gesta Normannorum Ducum. This Latin title means "Deeds of the Dukes of the Normans." He finished the main part of this book around 1070.
Building on Earlier Histories
William's book wasn't entirely new. He built upon an older history written by Dudo of Saint-Quentin. Dudo's book was called De moribus et actis primorum Normannorum ducum. It was written between 996 and 1015. Dudo's work was first asked for by Duke Richard I. Later, his half-brother, Count Rodulf of Ivry, and his son Duke Richard II (who ruled from 996 to 1026) also supported it.
William's Updates and Additions
William of Jumièges took Dudo's work in the 1050s. He made it shorter and updated it. He also added new parts about the reigns of several dukes. These included Duke Richard II, Duke Richard III (1026-1027), Robert I (1027-1035), and William II. William II later became known as William the Conqueror.
Finishing the Book
William finished his book by 1060. But he added more to it later. He included events up to 1070, after William the Conqueror became the King of England. His book was later made even bigger by other monks and historians. These included Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni in the 1100s.
