Adelaide of Normandy facts for kids

Adelaide of Normandy (also called Adeliza) was an important noblewoman who lived from about 1030 to before 1090. She was the ruling Countess of Aumale from 1069 to 1087. Adelaide was also the sister of William the Conqueror, who became King of England.

Adelaide's Life Story

Adelaide was born around 1030. Her father was Duke Robert I of Normandy, known as Robert the Magnificent. Her brother, or half-brother, was William the Conqueror. Both Adelaide and William were born outside of marriage.

Adelaide's first marriage was to Enguerrand II, Count of Ponthieu. This marriage was important because it could have given William a strong ally in Normandy. However, in 1049, a church meeting called the Council of Reims said that William's marriage to Matilda of Flanders was not allowed. At the same time, Enguerrand's marriage to Adelaide was also stopped.

Adelaide's first marriage ended around 1049 or 1050. After this, she married Lambert II, Count of Lens. This new marriage helped create a connection between Normandy and Boulogne. Sadly, Lambert was killed in 1054 while helping Baldwin V, Count of Flanders in a fight.

After Lambert died, Adelaide became a widow. She lived in Aumale, which was likely land she received from her first marriage. She started to live a more religious life and gave gifts to the church at Auchy.

In 1060, Adelaide was asked to marry again to form another important alliance. This time, she married Odo, Count of Champagne. Odo did not seem to gain much land or power from this marriage. Adelaide herself held land in England after William became king.

In 1082, William the Conqueror and his wife, Matilda, gave some land to a church. They made sure that Adelaide, as the Countess of Aumale, could live on that land for her lifetime. In 1086, the Domesday Book listed her as Comitissa de Albatnarla. This book showed that she owned many lands in Suffolk and Essex. She was one of the few Norman noblewomen to own land directly from the king in England.

Adelaide was also given the Honour of Holderness. After she died, her third husband, Odo, held this land. Later, it passed to their son, Stephen. Adelaide passed away before 1090.

Adelaide's Family

Adelaide was married three times and had children from each marriage.

• Her first husband was Enguerrand II, Count of Ponthieu (who died in 1053). They had one daughter:
  • Adelaide, who was alive in 1096.

• Her second husband was Lambert II, Count of Lens (who died in 1054). They had one daughter:
  • Judith of Lens, who married Waltheof, Earl of Huntingdon and Northumbria.

• Her third husband was Odo, Count of Champagne (who died after 1096). They married in 1060 and had one son:
  • Stephen, Count of Aumale.

See also

In Spanish: Adelaida de Normandía (1030-1090) para niños