Timeline

1100

On William's death Henry seizes the throne.

1102

Henry's only son (and heir) dies in a shipwreck which may have happened off Alderney.

1104

Henry invades Normandy and defeats Robert at Tinchebrai.

1106

The whole of the Duchy is captured by Henry.

1135

King Henry dies. Stephen claims the English throne. Henry's daughter Matilda and her husband Geoffrey (Plantagenet) of Anjou fight for the Dukedom.

1144

Geoffrey of Anjou is crowned Duke of Normandy. Geoffrey introduces a system of payment called 'King's Farm', exemptions from servile duties and the right to trial in an island court, to Guernsey. It is thought he was the Duke who made islanders immune to serving military service outside of the islands, except 'that they will go with with the Duke of Normandy, if need be, when he goes in person to recover England'.

1150

Geoffrey and Matilda's son, Henry, becomes Duke.

1154

Coronation of King Henry II after death of Stephen. Henry becomes King due to the Treaty of Wallingford.

1170

Fortified structure on the site of the Chateau de Marais.

1179

A charter signed 'in curia domini regis in Guernerreio' (in the Court of the Lord King in Guernsey) is the first known reference to Guernsey's Royal Court.

1189

On Henry's death his son, Richard of Aquitaine (the Lionheart), becomes King Richard I and Duke Richard IV.

1195

Richard makes his brother John, Count of Montrain, 'Lord of the Isles' (probably only Guernsey and Jersey).

1199

John becomes King of England and Duke of Normandy.