Henry I, Duke of Burgundy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otto-Henry |
|
|---|---|
| Duke of Burgundy | |
| Reign | 965 – 15 October 1002 |
| Predecessor | Otto |
| Successor | Otto-William |
| Born | c. 946 |
| Died | 15 October 1002 |
| Spouse |
|
| Issue | Odo, Viscount of Beaune |
| Father | Hugh the Great |
| Mother | Hedwig of Saxony |
Henry I (born around 946, died October 15, 1002) was an important ruler known as the Great. He served as the Duke of Burgundy from 965 until his death. He was also the Count of Nevers because of his first marriage. You might also hear him called Odo-Henry or Otto-Henry. This is because his birth name was "Odo," and he only took the name "Henry" when he became the Duke of Burgundy.
Contents
Who Was Henry I?
Early Life and Becoming Duke
Henry was the younger son of Hugh the Great, who was the Duke of the Franks. His mother was Hedwig of Saxony. This made him the younger brother of King Hugh Capet of France. When he was young, Henry, then known as Odo, joined the church. He was a cleric when his brother, Otto, the Duke of Burgundy, passed away in 965.
After Otto's death, the important counts of Burgundy chose Odo to be their new duke. They gave him the name Henry. However, Henry I only directly controlled three counties. The other six counties that made up the main part of Burgundy were held by his vassals, who were like his powerful helpers.
Important Marriages and Family
In 972, Henry married Gerberga. She was the widow of Adalbert II of Italy and had sought safety in Autun. Through this marriage, Henry gained a stepson named Otto-William. This marriage also allowed Henry to rule the County of Nevers, which was an important area.
Later, Henry married a second time to Gersenda. She was the daughter of William II of Gascony. Henry I did not have any children of his own with either of his wives.
The Fight for Succession
Because Henry had no direct children, his stepson Otto-William became a possible heir to the Duchy of Burgundy. However, Henry's nephew, King Robert II of France, also wanted to inherit the Duchy. This led to a war over who would rule Burgundy, which lasted from 1003 to 1005.
In the end, Otto-William gave up his claim to the Duchy of Burgundy. But he was allowed to keep some important areas in the Western Frankish Kingdom. These included the county of Mâcon, the county of Beaune, and control over the abbey of St-Benigne in Dijon.
Henry's Children
Henry I died without any sons from his two wives. He adopted Otto-William, making him a potential heir to the Duchy of Burgundy.
Henry I also had at least one child outside of marriage. This child was:
- Odo of Beaune (died after August 25, 1005), who was the viscount of Beaune.
