Gauzfrid, Count of Maine facts for kids
Gauzfrid of Maine (died 878) was an important leader in a region of France called Maine. He was both the Count of Maine and a special military leader called a Margrave of the Norman March. He held these titles from 865 until he passed away. Gauzfrid was the son of Rorgon of Maine and his wife, Bilechilde.
Gauzfrid's Early Challenges
In 861, Charles the Bald, who was the king of West Francia (an early version of France), created a new defense area called the March of Neustria. This area was made up of two parts: the Norman March and the Breton March. King Charles gave control of these areas to two important people: Adalard the Seneschal and Robert the Strong.
Gauzfrid and his brother, Rorgon II, who was the Count of Maine at the time, were not happy with Robert the Strong. They decided to rebel against him. To make their stand stronger, the two brothers teamed up with Salomon, the King of Brittany.
Becoming a Powerful Leader
In 865, Gauzfrid's brother, Rorgon II, died. This meant that Gauzfrid became the new Count of Maine. In the same year, King Charles the Bald took away land in Neustria from Adalard's family. He then gave this land to Gauzfrid. This made Gauzfrid even more powerful.
Gauzfrid's Family and Legacy
Gauzfrid had several children. His sons were:
- Gauzlin (died 914), who later became the Count of Maine.
- Gauzbert (fl. 912), whose active period was around 912.
When Gauzfrid died in 878, his children were still very young. Because they were too young to take over his important roles, Gauzfrid's lands and titles went to his cousin, Ragenold.
