Enguerrand II, Count of Ponthieu facts for kids

Enguerrand II (died October 25, 1053) was a powerful count from a region in France called Ponthieu. He became the leader of Ponthieu after his father, Hugh II, passed away on November 20, 1052. Enguerrand lived during a time when important leaders like William the Conqueror were shaping history.

Enguerrand's Early Life and Family

Enguerrand II was the oldest son of Hugh II, Count of Ponthieu and his wife, Bertha of Aumale. Bertha was also the heiress of a place called Aumale. This meant she would inherit Aumale, bringing more land and power to the family.

His Marriage and Challenges

Enguerrand married a woman named Adelaide of Normandy. She was the daughter of Robert I, Duke of Normandy and the sister of the famous William the Conqueror. However, their marriage faced a big problem. At a church meeting called the Council of Reims in 1049, the church said that people who were too closely related by blood could not marry. This rule was used to stop Duke William from marrying Matilda of Flanders. Because of this rule, Enguerrand's marriage to Adelaide was also declared invalid. He was even excommunicated, which meant he was officially removed from the church.

Their marriage was ended around 1049 or 1050. Enguerrand had given Adelaide the land of Aumale as a gift when they married, and she was allowed to keep it even after their marriage ended.

Enguerrand's Role in Norman Conflicts

Enguerrand II became involved in a major conflict in Normandy. William of Arques, who was William the Conqueror's uncle, did not believe that Duke William should be the leader of Normandy. Duke William had given William of Arques some land, but William of Arques was still defiant. He began to build a very strong castle at Arques.

Alliances and Rebellion

Enguerrand was allied with William of Arques because William of Arques was married to Enguerrand's sister. By 1053, William of Arques was openly fighting against Duke William. Henry I of France, the King of France, came to help William of Arques. King Henry invaded Normandy and tried to help the castle of Arques, which Duke William had surrounded.

The Battle and Enguerrand's Death

Duke William had surrounded Arques, but he also kept another group of soldiers ready to move around the countryside. To try and break the siege, Enguerrand was with King Henry I of France. On October 25, 1053, the Normans pretended to run away. Enguerrand and his companions followed them, but it was a trick! They were suddenly attacked by surprise. Enguerrand was killed in this ambush. This was a clever battle tactic that the Normans used again with great success later at the famous Battle of Hastings.

Enguerrand's Children

Enguerrand married Adelaide of Normandy, who was also known as the Countess of Aumale. They had one daughter:

• Adelaide, who was still alive in 1096.

Since Enguerrand died without any sons, his brother, Guy I, became the next Count of Ponthieu.