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 Sancho III King Castile 1134-1158

Paternal Family Tree: Ivrea

Maternal Family Tree: Etienette Countess Provence and Arles

In November 1128 [his father] Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon (age 23) and [his mother] Berenguela Barcelona Queen Consort Castile and Leon (age 12) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Castile, Queen Consort Leon. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Raymond III Count Barcelona (age 45) and [his grandmother] Douce Gevaudan Countess Barcelona. He the son of Raymond Ivrea and Urracca "Reckless" Jiménez Queen Consort Aragon and Pamplona. They were third cousin once removed.

In 1134 Sancho III King Castile was born to [his father] Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon (age 28) and [his mother] Berenguela Barcelona Queen Consort Castile and Leon (age 18).

On 15th January 1149 [his mother] Berenguela Barcelona Queen Consort Castile and Leon (age 33) died.

In 1151 Sancho III King Castile (age 17) and Blanche Ramirez Queen Consort Castile (age 17) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Castile. She the daughter of García "Restorer" IV King Navarre and Marguerite Aigle Queen Consort Navarre. He the son of Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon (age 45) and Berenguela Barcelona Queen Consort Castile and Leon. They were fourth cousins.

In 1152 [his father] Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon (age 46) and Richeza Unknown Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Castile, Queen Consort Leon. He the son of [his grandfather] Raymond Ivrea and [his grandmother] Urracca "Reckless" Jiménez Queen Consort Aragon and Pamplona.

On 20th July 1153 [his brother-in-law] Sancho "Wise" King Navarre (age 21) and [his sister] Sancha Ivrea (age 14) were married. She the daughter of [his father] Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon (age 48) and [his mother] Berenguela Barcelona Queen Consort Castile and Leon. He the son of García "Restorer" IV King Navarre and Marguerite Aigle Queen Consort Navarre. They were fourth cousins.

Louis VII marries Constance of Castile

In 1154 [his brother-in-law] Louis VII King of the Franks (age 34) and [his sister] Constance of Castile Queen of the Franks (age 14) were married in Orléans. She by marriage Queen of the Franks. Somewhat curiously they were more closely related than Louis and his first wife Eleanor of Aquitaine (age 32) whose marriage had been annulled on account of consanguinity. The difference in their ages was 20 years. She the daughter of [his father] Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon (age 48) and [his mother] Berenguela Barcelona Queen Consort Castile and Leon. He the son of Louis VI King of the Franks and Adelaide Savoy Queen Consort France. They were second cousins.

On 11th November 1155 [his son] Alfonso VIII King Castile was born to Sancho III King Castile (age 21) and [his wife] Blanche Ramirez Queen Consort Castile (age 22). He married before 17th September 1177 his half fourth cousin Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile, daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England, and had issue.

In 1156 [his son] Garcia Ivrea was born to Sancho III King Castile (age 22) and [his wife] Blanche Ramirez Queen Consort Castile (age 22). He died aged less than one years old.

In 1156 [his son] Garcia Ivrea died.

On 12th August 1156 [his wife] Blanche Ramirez Queen Consort Castile (age 23) died.

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 21st August 1157 [his father] Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon (age 52) died. His son Sancho (age 23) succeeded III King Castile. His son [his brother] Ferdinand (age 20) succeeded II King Leon.

On 31st August 1158 Sancho III King Castile (age 24) died. His son Alfonso (age 2) succeeded VIII King Castile.