Adelaide-Blanche of Anjou facts for kids

Adelaide-Blanche of Anjou (born around 940 – died 1026) was a very important woman in medieval France. She became a countess and even a queen through her many marriages. She was the countess of Gévaudan, Forez, Toulouse, Provence, and Burgundy. She also became the queen of Aquitaine. Adelaide-Blanche was a powerful leader. She ruled as a regent (someone who governs for a young ruler) for her sons in Gévaudan in the 960s. Later, she was also a regent in Provence from 994 to 999.

Life of Adelaide-Blanche

Adelaide-Blanche was the daughter of Count Fulk II of Anjou and Gerberga. Her brother was Geoffrey I of Anjou, known as Geoffrey Greymantle. Her family, the Ingelgers, was becoming more and more important. Adelaide-Blanche helped them gain even more power by marrying into very old and noble families in western Francia. She was married five times in her life.

First Marriage and Regency

Adelaide-Blanche's first marriage was to Stephen, Viscount of Gévaudan. He was a powerful count in Gévaudan and Forez. She was only about fifteen years old, and he was much older. They had three children who grew up. Stephen died in the early 960s. After his death, Adelaide-Blanche became the regent for her young sons, William, Pons, and Bertrand. This meant she ruled their lands until they were old enough. She also helped raise her grandson, Stephen, after her oldest son William died in 975.

In 975, her brother Guy became the count-bishop of Le Puy. Some local people did not like this. So, Adelaide-Blanche, acting for her sons, led an army to help her brother. They worked to establish the "Peace of God" in Le Puy. This was a movement to stop fighting and bring order.

Later Marriages and Royal Connections

In 982, Adelaide-Blanche married Louis V of France. She was already a widow from her second husband, Count Raymond III of Toulouse. Louis was the son of King Lothair of France. Adelaide-Blanche and Louis were crowned king and queen of Aquitaine. But their marriage did not last long, only about a year. They could not live together peacefully. There was also a big age difference; Louis was fifteen, and Adelaide-Blanche was over forty.

After this marriage ended, Adelaide-Blanche found herself in a difficult situation with King Lothair. But she was helped by Count William I of Provence. She married him around 984. Count William died in 994, shortly after becoming a monk.

Protecting Family Lands

In 1010, King Robert II of France wanted to end his marriage to Constance of Arles. Constance was Adelaide-Blanche's daughter by William I. King Robert went to Rome to ask for an annulment (a way to end a marriage). Pope Sergius IV was a friend of Adelaide-Blanche's family. He decided that Robert's marriage to Constance should stay.

The Pope also supported Adelaide-Blanche in a fight over lands at Montmajour Abbey. These lands had been given to the abbey by Count William I of Provence and Adelaide-Blanche. There was a dispute over these lands by four brothers. Pope Sergius threatened to excommunicate (kick them out of the church) them if they did not give up their claim. The brothers did give up, and the lands stayed under Adelaide-Blanche's control. She was acting as regent for her son, William II of Provence.

The cloister of Montmajour Abbey, where Adelaide-Blanche was buried.

Some historians think Adelaide-Blanche married a fifth time. This would have been to Count Otto-William of Burgundy. His second wife was also named Adelaide. However, it is not certain if this was the same Adelaide-Blanche.

Adelaide-Blanche died in 1026. She was about eighty-six years old. She probably died in Avignon. She was buried in Montmajour Abbey, near Arles. This abbey was a common burial place for the counts of Provence.

Marriages and Children

Adelaide-Blanche had children with her first two husbands.

First Marriage: Stephen, Viscount of Gévaudan

Adelaide-Blanche married Stephen, Viscount of Gévaudan around 955. They had several children:

• William (born around 955 – died 975)
• Pons, who became Count of Gévaudan and Forez
• Bertrand, who also became Count of Gévaudan
• Almodis of Gévaudan
• Philippa of Gévaudan (possibly named Bertha)

Second Marriage: Raymond III, Count of Toulouse

Adelaide-Blanche married Raymond III, Count of Toulouse in 975. He died in 978. They had at least two children:

• William III, Count of Toulouse
• Constance of Provence

Third Marriage: Louis V of France

Adelaide-Blanche married Louis V of France in 982. They were crowned King and Queen of Aquitaine. However, their marriage was later ended.

Fourth Marriage: William I of Provence

Adelaide-Blanche's fourth husband was William I of Provence, whom she married around 984. They had these children:

• William II of Provence
• Constance of Arles, who later married Robert II of France
• Ermengarde of Arles
• Tota-Adelaide of Arles

See also

In Spanish: Adelaida de Anjou para niños