Hugh IV, Count of Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hugh IV, Count of Maine |
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Arms of the Counts of Maine
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| Spouse(s) | Bertha of Blois |
| Noble family | Hugonide Carolingian |
| Father | Herbert I, Count of Maine |
| Born | (unknown) |
| Died | 25 March 1051 |
Hugh IV (died 25 March 1051) was the Count of Maine from 1036 to 1051. He was an important ruler in the region of Maine, which is now part of France.
Contents
Life of Hugh IV: A Young Count's Story
Hugh was the son of Herbert I of Maine. His family, the Hugonides, were a powerful group of nobles. When his father died in 1036, Hugh was still very young, probably between 14 and 18 years old. This meant he was a "minor," or not yet old enough to rule on his own.
Because Hugh was too young, his great-uncle, Herbert Baco, stepped in to help. Herbert Baco acted as a "regent," which is someone who rules for a young king or count until they are old enough. Herbert Baco supported the Angevins, another powerful family in the area.
A Clash with the Bishop
However, not everyone agreed with Herbert Baco. The Bishop of Le Mans, named Gervais du Château du Loir, was a strong supporter of the rival Blois family. The bishop and the regent, Herbert Baco, often disagreed.
Eventually, the bishop managed to get Herbert Baco removed from his role as regent. This happened with the support of the local people. After Herbert Baco was gone, Bishop Gervais announced that Hugh was old enough to rule on his own. He also helped arrange Hugh's marriage to Berthe de Blois.
Wars and Changes in Maine
Unlike his father, Hugh IV listened to the advice of his bishop. Bishop Gervais was allied with the Counts of Blois, a different family from the Angevins that Hugh's family had often supported.
Hugh, likely following his bishop's guidance, fought in several wars against Geoffrey Martel, the Count of Anjou. These battles took place in the Loir valley.
Hugh IV died on March 25, 1051. Soon after his death, Bishop Gervais had to leave Maine and seek safety in Normandy. The bishop's actions had made the Bishopric of Le Mans stronger. However, this also made the Countship of Maine weaker. Because of this, the area of Maine eventually became part of the lands controlled by Anjou and Normandy.
Family Life
Around 1046, Hugh married Bertha of Blois. Bertha had been married before to Alain III of Brittany. She was the daughter of Eudes II of Blois and Ermengarde of Auvergne.
Hugh and Bertha had two children:
- Herbert II of Maine (died 1062). He later became the Count of Maine after his father.
- Marguerite (born around 1045, died 1063). She was promised to marry Robert Curthose, a famous duke.
| Preceded by Herbert I |
Count of Maine 1036–1051 |
Succeeded by Herbert II |
See also
In Spanish: Hugo IV de Maine para niños
