Alan, 1st Earl of Richmond facts for kids
Alan, 1st Earl of Richmond (born before 1100 – died 15 September 1146), was a powerful noble from Brittany, a region in France. He was also known as "Alan the Black." Alan played an important role in English history, especially during a time of civil war. He was the third son of Stephen, Count of Tréguier, and Hawise de Guingamp.
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Alan's Early Life and Lands
Alan's family had strong ties to England. His uncle, Alan Rufus, had started a large landholding in England called the Honour of Richmond. When Alan Rufus died without children, these lands passed to his younger brother, Alan the Black (not the same Alan as our main subject, but an uncle), and then to another younger brother, Count Stephen.
After Count Stephen passed away around 1135 or 1136, his lands were divided. His oldest son, Geoffrey Boterel II, inherited the family's lands in Brittany. However, Alan, our subject, received the important English lands known as the Honour of Richmond.
Supporting King Stephen
England was going through a difficult period known as The Anarchy. This was a civil war where two powerful people fought for the throne: Empress Matilda and King Stephen. Alan's brother, Geoffrey, supported Empress Matilda. But Alan chose to support King Stephen.
To make his alliance with King Stephen even stronger, Alan married Bertha of Brittany. She was the daughter of Conan III, Duke of Brittany, a very important ruler in Brittany. This marriage was a political move, meaning it was arranged to help King Stephen gain support from Brittany.
Because of this important alliance, King Stephen gave Alan the title of 1st Earl of Richmond. This made Alan a very important noble in England. King Stephen also recognized Alan as the Earl of Cornwall. Alan claimed that another of his uncles, Brian of Brittany, had once held Cornwall.
The Battle of Lincoln
In 1141, a major battle took place in Lincoln. It was a key moment in the civil war. Alan fought alongside King Stephen in this battle. However, King Stephen's side lost the battle. Alan was captured by Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester, one of Empress Matilda's supporters.
After his capture, Alan was put under great pressure. He was forced to give up his claim to the Earldom of Cornwall. This shows how tough the civil war was and how much power was at stake.
Alan's Family
Alan and Bertha of Brittany had three children:
- Conan IV, Duke of Brittany: He was their son and would later inherit important titles.
- Constance: She married Alan III, Vicomte of Rohan.
- Enoguen: She became an abbess, which is the head of a community of nuns, at St. Sulpice.
Alan also had four sons who were born outside of marriage:
- Bryan FitzAlan
- Stephen FitzAlan
- Reynold FitzAlan
- Robert FitzAlan
Alan's Death and What Happened Next
Alan died in Brittany by 1146 and was buried at Bégard Monastery. After he passed away, his wife Bertha returned to Brittany.
His son, Conan IV, inherited his title as Earl of Richmond. Conan IV would later also become the Duke of Brittany, a very high and powerful title.
See Also
- Honour of Richmond
- Earl of Richmond
- Duchy of Brittany
