Odo, Count of Champagne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Odo
|
|
|---|---|
| Count of Champagne | |
| Count of Troyes and Meaux | |
| Reign | 1047 to 1066 |
| Born | c. 1040 |
| Died | 1115 |
| Noble family | Blois |
| Spouse | Adelaide of Normandy |
| Issue | Stephen, Count of Aumale |
| Father | Stephen II of Troyes and Meaux |
| Mother | Adele |
Odo (also known as Eudes) was an important count who lived from about 1040 to 1115. He held several important titles in both France and England. From 1047 to 1066, he was the Count of Troyes and Meaux in France. Later, from 1069 until his death in 1115, he became the Count of Aumale. He was also sometimes called the Count of Champagne.
| Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Who Was Odo?
Odo was born around 1040. His father was Stephen II, who was also a count. Odo's mother was named Adele. When Odo's father passed away, Odo was still very young. His uncle, Theobald III of Blois, helped manage the lands of Troyes for him until Odo was old enough to rule on his own.
Odo's Marriage and New Titles
Around 1060, Odo married a woman named Adelaide of Normandy. This marriage was very important for Odo. Adelaide was the daughter of Robert I, Duke of Normandy. She was also the sister of William the Conqueror, who would later become King of England.
Through his marriage to Adelaide, Odo gained a new title. He became the Count of Aumale. This title was in Normandy, a region in France. He got this title "by right of his wife," which means he became count because his wife inherited the land.
Helping William the Conqueror
In 1066, Odo joined his brother-in-law, William the Conqueror, in a very famous event. This was the Norman conquest of England. William and his army crossed the sea to take over England. Odo fought alongside him.
While Odo was away helping William, his uncle Theobald III took control of Odo's counties in the Champagne region of France. After the conquest, William I rewarded Odo for his help. Odo received lands in England, specifically in a place called Holderness in Yorkshire. Some historians believe these lands were given directly to Odo. Others think they were given to his wife, Adelaide, and Odo became the Earl of Holderness because of her.
Later Life and Challenges
Odo continued to be an important figure in England. He served King William II, who was William the Conqueror's son. In 1088, Odo was one of the commanders who helped the King. They led an army to surround Durham Castle during a rebellion.
Later, Odo was involved in a plan to put his son, Stephen, on the English throne. Stephen was a cousin to King William II. Because of his involvement in this plot, Odo was put in prison in 1095. He lost his lands in England. However, after King William II died, Odo's lands were given back to his son, Stephen.
Odo's Family
Odo and his wife, Adelaide, had one son together:
- Stephen, Count of Aumale (who passed away in 1127).
