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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Duke Brittany

Duke Brittany is in Dukes of France.

In 981 Hoël Poher I Duke Brittany died. His son Judicaël [aged 2] succeeded I Duke Brittany.

In 1084 Hoël Canhiart II Duke Brittany [aged 53] died. In 1084 His son Alan [aged 21] succeeded IV Duke Brittany.

In 1087 Alan Canhiart IV Duke Brittany [aged 24] and Constance Normandy Duchess Brittany [aged 30] were married. She by marriage Duchess Brittany. She the daughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England [aged 59] and Matilda Flanders Queen Consort England. They were third cousins.

In 1093 Alan Canhiart IV Duke Brittany [aged 30] and Ermengarde Anjou Duchess Brittany and Aquitaine [aged 25] were married. She by marriage Duchess Brittany. She the daughter of Fulk "Réchin" Anjou 4th Count Anjou [aged 50] and Hildegarde Beaugency Countess Anjou [aged 49]. They were third cousin once removed.

Before 1113 Conan "Fat" Canhiart III Duke Brittany [aged 16] and Matilda Fitzroy Duchess Brittany were married. She by marriage Duchess Brittany. She the illegitmate daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England [aged 44]. He the son of Alan Canhiart IV Duke Brittany [aged 49] and Ermengarde Anjou Duchess Brittany and Aquitaine [aged 44]. They were fourth cousins.

On 13th October 1119 Alan Canhiart IV Duke Brittany [aged 56] died. His son Conan [aged 23] succeeded III Duke Brittany.

On 17th September 1148 Conan "Fat" Canhiart III Duke Brittany [aged 52] died. He had disinherited his son Hoel on his deathbed for being illegitimate. His daughter Bertha [aged 23] succeeded I Duchess Brittany. Odo II Duke Brittany by marriage Duke Brittany.

In 1155 Bertha Canhiart I Duchess Brittany [aged 30] died. Her son Conan [aged 17] succeeded IV Duke Brittany.

On 20th February 1171 Conan "The Young" Penthièvre IV Duke Brittany [aged 33] died. His daughter Constance [aged 10] succeeded Duchess Brittany, 3rd Countess Richmond.

On 5th September 1201 Constance Penthièvre Duchess Brittany [aged 40] died. Her son Prince [aged 14] succeeded 3rd Duke Brittany, 4th Earl Richmond.

In August 1431 Francis Montfort I Duke Brittany [aged 17] and Yolande Valois Anjou Duchess Brabant Duchess Brittany [aged 19] were married. She by marriage Duchess Brittany. She the daughter of King Louis of Naples and Yolande Barcelona Queen Consort Naples [aged 49]. He the son of John Montfort V Duke Brittany [aged 41] and Joan Valois Duchess Brittany [aged 40]. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Henry III of England.

On 29th August 1442 John Montfort V Duke Brittany [aged 52] died. His son Francis [aged 28] succeeded I Duke Brittany.

On 30th August 1442 Francis Montfort I Duke Brittany [aged 28] and Isabella Stewart Duchess Brittany [aged 16] were married. She by marriage Duchess Brittany. She the daughter of King James I of Scotland and Joan Beaufort Queen Consort Scotland [aged 38]. He the son of John Montfort V Duke Brittany [deceased] and Joan Valois Duchess Brittany. They were half fourth cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 9th January 1514 Anne of Brittany Queen Consort France [aged 36] died. She the last of the de Montfort family to hold the title (the Montfort family is a scion the Capet family; her father was descended from Louis VII King of the Franks. Claude Valois Orléans Queen Consort France [aged 14] succeeded I Duchess Brittany.

On 18th May 1514 King Francis I of France [aged 19] and Claude Valois Orléans Queen Consort France [aged 14] were married. He by marriage Duke Brittany. She the daughter of Louis XII King France [aged 51] and Anne of Brittany Queen Consort France [aged 37]. He the son of Charles Valois Orléans Count Angoulême and Louise of Savoy Countess Angoulême [aged 37]. They were second cousins.