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 King Eric IV of Denmark 1216-1250

Paternal Family Tree: Estridsen

In 1205 [his father] King Valdemar II of Denmark (age 34) and Dagmar of Bohemia (age 19) were married. He the son of [his grandfather] Valdemar "Great" I King of Denmark and [his grandmother] Sophia of Minsk.

In 1214 [his father] King Valdemar II of Denmark (age 43) and [his mother] 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 [his grandfather] Sancho "Populator" I King Portugal and [his grandmother] Dulce Barcelona Queen Consort Portugal. He the son of [his grandfather] Valdemar "Great" I King of Denmark and [his grandmother] Sophia of Minsk.

Around 1216 King Eric IV of Denmark was born to [his father] King Valdemar II of Denmark (age 45) and [his mother] Berengaria Burgundy Queen Consort Denmark (age 18).

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

On 17th November 1239 King Eric IV of Denmark (age 23) and Jutta of Saxony (age 16) were married. He the son of King Valdemar II of Denmark (age 69) and Berengaria Burgundy Queen Consort Denmark.

In 1241 King Eric IV of Denmark (age 25) succeeded King of Denmark.

On 28th March 1241 [his father] King Valdemar II of Denmark (age 70) died.

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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Around 1244 [his daughter] Queen Ingeborg of Norway was born to King Eric IV of Denmark (age 28) and [his wife] Jutta of Saxony (age 21). She married 11th September 1261 King Magnus VI of Norway and had issue.

On 10th August 1250 King Eric IV of Denmark (age 34) was assassinated. Many suspected the assassination was ordered by his brother [his brother] King Abel of Denmark (age 32).. His brother Abel succeeded King of Denmark.

Before 2nd February 1267 [his former wife] Jutta of Saxony (age 44) died.