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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Count Louvain is in Count.
In 1003 Lambert "Bearded" Reginar I Count Louvain (age 53) was created I Count Louvain. Gerberga Carolingian Duchess Lower Lorraine (age 28) by marriage Countess Louvain.
On 12th September 1015 Lambert "Bearded" Reginar I Count Louvain (age 65) was killed in battle with an army of Godfrey Ardennes Count Verdun (age 50). His son Henry succeeded I Count Louvain.
Before 1020 Lambert Reginar II Count Louvain and Oda Ardennes Countess Louvain were married. She by marriage Countess Louvain. She the daughter of Gothelo "The Coward" Ardennes II Duke Lower Lorraine (age 11). He the son of Lambert "Bearded" Reginar I Count Louvain and Gerberga Carolingian Duchess Lower Lorraine. They were fourth cousin twice removed.
In 1038 Henry Reginar I Count Louvain (age 22) died. His brother Lambert succeeded II Count Louvain.
On 19th June 1054 Lambert Reginar II Count Louvain died at Tournai [Map]. His son Henry (age 34) succeeded II Count Louvain.
Before 1058 Henry Reginar II Count Louvain (age 37) and Adela Thuringa Countess Louvain were married. She by marriage Countess Louvain. He the son of Lambert Reginar II Count Louvain and Oda Ardennes Countess Louvain.
In 1071 Henry Reginar II Count Louvain (age 51) died. His son Henry succeeded III Count Louvain.
In 1090 Henry Reginar III Count Louvain and Gertrude Flanders Duchess Lorraine (age 10) were married. She by marriage Countess Louvain. She the daughter of Robert "The Frisian" I Count Flanders (age 57) and Gertrude Billung Countess Holland (age 60). He the son of Henry Reginar II Count Louvain and Adela Thuringa Countess Louvain. They were half fourth cousins.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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In 1095 Henry Reginar III Count Louvain died at Tournai [Map]. His brother Godfrey (age 35) succeeded I Count Louvain. Ida Chiny Countess Louvain by marriage Countess Louvain.
After 1119 Godfrey Reginar I Count Louvain (age 59) and Clementia Ivrea Countess Louvain and Flanders (age 41) were married. She by marriage Countess Louvain. She the daughter of William I Count Burgundy and Ettiennette Countess Burgundy. He the son of Henry Reginar II Count Louvain and Adela Thuringa Countess Louvain.
On 25th January 1139 Godfrey Reginar I Count Louvain (age 79) died. His son Godfrey (age 32) succeeded II Count Louvain.
On 13th June 1142 Godfrey Reginar VII Duke Lower Lorraine (age 35) died. His son Godfrey succeeded III Count Louvain, VIII Duke Lower Lorraine.
In 1183 Henry Reginar VIII Duke Lower Lorraine I Duke Brabant (age 18) was appointed Count Louvain.