The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
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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Paternal Family Tree: Mathrathal
Around 1060 Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal was born to [her father] Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn Mathrafal.
In 1069 at the Battle of Mechain fought in Radnorshire, Powys the brothers Maredudd Cadelling and Idwal Cadelling attempted to regain control of Radnorshire, Powys from brothers [her uncle] Bleddyn ap Cynfyn King Gwynedd King Powys and [her father] Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn Mathrafal. Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn Mathrafal and Idwal Cadelling were killed. Maredudd Cadelling died of exposure following the battle.
Around 1081 [her son] Gruffudd ap Rhys King Deheubarth was born to Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth (age 16) and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal (age 21) at Llandeilo. He married 1113 his half second cousin once removed Gwenllian Aberffraw Queen Consort Deheubarth, daughter of King Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd and Angharad Queen Consort Gwynedd, and had issue.
Around 1085 [her daughter] Nest ferch Rhys Dinefwr was born to Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth (age 20) and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal (age 25). She married before 1135 Gerald of Windsor and had issue.
Around 1113 [her son] Gruffudd ap Rhys King Deheubarth (age 32) and [her daughter-in-law] Gwenllian Aberffraw Queen Consort Deheubarth (age 13) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort Deheubarth. She the daughter of King Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd (age 58) and Angharad Queen Consort Gwynedd (age 48). He the son of Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal Queen Consort Deheubarth (age 53). They were half second cousin once removed.
Before 1135 [her son-in-law] Gerald of Windsor (age 59) and [her daughter] Nest ferch Rhys Dinefwr (age 49) were married. She the daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal Queen Consort Deheubarth (age 74).
Before 1136 [her daughter] Nest ferch Rhys Dinefwr (age 50) died.
Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. 1137. [her son] Griffyth-ap-Rhys (age 56), king of Wales, perished through the artifices of his [her former daughter-in-law] wife.1
Note 1. So far from this being the case, Gwenlian, the wife of Griffythap-Rhys, prince of South Wales, a woman of a gallant spirit, seconded her husband's efforts for independence, and, in his absence, took the field in person at the head of her forces. See Giraldus Cambrensis Itin. i., c. iv., and Dr. Powell's notes: see also Warrington's History of Wales, p. 293.
In April 1137 Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal (age 77) died.
Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth succeeded King Deheubarth. Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal by marriage Queen Consort Deheubarth.
[her son] Cadwgan Dinefwr was born to Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal .
[her son] Goronwy Dinefwr was born to Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal .
[her son] Hywel ap Rhys Dinefwr was born to Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal .
Rhys ap Tewdwr King Deheubarth and Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon Mathrafal were married. They were third cousins.
Kings Gwynedd: Great Grand Daughter of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 3 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great Grand Daughter of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Gruffudd ap Rhys King Deheubarth [1]
Philippa Lancaster Queen Consort Denmark [1]
King Richard III of England [2]
Anne Neville Queen Consort England [2]
Queen Anne Boleyn of England [4]
Catherine Parr Queen Consort England [2]
Queen Catherine Howard of England [3]
Jane Grey I Queen England and Ireland [5]
George Wharton [33]
President George Washington [2]
Brigadier-General Charles Fitz-Clarence [121]
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom [506]
Queen Consort Camilla Shand [170]
Diana Spencer Princess Wales [1492]
Great x 1 Grandfather: Gwerystan ap Gwaithfoed Mathrafal
GrandFather: Cynfyn ap Gwersytan Mathrafal
Great x 1 Grandmother: Nest ferch Cadell ap Brochfael King Powys
Father: Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn Mathrafal
Great x 4 Grandfather: Cadell ap Rhodri King Seisyllwg
Great x 3 Grandfather: Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Great x 2 Grandfather: Owain King Deheubarth
Great x 1 Grandfather: Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
GrandMother: Angharad ferch Maredudd