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 Walter Clifford 2nd Baron Clifford 1160-1221

Paternal Family Tree: Clifford

Maternal Family Tree: Adelaide Normandy Countess Troyes and Meaux Champagne Aumale Ponthieu 1030-1089

Before 1134 [his father] Walter Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 20) and [his mother] Margaret Isobel Tosny Baroness Clifford were married.

Around 1160 Walter Clifford 2nd Baron Clifford was born to [his father] Walter Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 47) and [his mother] Margaret Isobel Tosny Baroness Clifford at Clifford Castle, Herefordshire [Map]. The date somewhat suspect since his apparently younger brother Walter succeeded their father in 1190?.

In 1185 Walter Clifford 2nd Baron Clifford (age 25) and Agnes Cundy Baroness Clifford were married at Cavenby.

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 1 Chapter 2. But of the five above-mentioned brothers and sons of earl Milo, the youngest but one [probably Henry Fitzmiles Baron Abergavenny], and the last in the inheritance, was the most remarkable for his inhumanity; he persecuted David II., bishop of St. David's, to such a degree, by attacking his possessions, lands, and vassals, that he was compelled to retire as an exile from the district of Brecheinoc into England, or to some other parts of his diocese. Meanwhile, Mahel, being hospitably entertained by Walter de Clifford (age 27),⁴¹ in the castle of Brendlais [Map],⁴² the house was by accident burned down, and he received a mortal blow by a stone falling from the principal tower on his head: upon which he instantly dispatched messengers to recal the bishop, and exclaimed with a lamentable voice, "O, my father and high priest, your saint has taken most cruel vengeance of me, not waiting the conversion of a sinner, but hastening his death and overthrow." Having often repeated similar expressions, and bitterly lamented his situation, he thus ended his tyranny and life together; the first year of his government not having elapsed.

Note 41. Walter de Clifford. The first of this ancient family was called Ponce; he had issue three sons, [his son] Walter, Drogo or Dru, and Richard. The Conqueror's survey takes notice of the two former, but from Richard the genealogical line is preserved, who, being called Richard de Pwns, obtained, as a gift from king Henry I., the cantref Bychan, or little hundred, and the castle of Llandovery, in Wales; he left three sons, Simon, Walter, and Richard. The Walter de Clifford here mentioned was father to the celebrated [his sister] Fair Rosamond, the favourite of king Henry II.; and was succeeded by his eldest son, Walter, who married [his future daughter-in-law] Margaret, daughter to Llewelyn, prince of Wales (age 15), and widow of John de Braose.

Note 42. Brendlais, or Brynllys [Map], is a small village on the road between Brecknock and Hay, where a stately round tower marks the site of the ancient castle of the Cliffords, in which the tyrant Mahel lost his life.

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Around 1189 [his son] Roger Clifford was born to Walter Clifford 2nd Baron Clifford (age 29) and [his wife] Agnes Cundy Baroness Clifford at Clifford Castle, Herefordshire [Map]. He married 1230 Sybil Ewyas and had issue.

Before 1190 [his father] Walter Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 76) was created 1st Baron Clifford Feudal. [his mother] Margaret Isobel Tosny Baroness Clifford by marriage Baroness Clifford Feudal.

On 23rd May 1190 [his father] Walter Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 77) died at Godstow Abbey [Map] where he was subsequently buried. His son Walter (age 30) succeeded 2nd Baron Clifford Feudal. [his wife] Agnes Cundy Baroness Clifford by marriage Baroness Clifford Feudal.