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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Biography of Agnes Poitiers Queen Consort Leon Queen Consort Castile 1059-1078

Paternal Family Tree: Poitiers

In or after 1058 Agnes Poitiers Queen Consort Leon Queen Consort Castile was born to [her father] Guy William Poitiers VIII Duke Aquitaine (age 33) and [her mother] Mateoda Duchess Aquitaine.

Around October 1058 [her uncle] William VII Duke Aquitaine (age 35) died. His brother [her father] Guy (age 33) succeeded VIII Duke Aquitaine.

Before November 1058 [her father] Guy William Poitiers VIII Duke Aquitaine (age 33) and Garsende Perigord Duchess Aquitaine were married. She by marriage Duchess Aquitaine. He the son of [her grandfather] William "Great" V Duke Aquitaine and [her grandmother] Agnes Ivrea Duchess Aquitaine.

In November 1058 [her father] Guy William Poitiers VIII Duke Aquitaine (age 33) and Garsende Perigord Duchess Aquitaine were divorced.

After November 1058 [her father] Guy William Poitiers VIII Duke Aquitaine (age 33) and [her mother] Mateoda Duchess Aquitaine were married. She by marriage Duchess Aquitaine. He the son of [her grandfather] William "Great" V Duke Aquitaine and [her grandmother] Agnes Ivrea Duchess Aquitaine.

In May 1068 [her father] Guy William Poitiers VIII Duke Aquitaine (age 43) and [her mother] Mateoda Duchess Aquitaine were divorced.

In 1069 Alfonso "Brave" VI King Leon VI King Castile (age 28) and Agnes Poitiers Queen Consort Leon Queen Consort Castile (age 10) were married. She the daughter of Guy William Poitiers VIII Duke Aquitaine (age 44) and Mateoda Duchess Aquitaine. He the son of Ferdinand "Great" I King Leon and Sancha Astur Leonese.

Before 22nd October 1071 [her father] Guy William Poitiers VIII Duke Aquitaine (age 46) and [her step-mother] Hildegarde Burgundy Duchess Aquitaine (age 15) were married. She by marriage Duchess Aquitaine. The difference in their ages was 31 years. She the daughter of Robert I Duke Burgundy (age 60) and Ermengarde Blanche Ingelger Duchess Burgundy (age 53). He the son of [her grandfather] William "Great" V Duke Aquitaine and [her grandmother] Agnes Ivrea Duchess Aquitaine. They were second cousin once removed.

On 12th January 1072 [her brother-in-law] Sancho "Strong" II King Leon II King Castile (age 35) was crowned II King Leon. He reigned for only nine months.

Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'

This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.

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On 7th October 1072 [her brother-in-law] Sancho "Strong" II King Leon II King Castile (age 35) died. His brother [her husband] Alfonso (age 31) succeeded VI King Castile. Agnes Poitiers Queen Consort Leon Queen Consort Castile (age 14) by marriage Queen Consort Castile.