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 Eric II King Norway 1268-1299

Paternal Family Tree: Sverre

On 11th September 1261 [his father] King Magnus VI of Norway (age 23) and [his mother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway (age 17) were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] King Eric IV of Denmark and [his grandmother] Jutta of Saxony (age 38). He the son of [his grandfather] King Haakon IV of Norway (age 57).

In 1268 Eric II was born to [his father] King Magnus VI of Norway (age 29) and [his mother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway (age 24).

On 9th May 1280 [his father] King Magnus VI of Norway (age 42) died. His son Eric (age 12) succeeded King Norway.

On 31st August 1281 Eric II (age 13) and Margaret Dunkeld Queen Consort Norway (age 20) were married at Bergen. She the daughter of King Alexander III of Scotland (age 39) and Margaret Queen of Scotland. He the son of King Magnus VI of Norway and Queen Ingeborg of Norway (age 37). They were half fourth cousin once removed. She a granddaughter of King Henry III of England.

On 14th November 1282 [his brother-in-law] Alexander Dunkeld Prince Scotland (age 18) and Margaret Dampierre Countess Guelders (age 10) were married. She the daughter of Guy Dampierre Count Flanders (age 56) and Isabelle Luxemburg Countess Flanders (age 35). He the son of [his father-in-law] King Alexander III of Scotland (age 41) and Margaret Queen of Scotland. They were half third cousin once removed. He a grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

On 9th April 1283 [his daughter] Margaret "Maid of Norway" I Queen Scotland was born to Eric II (age 15) and [his wife] Margaret Dunkeld Queen Consort Norway (age 22) at Tønsberg. Her mother died in childbirth and was buried at Tønsberg. She a great granddaughter of King Henry III of England.

On 24th March 1287 or 26th March 1287 [his mother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway (age 43) died.

On 26th September 1290 [his daughter] Margaret "Maid of Norway" I Queen Scotland (age 7) died at St Margaret's Hope.

The History of William Marshal, Earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Regent of England. Book 1 of 2, Lines 1-10152.

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 1293 Eric II (age 25) and Isabel Bruce Queen Norway (age 21) were married. She by marriage Queen Norway. She the daughter of Robert Bruce Earl Carrick (age 49) and Marjorie Carrick 3rd Countess Carrick. He the son of King Magnus VI of Norway and Queen Ingeborg of Norway.

In 1295 [his brother] King Haakon V (age 24) and [his sister-in-law] Isabel Joigny were married. He the son of [his father] King Magnus VI of Norway and [his mother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway.

In 1296 [his brother-in-law] King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 21) and Isabella Mar (age 43) were married. The difference in their ages was 21 years; she, unusually, being older than him. She the daughter of Donald Mar 7th Earl of Mar and Elen ferch Llewellyn Aberffraw Countess Huntingdon and Mar. He the son of [his father-in-law] Robert Bruce Earl Carrick (age 52) and Marjorie Carrick 3rd Countess Carrick. They were fifth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England. She a great granddaughter of King John of England.

In 1297 [his daughter] Ingeborg Eriksdottir was born to Eric II (age 29) and [his wife] Isabel Bruce Queen Norway (age 25).

In 1299 [his brother] King Haakon V (age 28) and [his sister-in-law] Euphemia of Rügen Queen Norway (age 19) were married. He the son of [his father] King Magnus VI of Norway and [his mother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway.

On 15th July 1299 Eric II (age 31) died. His brother [his brother] Haakon (age 29) succeeded V King Norway. [his sister-in-law] Euphemia of Rügen Queen Norway (age 19) by marriage Queen Norway.

In 1358 [his former wife] Isabel Bruce Queen Norway (age 86) died.