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 Mafalda Burgundy Queen Consort Castile 1196-1256

Paternal Family Tree: Capet

In 1196 Mafalda Burgundy was born to [her father] Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal (age 41) and [her mother] Dulce Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal.

In 1206 [her brother] Alfonso "Fat" II King Portugal (age 20) and [her sister-in-law] Urraca Ivrea Queen Consort Portugal (age 18) were married. She the daughter of Alfonso VIII King Castile (age 50) and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile (age 44). He the son of [her father] Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal (age 51) and [her mother] Dulce Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal. They were second cousin once removed. She a granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

On 26th March 1211 [her father] Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal (age 56) died. His son [her brother] Alfonso (age 25) succeeded II King Portugal. [her sister-in-law] Urraca Ivrea Queen Consort Portugal (age 23) by marriage Queen Consort Portugal.

In 1214 [her brother-in-law] King Valdemar II of Denmark (age 43) and [her sister] Berengaria Burgundy Queen Consort Denmark (age 16) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Denmark. The difference in their ages was 27 years. She the daughter of [her father] Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal and [her mother] Dulce Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal. He the son of Valdemar "Great" I King of Denmark and Sophia of Minsk.

On 5th October 1214 Alfonso VIII King Castile (age 58) died. He was buried at Abbey of Santa Maria la Real de Huelgas [Map]. His son [her future husband] Henry (age 10) succeeded I King Castile.

In 1215 Henry I King Castile (age 10) and Mafalda Burgundy (age 19) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Castile. She the daughter of Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal and Dulce Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal. He the son of Alfonso VIII King Castile and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile. They were second cousin once removed. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

In 1216 [her husband] Henry I King Castile (age 11) and [her niece] Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Castile (age 25) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Castile. She the daughter of [her brother-in-law] Alfonso IX King Leon (age 44) and [her sister] Theresa of Portugal Queen Consort Leon (age 40). He the son of Alfonso VIII King Castile and Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile. They were second cousins. He a grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

On 6th June 1217 [her husband] Henry I King Castile (age 13) was killed by a tile falling of a roof. He was buried at Abbey of Santa Maria la Real de Huelgas [Map]. His sister [her sister-in-law] Berengaria (age 38) succeeded I Queen Castile.

On 27th March 1221 [her sister] Berengaria Burgundy Queen Consort Denmark (age 23) died.

On 25th March 1223 [her brother] Alfonso "Fat" II King Portugal (age 37) died at Coimbra. His son [her nephew] Sancho (age 13) succeeded II King Portugal.

On 18th June 1250 [her sister] Theresa of Portugal Queen Consort Leon (age 74) died.

Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough

A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'

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On 1st May 1256 Mafalda Burgundy (age 60) died.

[her father] Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal and [her mother] Dulce Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Portugal. She the daughter of [her grandfather] Raymond V Count Barcelona. He the son of [her grandfather] Afonso "Conqueror Founder Great" I King Portugal and [her grandmother] Malfada Savoy Queen Consort Portugal. They were fifth cousins.