The Duchy of Normandy reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Duchy of Normandy

The Duchy of Normandy stems from the Viking invasions of France in the eighth century. Officially created in 911 out of concessions made by King Charles to Rollo of the Normans. Originally encompassing the province of Neustria and a portion of Breton territory on the Northern Coast and interior of France, it is now divided between French and British territory.

After William the Conqueror invaded and defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings, the Duchy fell under the rule of England until 1204 when Phillip II of France conquered it. The Treaty of Paris (1295) gave the lands, with the exception of the Channel Islands back to France (with the exception of the island of Chausey). This which is why the Queen of England is toasted on the islands as the Duke of Normandy (or Our Queen, the Duke) even though according to Salic law she is not.

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