Godfrey I, Count of Louvain facts for kids

Godfrey I (Dutch: Godfried, around 1060 – 25 January 1139) was a very important ruler in the Middle Ages. People called him the Bearded, the Courageous, or the Great. He was the Landgrave of Brabant and the Count of Brussels and Leuven (Louvain). He held these titles from 1095 until he died. He was also the Duke of Lower Lorraine from 1106 to 1129, and the Margrave of Antwerp from 1106 until his death.

Godfrey's Life Story

Godfrey was the son of Henry II and Adela of Orthen. He became a ruler in 1095. This happened after his brother, Henry III, died from injuries in a tournament. Henry III only had young daughters, so Godfrey took over.

Early Challenges

In 1096, Godfrey had a disagreement with Otbert, Bishop of Liège. They both claimed a region called Brunengeruz. In 1099, the Emperor Henry IV decided the land belonged to the bishop. Godfrey also helped settle a fight between two other nobles about choosing an abbot for Sint-Truiden.

Supporting the Emperor

Godfrey was a favorite of the Emperor. He helped protect the Emperor's interests in Lorraine. In 1102, he stopped Robert II of Flanders, who was trying to invade Cambraisis.

After Emperor Henry IV died in 1106, his son, Henry V, became the new emperor. Henry V had been against his father. He punished his father's supporters. The Duke of Lower Lorraine, named Henry, was put in prison. His duchy (his land) was taken away and given to Godfrey. Later, Duke Henry escaped and tried to get his land back, but he failed.

Later Conflicts and Alliances

In 1114, there was a disagreement between the Emperor and Pope Paschal II. Godfrey led a revolt in Germany during this time. However, by 1118, the Emperor and Godfrey made peace.

In 1119, Baldwin VII of Flanders died without children. Many people wanted to rule Flanders. Godfrey supported William of Ypres, who was related to Godfrey's second wife. But William did not win the claim. Also in 1119, Bishop Otbert died. Godfrey again supported the person who lost the election to replace him.

Increasing Prestige

Godfrey greatly increased his family's importance. He arranged for his daughter, Adeliza, to marry Henry I of England. The King of England was also the father-in-law of the Emperor.

However, Emperor Henry V died in 1125. Godfrey supported Conrad of Hohenstaufen to become the new emperor. But Lothair of Supplinburg was chosen instead. Lothair took away the duchy of Lower Lorraine from Godfrey. He gave it to Waleran of Limburg. Waleran was the son of the Duke Henry whom Henry V had imprisoned earlier. Even so, Godfrey kept the margraviate of Antwerp. He also kept the title of Duke, which later became the Duke of Brabant title in 1183.

After Charles the Good was killed in 1127, the rule of Flanders was again in question. Godfrey helped Theodoric of Alsace win the claim. Godfrey also continued to fight against the cities of Liège and Namur.

Final Years

Godfrey spent his last years at the Affligem Abbey. He died of old age on 25 January 1139. He was buried in the abbey church.

Godfrey's Family

Godfrey first married Ida of Chiny (1078–1117). She was the daughter of Otto II, Count of Chiny. They had several children:

• Adeliza of Louvain (born 1103 – died 23 April 1151). She married Henry I, King of England. Later, she married William d'Aubigny, 1st Earl of Arundel.
• Godfrey II of Louvain (born 1107 – died 13 June 1142). He became the Duke of Lower Lorraine and Landgrave of Brabant. He also became the Count of Brussels and Louvain. He married Lutgardis of Sulzbach.
• Clarissa (died 1140).
• Henry (died 1141). He became a monk at Affligem Abbey.
• Ida (died 1162). She married Arnold I, Count of Cleves.

Later, Godfrey married Clementia of Burgundy (around 1078 – around 1133). She was the daughter of William I, Count of Burgundy. She was also the widow of Robert II, Count of Flanders. They did not have any children together.

Godfrey also had one son with an unknown woman:

• Joscelin of Louvain. He married Agnes De Percy and had children.

See also

• Dukes of Brabant family tree
• Chronique des Ducs de Brabant, Adrian van Baerland, Antwerp (1612).