Gunnor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gunnor |
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| Duchess consort of Normandy | |
| Tenure | 989–996 |
| Born | c. 936 - 950 Not known |
| Died | c. 1031- Uncertain Normandy, France |
| Spouse | Richard I, Duke of Normandy |
| Issue | Richard II Robert II, Archbishop of Rouen, Count of Evreux Mauger, Count of Corbeil Robert Danus Emma, Queen consort of England Hawise, Duchess consort of Brittany Maud, Countess of Blois |
Gunnor or Gunnora (c. 950 – c. 1031) was an important figure in the history of Normandy. She became the Duchess of Normandy by marrying Richard I of Normandy. Before their marriage, she was a close companion to him for a long time.
Gunnor was a trusted advisor to Duke Richard I. She even acted as a temporary ruler, or regent, of Normandy when her husband was away. Later, she continued to advise their son, Richard II, after he became duke.
Contents
Gunnor's Early Life and Family
We don't know the names of Gunnor's parents. Some historical writers say her father was a forester from an area called Pays de Caux. Others suggest she came from a noble Danish family. Gunnor was likely born around the year 950.
Her family was powerful in western Normandy. Gunnor herself was said to be very wealthy. Her marriage to Richard I was very important for politics. It helped both her husband and their children gain more power and influence. Her brother, Herfast de Crepon, started a very important Norman family. Gunnor's sisters and nieces also married some of the most important nobles in Normandy.
Marriage and Influence
Richard I and Gunnor met and later decided to marry. At first, their relationship followed a Norman custom called more danico. This was a type of marriage recognized by the Normans, different from the Christian church's rules.
However, when Richard wanted their son, Robert, to become the Archbishop of Rouen, they faced a problem. The church did not fully recognize children born from more danico marriages. So, Richard and Gunnor decided to marry "according to the Christian custom." This made their children legitimate in the eyes of the church.
Gunnor was a very intelligent woman. She was skilled in different languages and had an excellent memory. She was also a key source of information for historians writing about Norman history.
Gunnor's Role as Duchess
As Duchess, Gunnor played an active role in Normandy. She signed many official documents, called charters, even into the 1020s. After Richard's death, she often appeared with her sons. This shows how important she was to the family and the duchy.
Her husband, Duke Richard, clearly relied on her. In their official documents, Gunnor is described in many roles. She was a regent of Normandy, meaning she ruled when Richard was absent. She also acted as a mediator and a judge in disputes. Like many noble mothers of her time, she helped settle disagreements, even between her husband and their oldest son, Richard II.
Gunnor also supported religious buildings. She helped found and support Coutances Cathedral. She even laid its first stone. After Richard's death, she gave land to the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. This land was given to her by her husband as a wedding gift. She gave it for the well-being of her husband's soul and her own, and for her sons.
Gunnor used her influence to help her relatives. Many important families in both Normandy and England are descended from her, her sisters, and her nieces. Gunnor passed away around the year 1031.
Gunnor's Children
Richard and Gunnor had several children together:
- Richard II "the Good", who became Duke of Normandy.
- Robert, who became Archbishop of Rouen and Count of Evreux. He died in 1037.
- Mauger, Count of Corbeil
- Robert Danus, who died between 985 and 989.
- Another son whose name is not known.
- Emma of Normandy, who lived until 1052. She married two kings of England: first Æthelred and then Cnut the Great.
- Hawise of Normandy, who married Geoffrey I, Duke of Brittany.
- Maud of Normandy, who married Odo II of Blois, Count of Blois, Champagne, and Chartres.
See also
In Spanish: Gunnora de Crepon para niños
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