Constance of Normandy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Constance of Normandy |
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Depiction of Constance (English kings' family tree)
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| Duchess consort of Brittany | |
| Tenure | 1086–1090 |
| Born | c. 1057/1061 Normandy |
| Died | 13 August 1090 |
| Burial | Église Saint-Melaine, Redon |
| Spouse |
Alan IV, Duke of Brittany
(m. 1086) |
| House | Normandy |
| Father | William the Conqueror |
| Mother | Matilda of Flanders |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Constance of Normandy was a powerful woman who lived a long time ago, between 1057 and 1061. She became a Duchess of Brittany, which was a very important role. She passed away on August 13, 1090.
Contents
Who Was Constance of Normandy?
Constance was one of nine children. Her parents were William the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders. Her father, William, was the Duke of Normandy. He later became King of England after the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
Her Family and Early Life
Constance was born in Normandy. This was a region in what is now France. A monk named William of Jumièges wrote about her family. He said Constance was the second daughter of King William and Queen Matilda. However, we don't know the exact birth order of all their daughters.
Her Marriage and Life as a Duchess
In 1086, Constance's father arranged her marriage. She married Alan IV, Duke of Brittany, also known as Alan Fergant. Constance was almost 30 years old at the time. This marriage helped keep peace between Normandy and Brittany.
Like her mother, Constance was good at managing things. She was a skilled administrator. This means she was good at running the affairs of her duchy.
Different Views of Constance
Historians have different ideas about Constance. William of Malmesbury, a historian from the early 1100s, wrote about her. He said her "severe and conservative manner" made her unpopular. This means he thought she was strict and old-fashioned.
However, another historian, Orderic Vitalis, had a different view. He lived at the same time as Constance. He wrote that Constance was caring and kind. He said her people liked her very much.
Her Death
Constance died on August 13, 1090. William of Malmesbury wrote something surprising about her death. He claimed that her husband might have had his servants poison her. This is just one historian's idea, and we don't know for sure what happened.
