Geoffrey I, Count of Anjou facts for kids

Geoffrey I of Anjou (born 930, died 987) was an important French nobleman. People called him Greymantle (which is Grisegonelle in French). He was the Count of Anjou from 960 to 987. During his time, he made the region of Anjou much stronger and more important.

Geoffrey's Life and Rule

Geoffrey was the oldest son of Fulk II of Anjou and his first wife, Gerberga. He became the Count of Anjou around 960, taking over from his father.

Family Connections

Geoffrey married Adele of Meaux (934–982). Adele's father was Robert of Vermandois. Her mother was Adelais de Vergy. Through her mother, Adele was the granddaughter of King Robert I of France. Through her father, she was a direct descendant of Charlemagne. Adele's cousin was Hugh Capet, who became the King of the Franks. This marriage helped the family of Anjou (called the Angevins) connect with the most powerful noble families in western France.

Expanding Power

Geoffrey started by making the city of Angers his main base of power. He carefully placed his loyal supporters on lands around the city. This helped protect his own territories. The lands belonging to the abbeys (religious communities) of Saint-Aubin and Saint-Serge in Angers gave money to his most trusted men.

Geoffrey told his sons, Fulk and Maurice: "A family is strong when it has many friends. So, I want you to value those who have been friends."

Geoffrey used different ways to expand his power. Making family connections was one way. For example, his father had gained control over Nantes by marrying the countess there. Geoffrey brought Nantes under his control by making Count Guerech accept him as his overlord (a ruler who has power over other rulers).

Dealing with Neighbors

For some time, the counts of Maine and the bishops of Le Mans had been fighting. Geoffrey saw this as a chance to gain power. Around 971, Geoffrey made sure his friend, Bishop Seinfroy, became the head of the church in Le Mans (the diocese).

Then, in 973, Geoffrey arranged for his daughter, Ermengarde-Gerberga, to marry Conan I of Rennes, the Count of Maine. But Conan did not act like an ally. He started to oppose Geoffrey. In 982, they fought at the first Battle of Conquereuil, where Geoffrey defeated Conan.

Influence in Aquitaine

Geoffrey also had influence in Aquitaine through his sister, Adelaide-Blanche. She first married Stephen, a powerful nobleman who was Count of Gevaudan and Forez. After Stephen died, his wife Adelaide-Blanche ruled his lands. Their sons, who were Geoffrey's nephews, became counts there.

Geoffrey's niece, Adalmode, married Adelbert, Count of Marche and Périgord. In 975, Geoffrey had his brother Guy appointed as the Count and Bishop of Le Puy.

In 982, Geoffrey arranged for his sister, Adelaide-Blanche, who was now a widow, to marry the fifteen-year-old Louis V of France. They were crowned King and Queen of Aquitaine. However, they did not get along, and the marriage failed. This also meant Geoffrey's plans to control Aquitaine through his young brother-in-law did not work out.

Later Marriages and Control

After his first wife Adele died, Geoffrey married Adelaise de Châlon. Through this marriage, he gained control over the county of Châlons.

Through the marriage of his son, Fulk III, to Elisabeth, who was the heiress (the person who would inherit) of Vendôme, Geoffrey brought that county under his influence.

Geoffrey made his son Fulk Nerra a co-ruler just before he died. Geoffrey died on July 21, 987, while attacking the fortress of Marcon.

Family

Geoffrey married Adele of Meaux (934–982). She was the daughter of Robert of Vermandois and Adelais de Vergy. Their children were:

• Ermengarde-Gerberga of Anjou: She married Conan I of Rennes. She later married William II of Angoulême.
• Fulk III of Anjou (970-1040): He became Count of Anjou after his father.
• Geoffrey of Anjou (971-977): He died when he was young.

Geoffrey married a second time to Adelaise de Châlons. They had one child:

• Maurice of Anjou: He became Count of Châlons.

See also

In Spanish: Godofredo I de Anjou para niños