Geoffrey III, Count of Perche facts for kids
Geoffrey III was an important count who ruled the region of Perche (in what is now France) from 1191 until he passed away on April 5, 1202. He was the son of Count Rotrou IV of Perche and Matilda. His mother was also the daughter of Count Theobald II of Champagne.
Early Life and Crusades
Geoffrey grew up in a noble family. He joined his father, Rotrou IV, on the Third Crusade, a major religious war. During this crusade, they took part in the long and difficult Siege of Acre. Sadly, Geoffrey's father was killed during this siege.
After returning from the Holy Land, Geoffrey needed to rebuild his money. Fighting in the crusade had cost a lot! To get more funds, he sold some land to religious communities called abbeys.
Fighting for France
Geoffrey was a loyal supporter of King Philip II of France. He fought against King Richard I of England, who was also known as Richard the Lionheart. In 1194, Geoffrey successfully took back the town of Bonsmoulins. His father had previously given this town to King Henry II of England.
When King Richard sent his army to take back control of Normandy, Geoffrey was a commander in the French army. He helped defeat Richard's forces. Later, when Richard's brother, King John, became king of England, he was forced to give up England's claim to Normandy in 1204. This was a big win for France.
The Fourth Crusade and His Death
In 1202, Geoffrey and his brother Stephen decided to join the Fourth Crusade. This was another major military expedition. However, Geoffrey never made it to the crusade. He died in a town called Soissons during a religious period called Lent, before he could even set out.
To honor his memory, a special church service was held for Geoffrey at Chartres Cathedral on April 5. This date is believed to be the day he died.
Family Life
Not much is known about Geoffrey's first wife, who was also named Matilda.
His second wife was Matilda, who was the daughter of Duke Henry the Lion of Saxony and Bavaria. Her mother was Matilda of England. Geoffrey and Matilda married in 1189 in a city called Rouen. King Richard, who was Matilda's uncle, gave them land in England. This land was in the counties of Suffolk, Essex, and Kent.
Geoffrey and his second wife, Matilda, had two children:
- Geoffrey
- Thomas, Count of Perche
When Geoffrey III passed away, his son Thomas became the new Count of Perche.
