Aimery IV of Thouars facts for kids

Arms of the Viscounts of Thouars

Aimery IV, who was the viscount of Thouars, was born around 1024 and passed away in 1094. He was a key companion of William the Conqueror during the Norman invasion of England in 1066.

Aimery's Early Life and Family

Aimery IV was the son of Geoffrey II of Thouars. His mother was Agnes de Blois, whose father was Odo I, Count of Blois.

Adventures and Battles

In 1055, Aimery IV joined forces with Geoffroy Martel, the Count of Anjou. They fought against William the Conqueror, who was then the Duke of Normandy. Aimery took part in the siege of Ambrières, a castle William had built near the border of the County of Maine.

After this, in 1056, Aimery returned to Thouars. He then joined the army of the Duke of Aquitaine. They traveled to Spain to fight against the Saracens. Aimery helped capture the city of Barbastro and brought back many valuable treasures to his hometown of Thouars.

The Norman Conquest of England

In 1066, Aimery IV was part of William the Conqueror's army that invaded England. At the famous Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066, Aimery IV led a group of soldiers. These soldiers came from Poitou, Brittany, and Anjou. Even though he fought bravely, Aimery IV did not stay in England. Instead, he received a large payment for his help and returned to his lands in France.

L'église de St. Nicolas, La Chaize

Building and Later Years

Back in Thouars, Aimery IV had the castle rebuilt in 1080. He was also the lord of La Chaize, a town near La Roche-sur-Yon. There, he built another castle and a church dedicated to St. Nicolas.

Around 1090, Aimery IV went to war against Pierre de Mortagne and captured his castle. Sadly, in 1093, Aimery IV was killed by two of his own knights. He was buried in the church of Saint Nicolas in La Chaize.

Aimery's Family

In 1045, Aimery IV married Aremgarde, who passed away before 1088. They had several children:

• Aimery (who died in 1090)
• Raoul (who lived from 1060 to 1092)
• Eleanor or Aenora (who lived from 1050 to 1093), who married Boson II, the Viscount of Chatellerault. They were the parents of Aimery I of Châttellerault.
• Hildegarde, who married Hugh VI of Lusignan around 1065.

Later, Aimery IV married Ameline de Mauléon. She was the daughter of Geoffrey de Mauléon and the sister of Raoul de Mauléon. Together, they had two sons:

• Herbert II
• Geoffroy III

See also

• Viscounts of Thouars