Duke of Normandy facts for kids

The Duke of Normandy was the title given to the rulers of a special area in France called Normandy. This area was created in 911 by Charles the Simple, who was the King of France. He gave it to a Viking leader named Rollo.

A very famous Duke of Normandy was William the Conqueror. In 1066, he was the seventh duke and became King William I of England after winning the Battle of Hastings. Because of this, the Kings of England held the title of Duke of Normandy for many years.

However, in 1204, King John lost control of most of mainland Normandy to France. The English kings only kept the Channel Islands, which are still British today. In 1259, Henry III officially gave up the title of Duke of Normandy for the mainland part through a treaty.

Later, in 1660, when King Charles II became king again, the King of France, Louis XIV, gave the title of Duke of Normandy to Charles's brother, James. This was likely a way to show support for the monarchy.

Early Dukes of Normandy (911-1204)

The Duchy of Normandy was a powerful area. Its dukes played a big role in the history of both France and England.

House of Normandy

• Rollo (911-928) - The first Duke of Normandy.
• William I Longsword (928-942)
• Richard I (942-997)
• Richard II the Good (996-1026)
• Richard III (1026–1027)
• Robert I The Magnificent (1027-1035)
• William the Conqueror (1035-1087) - He was William II as Duke of Normandy and William I as King of England.
• Robert II Curthose (1087-1106)
  • William Rufus (1096-1100) - He was a regent, meaning he ruled for Robert for a time.
  • William Clito (1106-1134) - He tried to claim the title.
• Henry I Beauclerk (1106-1135)
  • William III Atheling (Under his father, Henry I)
• Stephen of Blois (1135-1144) - He took the title from Empress Matilda.

House of Plantagenet

• Geoffrey Plantagenet (1144-1150) - He became duke through his wife.
• Henry II (1150-1189)
  • Henry the Young King (1170–1183) - He was a junior duke.
• Richard IV Lionheart (1189-1199)
• John Lackland (1199-1216) - He lost mainland Normandy in 1204.
• Henry III (1216–1259) - He officially gave up the title for mainland Normandy by the Treaty of Paris (1259).

Images for kids

• 

  "La Reine, Notre Duc": title of a Diamond Jubilee exhibition at the Jersey Arts Centre

See also

In Spanish: Duque de Normandía para niños