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.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Biography of Margaret "Maid of Norway" I Queen Scotland 1283-1290

Paternal Family Tree: Sverre

Maternal Family Tree: Margaret Geneva Countess Savoy 1180-1252

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

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

On 19th March 1286 [her grandfather] King Alexander III of Scotland [aged 44] died from a fall from a horse at Kinghorn Ness while riding in the dark to visit the Queen [aged 22] at Kinghorn in Fife because it was her birthday the next day. His granddaughter Margaret [aged 2] succeeded I Queen Scotland.

On 26th September 1290 Margaret "Maid of Norway" I Queen Scotland [aged 7] died at St Margaret's Hope.

In 1293 [her father] Eric II King Norway [aged 25] and [her step-mother] Isabel Bruce Queen Norway [aged 21] were married. She by marriage Queen Norway. She the daughter of Robert Bruce Earl Carrick [aged 49] and Marjorie Carrick 3rd Countess Carrick. He the son of [her grandfather] King Magnus VI of Norway and [her grandmother] Queen Ingeborg of Norway.