Herbert I, Count of Maine facts for kids

Herbert I (died April 13, 1035) was a powerful leader known as the Count of Maine. He was also called "Wakedog." This nickname came from the French "Eveille-chien," which means "wake-dog." He earned it because he often had to fight off his neighbors. Herbert became Count of Maine in 1017 and ruled until he died. His time as count was full of challenges and conflicts.

Herbert's Early Life and Rule

Herbert was the son of Hugh III. He took over as Count of Maine after his father. Sometimes, Herbert was a vassal, or a loyal follower, of his powerful neighbor, Fulk III Nerra, Count of Anjou. But most of the time, Herbert saw himself as independent. He got his nickname "Wakedog" because he constantly had to defend his lands. These lands were often attacked by the Angevins, who were his neighbors to the south. From 1017, when Herbert became count, he was almost always at war. One of his main rivals was Avesgaud de Bellême, the Bishop of Le Mans.

The Battle of Pontlevoy

In 1016, a young Herbert joined forces with Fulk III. They were fighting against Odo II of Blois. On July 6, Odo was planning to attack a strong castle called Montrichard. When Fulk and Herbert found this out, they split their armies. They wanted to block both ways to the castle.

Odo's army then ran right into Fulk's forces. This battle is known as the Battle of Pontlevoy. Odo had a larger army and was winning. Fulk himself was even knocked off his horse. He was in danger of being killed or captured. But a message had been sent to Herbert, asking him to come quickly. Herbert attacked the left side of Odo's army. This caused total confusion among Odo's soldiers. Odo's mounted knights ran away, leaving his foot soldiers to be defeated. Odo was completely beaten. He could not challenge Fulk again for almost ten years. This battle made Herbert famous as a strong warrior. However, it also started to make the friendship between Fulk and Herbert worse.

Conflicts with Bishop Avesgaud

Herbert's fights with Avesgaud, the Bishop of Le Mans, became intense again. In 1025, Herbert launched a surprise night attack. He raided the Bishop's castle at Duneau. This made Bishop Avesgaud run away. He sought protection from his brother, William, Lord of Belleme. Once he was safe, the Bishop officially removed Herbert from the church. This is called excommunication. But the fighting between them continued.

Not long after, the excommunication was lifted. Peace was made between them. However, Herbert soon started raiding the Bishop's lands again. This time, Herbert had help from Count Alan III of Rennes. They attacked the Bishop at his castle in Le Ferte. They also destroyed this castle.

Herbert's Capture and Release

On March 7, 1025, Fulk Nerra tricked Herbert. He invited Herbert to Saintes. Fulk promised to give Herbert Saintes as a gift. But it was a trap. Herbert was captured and put in prison. He stayed there for two years. Finally, a group of powerful leaders forced Fulk to release him.

While Herbert was in prison, Fulk had taken control of Maine. Before letting Herbert go free, Fulk took some of Maine's southwestern lands. He also took several strong castles. He added these lands to his own territory, Anjou. Herbert was completely humiliated before he was allowed to go free.

Decline of Maine and Herbert's Legacy

The County of Maine became weaker under Herbert I. This was partly because of his wars with Bishop Avesguadus. The Bishop was an ally of Fulk Nerra. It was also due to Herbert's time in prison.

Herbert built the castle of Sablé. But by 1015, for some reason, he allowed it to become independent. It was then controlled by the viscounts of Maine. Similarly, Chateau-du-Loir was built in the early 11th century. But it also quickly came under the control of independent castle commanders.

Coins had been made in Le Mans for a long time. These coins had simple Latin words like "Gratia dei rex" (by the grace of God, king). But between 1020 and 1030, new coins were made. These coins had Herbert's special symbol. They also had the words "signum Dei vivi" (sign of the living God). This design continued for many years. The coins made in Le Mans were heavy and of very good quality. They were accepted and used widely across western France. Herbert died on April 13, 1035.

Herbert's Children

Herbert had four children:

• Hugh IV: He became count after Herbert. He married Bertha of Blois. She was the daughter of Herbert's enemy, Odo II of Blois.
• Gersenda: She first married Theobald III of Blois. He was also a son of Odo II of Blois. They divorced in 1048. Then she married Albert Azzo II, Margrave of Milan. Her son from this marriage would later take back Maine from Norman control in 1069. He became Hugh V.
• Paula (Paule or Paulæ): She was the wife of Jean de la Fleche. Their son, Elias, would become Count of Maine. He took over after his cousin, Hugh V.
• Biota: She married Walter III of the Vexin. Walter briefly held Maine after her nephew, Herbert II, died. Herbert II was the son of Hugh IV. But then both Walter and Biota died, possibly from poisoning. After this, William the Conqueror took control of the county.

Images for kids

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  Map of the County of Maine

See also

In Spanish: Herberto I de Maine para niños