In the mid-eleventh century, many Norman mercenaries arrived in southern Italy and began to take it from Byzantine control. Among them were the Hauteville family. Although minor nobles back in Normandy, they would soon rule over all of southern Italy. The Hautevilles continued to intermarry with other Normans who accompanied them. One of these first [read more]
This article was written by Carol. Gunnora was the wife of Richard I, Duke of Normandy, grandson of Rollo, the first Duke of Normandy. Gunnora was born around 950 and she died in 1031. Legend has it that she met Richard when Richard’s eye fell upon her sister Seinfreda while riding in the forest. Seinfreda [read more]
King Henry I of England (r.1100-1135) holds the record for an English monarch with the most acknowledged illegitimate children. He is estimated to have had between 20 and 25 illegitimate children, most of them daughters. Unfortunately, not much is written of these daughters. The chroniclers seemed to care more about his illegitimate sons, especially Robert, [read more]
This article was written by Lydia. For a woman who helped change the course of European history, surprisingly little is known about Herleva of Falaise. Even her first name is open to interpretation. But one thing is certain about this mysterious and tantalising figure. Without her, the story of England would be very different indeed. [read more]
Matilda of Flanders was born circa 1031 as the daughter of Baldwin V, Count of Flanders and Adela of France. It is likely that she could read and write, but there is very little information on her upbringing. In 1047, William, Duke of Normandy, who was of illegitimate birth, wanted to ally himself with someone [read more]
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