Cecilia of Comminges facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cecilia of Comminges
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| Countess of Urgell | |
| Born | c.1320 |
| Died | 16 June 1384 Balaguer |
| Spouse(s) | James I, Count of Urgell |
| Father | Bernard VIII, Count of Comminges |
| Mother | Mathe de l'Isle-Jourdain |
Cécile de Comminges (born around 1320, died 1384) was an important noblewoman in the 14th century. She was the Countess of Urgell from 1336 to 1347. She also held the title of Viscountess of Turenne for a period.
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Life of Cécile de Comminges
Cécile de Comminges was the oldest daughter of Bernard VIII. He was the Count of Comminges and Viscount of Turenne. Her mother was Mathe de l'Isle-Jourdain, his third wife.
Marriage and Titles
In 1336, Cécile married James I, Count of Urgell. James was the son of Alfonso IV of Aragon. His mother was Teresa d'Entença, who was also a Countess of Urgell.
In 1339, Cécile's father passed away. Soon after, her only brother, Jean, who was just three years old, also died. Cécile then inherited the viscounty of Turenne. This was a title her father had received from his second wife.
Family Conflict Over Inheritance
However, inheriting the county of Comminges was not so simple. A conflict started with her uncle, Pierre-Raymond. He was Bernard VIII's brother. Pierre-Raymond argued that women could not inherit the county of Comminges. He said it was a "male fief," meaning it could only be passed down to men.
A church leader, Cardinal Jean de Raymond, helped to solve this problem. In the end, Pierre-Raymond became the Count of Comminges. Cécile officially became the Viscountess of Turenne.
Regency and Later Life
In 1347, James I, Cécile's husband, died. Some people believed he was poisoned by his brother. According to her husband's wishes, Cécile became the regent of Urgell. This meant she ruled the county for her young son, Peter II, until he was old enough.
In 1349, Cécile sold the viscounty of Turenne. She sold it to Pope Clement VI for a large sum of money. She used this money to pay off her husband's debts. She also used it to build important structures. These included the church of Santa Maria de Balaguer and the monastery of Santa Chiara de Almatà. The Pope later gave the viscounty to his nephew.
When her son Peter was old enough to rule, Cécile stepped back from public life. She passed away on June 16, 1384, at Balaguer Castle.
Cécile's Children
Cécile and James I had two children:
- Peter II of Urgell (1340–1408): He became Count of Urgell after his father. He married Margaret of Montferrat.
- Isabella of Urgell: She married Hugo de Cardona (1330–1400).
See also
In Spanish: Cecilia I de Urgel para niños
