Alan III, Duke of Brittany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alan III |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Duke of Brittany | |
| Reign | 20 November 1008 – 1 October 1040 |
| Predecessor | Geoffrey I |
| Successor | Conan II |
| Regent | Hawise of Normandy (Regent 1008–1026) |
| Born | c. 997 |
| Died | 1 October 1040 Vimoutiers |
| Spouse | Bertha of Blois |
| Issue | Conan II, Duke of Brittany Hawise, Duchess of Brittany |
| House | Rennes |
| Father | Geoffrey I, Duke of Brittany |
| Mother | Hawise of Normandy |
Alan III of Rennes (born around 997, died October 1, 1040) was an important ruler in France. He became the Duke of Brittany and Count of Rennes in 1008 and ruled until he died. His French name was Alain III de Bretagne.
Contents
About Alan III
Alan III was the son of Duke Geoffrey I and Hawise of Normandy.
When his father died in 1008, Alan became the Duke of Brittany. He was still young, so his mother, Hawise, ruled Brittany for him. This is called being a regent. Her brother, Richard II, Duke of Normandy, also helped look after Brittany.
Alan's Marriage
In 1018, Alan married Bertha of Blois. She was the daughter of Odo II, Count of Blois.
Dealing with Normandy
When Richard III, Duke of Normandy died in 1026, his brother Robert I became the new Duke of Normandy. Alan tried to become more independent from Normandy during this time.
In the early 1030s, Robert I attacked a place called Dol. Alan fought back by attacking Avranches, but his attack failed. This led to more fighting between them. To stop the conflict, Robert, Archbishop of Rouen helped them make peace. Alan promised to be loyal to his cousin Robert at Mont Saint-Michel.
Protecting Young William
Before Robert I, Duke of Normandy, left for the Holy Land, he asked Alan III to look after his young son, William. William later became a very famous ruler.
Alan's Battles
Alan III also helped Herbert I 'Wake-Dog' in his fights against Avesgaud, Bishop of Le Mans. Alan and Herbert attacked Avesgaud's castle at La Ferté-Bernard. They destroyed the castle, and Avesgaud had to run away.
Keeping Normandy Safe
In 1037, Robert, Archbishop of Rouen, died. This meant Alan III and his cousin Gilbert were now mainly responsible for protecting young William and keeping Normandy stable. They chose Mauger to be the new Archbishop of Rouen and his brother William to be the Count of Arques. They hoped this would help them get support for Duke William.
Alan's Death
On October 1, 1040, Alan III suddenly died. He was attacking a rebel castle near Vimoutiers in Normandy. Some historical writings suggest that he might have been poisoned by people from Normandy.
Alan's Family
Alan and Bertha of Blois had two children:
- Conan II (died 1066), who became Duke after his father.
- Hawise of Brittany, who married Hoel of Cornouaille.
After Alan died, his wife Bertha married Hugh IV, Count of Maine in 1046.
