House of Normandy facts for kids

The House of Normandy was a powerful family that ruled as Dukes of Normandy and later as Kings of England. Their story began shortly after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. This family ruled until the House of Plantagenet took over in 1154.

The dynasty started with a Viking leader named Rollo. His descendants became the first rulers of Normandy. Later, William the Conqueror and his children continued the family's rule. The dynasty ended in 1135 after a big argument over the throne. This argument was between two of William's grandchildren, Matilda and Stephen from the House of Blois.

Who Were the Norman Dukes?

The House of Normandy first became important as the rulers of Normandy, a region in France. These leaders were called Dukes. They helped shape the early history of this area.

Here are the Dukes of Normandy from this family:

• Rollo: Ruled from 911 to 927. He was the founder of the dynasty.
• William I: Ruled from 927 to 942. He was Rollo's son.
• Richard I: Ruled from 942 to 996. He was known for making Normandy stronger.
• Richard II: Ruled from 996 to 1027. He had good relationships with other European rulers.
• Richard III: Ruled in 1027 for a short time.
• Robert I: Ruled from 1027 to 1035. He was the father of William the Conqueror.
• William II: Ruled as Duke from 1035 to 1066. He later became King of England.

Norman Kings and Queens of England

The most famous member of the House of Normandy was William the Conqueror. In 1066, he led the Norman invasion of England and became its king. This event changed English history forever.

Here are the Norman monarchs who ruled both England and Normandy, or parts of them:

• William I & II: Ruled England from 1066 to 1087. He was already Duke William II of Normandy.
• William II: Ruled England from 1087 to 1100. He was William the Conqueror's son but did not rule Normandy.
• Robert II: Ruled Normandy from 1087 to 1106. He was William the Conqueror's eldest son but never became King of England.
• Henry I: Ruled England from 1100 to 1135 and Normandy from 1106 to 1135. He was another son of William the Conqueror.
• Matilda of England: She was recognized as Queen for a short time in 1141 but was never officially crowned. She was Henry I's daughter.

The End of the Dynasty

After King Henry I died in 1135, there was a big problem. Henry's daughter, Matilda, believed she should be the next ruler. However, her cousin, Stephen, also wanted the throne. This led to a long and difficult civil war known as The Anarchy.

This conflict lasted for many years and caused a lot of trouble in England. Eventually, a compromise was reached. Stephen remained king, but he agreed that Matilda's son, Henry Plantagenet, would be the next king. When Stephen died in 1154, Henry Plantagenet became king, starting the House of Plantagenet and ending the rule of the House of Normandy.

See also

In Spanish: Casa de Normandía para niños