Geoffrey II, Count of Perche facts for kids

Geoffrey II (died October 1100) was an important figure in medieval France. He was known as the Count of Mortagne and later the Count of Perche. A "count" was a powerful noble who ruled over a large area of land. Geoffrey was the son of Rotrou I, who was also a viscount (another type of noble).

Geoffrey ruled Mortagne and Nogent from 1060 to 1090. After that, he became the Count of Perche in 1090 and held that title until he died.

Early Life and the Norman Conquest

As a young man, Geoffrey was involved in a very famous event: the Norman Conquest of England. He fought bravely at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle was a major turning point in English history.

Because of his help, William the Conqueror, who became the King of England, gave Geoffrey a lot of land in England. This made Geoffrey even more powerful and wealthy.

Becoming a Count

Geoffrey took over from his father in 1080. He received important lands like Mortagne-au-Perche and Nogent-le-Rotrou. His younger brother, Hugues, received a different area called Châteaudun.

One of Geoffrey's first big actions as count was to give control of the monastery in Nogent-le-Rotrou to Cluny Abbey. This was a very famous and powerful group of monasteries. This decision helped increase the importance of Geoffrey's own court, where disagreements about the monastery's land were settled.

Conflicts and Religious Life

Around 1089, Geoffrey went to war with another powerful noble, Robert of Bellême, 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury. This war was about land. Geoffrey believed that the land had not been divided fairly between Robert's mother and Geoffrey's own mother.

This war lasted for a long time, even into 1091. After this conflict, Geoffrey spent more time on religious activities. He even started the very first leper colony in Perche. A leper colony was a place where people suffering from leprosy could live and be cared for.

Family and Influence

Geoffrey's rule was very successful. He made important family connections that spread his influence far and wide. These connections are called "dynastic alliances."

He married a woman named Beatrix de Ramerupt. Together, Geoffrey and Beatrix had several children:

• Rotrou III the Great, who became the next Count of Perche.
• Marguerite (died after 1156), who married Henry de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Warwick. Their sons included important figures like Roger de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Warwick and Rotrou, Archbishop of Rouen.
• Juliana du Perche (died after 1132), who married Gilbert, Lord of d’Aigle. Their daughter, Marguerite de l’Aigle, married García Ramírez, King of Navarre.
• Mathilde (died May 27, 1143), who married Raymond I, Vicomte de Turenne.

A historian named Orderic Vitalis wrote highly of Geoffrey. He said that Geoffrey was "gentle and lovable" in times of peace. But in war, he was "harsh and successful," and a strong opponent to his enemies.

Geoffrey died in October 1100. His son, Rotrou, took over as the Count of Perche.

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