Ralph I, Lord of Coucy facts for kids

Ralph of Coucy

Ralph of Coucy was an important French nobleman who lived from about 1134 to 1191. He was known as the Lord of Coucy, which meant he ruled over a large area in France. He also held control over several other towns and lands, including Marle, La Fère, Crécy, Vervins, Pinon, Landouzy, and Fontaine. Ralph was the son of Enguerrand II, who was also a Lord of Coucy, and his mother was Agnes de Beaugency.

Ralph's Family Life

Ralph of Coucy was married twice during his life.

First Marriage

His first wife was Agnes of Hainault. She was the daughter of Baldwin IV, who was a powerful Count of Hainaut.

Together, Ralph and Agnes had two daughters:

• Ada, who later married a man named Dirk van Beveren.
• Yolande, who married Robert II of Dreux.

Second Marriage

After Agnes passed away, Ralph married again. His second wife was Alix II of Dreux. She was the daughter of Robert I, who was the Count of Dreux, and Hawise, the Countess of Perche.

Ralph and Alix had three children:

• Enguerrand III, who would later become the Lord of Coucy after his father. He lived until 1243.
• Thomas, who became the lord of Vervins. He passed away around 1252 or 1253.
• Agnes, who died in 1214.

Because of his second marriage, Ralph became a cousin to Philip II, who was the King of France at the time.

Serving the King and Journey to the Holy Land

Ralph of Coucy was a loyal supporter of the King of France. In 1181, he joined King Philip II in a war against Philip I, the Count of Flanders.

Later in his life, Ralph decided to travel to the Holy Land. This was a journey many knights and nobles took during that time to fight in the Crusades. He died there in November 1191, during a major battle known as the Siege of Acre.

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