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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Agnes of Merania Queen Consort France was born to [her father] Berthold Andechs Duke Merania and [her mother] Agnes Rochlitz.
On 28th April 1180 [her future husband] King Philip II of France [aged 14] and Isabelle Flanders Queen Consort France [aged 10] were married. She by marriage Queen Consort of France. She the daughter of Baldwin Flanders V Count Hainaut [aged 30] and Margaret Metz Countess Hainaut and Flanders. He the son of Louis VII King of the Franks [aged 60] and Adèle Queen of the Franks. They were half third cousins. He a great x 2 grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England.
On 18th September 1180 Louis VII King of the Franks [aged 60] died in Paris [Map]. His son [her future husband] Philip [aged 15] succeeded II King France: Capet.
On 14th March 1190 twin boys Robert Capet and Philip Capet were born to [her future husband] King Philip II of France [aged 24] and Isabelle Flanders Queen Consort France [aged 19]. The eldest Robert died the same day, the youngest Philip died three days later. Their mother Isabelle Flanders Queen Consort France died from childbirth the day after the birth.
On 15th August 1193 [her future husband] King Philip II of France [aged 27] and Ingeborg Estridsen Queen Consort France [aged 19] were married. She by marriage Queen Consort of France. She the daughter of Valdemar "Great" I King of Denmark. He the son of Louis VII King of the Franks and Adèle Queen of the Franks.
Around November 1193 [her future husband] King Philip II of France [aged 28] and Ingeborg Estridsen Queen Consort France [aged 19] marriage annulled on the spurious grounds of her consanguinity with his first wife Isabelle Flanders Queen Consort France. She was kept, more or less, a prisoner for the remainder of her life being held in difference French castles.
On 7th May 1196 King Philip II of France [aged 30] and Agnes of Merania Queen Consort France were married. She by marriage Queen Consort of France. She the daughter of Berthold Andechs Duke Merania and Agnes Rochlitz. He the son of Louis VII King of the Franks and Adèle Queen of the Franks.
In 1197 [her sister-in-law] Alix Capet Countess Blois [aged 46] died.
In 1198 [her daughter] Marie Capet was born to [her husband] King Philip II of France [aged 32] and Agnes of Merania Queen Consort France. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England. She married (1) 1211 her half third cousin once removed Philip Flanders I Marquis Namur, son of Baldwin Flanders V Count Hainaut and Margaret Metz Countess Hainaut and Flanders (2) 22nd April 1213 Henry Reginar VIII Duke Lower Lorraine I Duke Brabant, son of Godfrey Reginar VIII Duke Lower Lorraine and Margaret Luxemburg Duchess Lower Lorraine, and had issue.
On 11th March 1198 [her sister-in-law] Marie Capet Countess Champagne [aged 53] died.
Annals of the six Kings of England by Nicholas Trivet
Translation of the Annals of the Six Kings of England by that traces the rise and rule of the Angevin aka Plantagenet dynasty from the mid-12th to early 14th century. Written by the Dominican scholar Nicholas Trivet, the work offers a vivid account of English history from the reign of King Stephen through to the death of King Edward I, blending political narrative with moral reflection. Covering the reigns of six monarchs—from Stephen to Edward I—the chronicle explores royal authority, rebellion, war, and the shifting balance between crown, church, and nobility. Trivet provides detailed insight into defining moments such as baronial conflicts, Anglo-French rivalry, and the consolidation of royal power under Edward I, whose reign he describes with particular immediacy. The Annals combines careful year-by-year reporting with thoughtful interpretation, presenting history not merely as a sequence of events but as a moral and political lesson. Ideal for readers interested in medieval history, kingship, and the origins of the English state, this chronicle remains a valuable and accessible window into the turbulent world of the Plantagenet kings.
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23rd May 1200 [her step-son] King Louis VIII of France [aged 12] and Blanche Ivrea Queen Consort France [aged 12] were married. She the daughter of Alfonso VIII King Castile [aged 44] and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile [aged 38]. He the son of [her husband] King Philip II of France [aged 34] and Isabelle Flanders Queen Consort France. They were third cousins. He a great x 3 grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.
In July 1200 [her son] Philip Capet Count Boulogne was born to [her husband] King Philip II of France [aged 34] and Agnes of Merania Queen Consort France. He a great x 3 grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England. He married his third cousin Matilda Dammartin Queen Consort Portugal, daughter of Renaud Dammartin I Count Boulogne, Dammartin and Aumale and Ida Metz Countess Boulogne.
On 24th August 1200 King John of England [aged 33] and Isabella of Angoulême Queen Consort England [aged 12] were married. She had been engaged to Hugh IX of Lusignan IV Count of La Marche [aged 37] who subsequently appealed to [her husband] King Philip II of France [aged 35], their feudal overlord, who used the position to justify a war against John. The difference in their ages was 21 years. She the daughter of Aymer Angoulême I Count Angoulême [aged 40] and Alice Courtenay Countess Angoulême. He the son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [aged 78]. They were fourth cousin once removed.
In 1201 Agnes of Merania Queen Consort France died.
On 14th July 1223 [her former husband] King Philip II of France [aged 57] died. His son [her former step-son] Louis [aged 35] succeeded VIII King France: Capet. Blanche Ivrea Queen Consort France [aged 35] by marriage Queen Consort of France.
[her son] Peirre Chalot Capet Bishop Noyen was born to King Philip II of France and Agnes of Merania Queen Consort France. He a great x 3 grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England.