Raymond I Trencavel facts for kids
Raymond I Trencavel (also called Raimond) was an important leader in southern France who lived in the 1100s. He was a Viscount (a type of noble ruler) of several areas, including Béziers, Carcassonne, and Albi. He was part of the powerful Trencavel family. Raymond died in 1167.
Becoming a Viscount
Raymond was the second son of Bernard Ato IV. When his father died in 1129, he divided his lands among his three sons. Raymond received the areas of Béziers and Agde. His older brother, Roger I, got Carcassonne, Albi, and Razès.
In 1132, Raymond and Roger made an agreement. If Roger died without children, Raymond would inherit Carcassonne. This happened in 1150 when Roger passed away. So, Raymond became the viscount of Carcassonne, Albi, and Razès, adding to his lands.
Alliances and Conflicts
In November 1150, Raymond made an important agreement with Raymond Berengar IV, Count of Barcelona. Raymond swore loyalty to the Count of Barcelona. This meant he agreed to be a vassal and hold Carcassonne, Razès, and Lautrec under the count's rule.
Some historians say that Raymond Berengar IV brought an army to make Raymond agree. While we don't have direct proof, it's possible he had soldiers nearby.
In 1151, Raymond made another agreement, this time with Ermengard of Narbonne. This was a defense treaty, meaning they would help each other if attacked. However, Raymond added a rule that he wouldn't have to fight against Toulouse. This might mean he was still trying to keep good relations with Toulouse, even after becoming loyal to Barcelona.
Raymond also bought the town of Mèze in 1152. In 1158, his agreement with Raymond Berengar IV was renewed.
Troubles with Toulouse
Raymond had been good friends with Alfonso Jordan, the Count of Toulouse. He even went with him on the Second Crusade in 1147. Raymond stayed with Alfonso until Alfonso died in 1148.
After Raymond returned home, his friendship with Toulouse ended. He had a disagreement with Alfonso's son, Raymond V, Count of Toulouse. In 1153, Raymond V even put Raymond Trencavel in prison. Raymond was only set free in 1154 after a large payment of 3,000 marks (a type of money).
Because of this, Raymond joined Henry II of England's army in 1159 to fight against Toulouse. By 1163, Raymond had made peace with Toulouse. The count even paid him back the money he had spent to get out of prison.
Raymond's Death
Early in his rule, around 1131, cities in southern France started forming groups called consulates. These groups were made up of important citizens who wanted more say in how their cities were run.
Towards the end of his life, Raymond seemed to support the nobles more than the citizens. This led to his murder in the cathedral of Béziers in 1167.
Raymond was trying to settle a disagreement between a knight and a citizen. He sided with the knight and punished the citizen. This made the citizens very angry. Raymond then set up a meeting in Béziers. However, the citizens secretly came armed. At a signal, they attacked and killed Raymond.
Raymond had a son named Roger II Trencavel with his wife Saure. Roger II inherited all of Raymond's lands. But he couldn't take control of Béziers right away. Alfonso II of Aragon helped Roger II by attacking the city in 1167. In 1168, Roger finally took control. He punished the citizens of Béziers by letting the Aragonese soldiers enter the city and harm them.
Raymond's death might be the topic of a poem called A People Grieving for the Death of their Lord. Many writers of the time recorded his death.
Sources
- Fredric L. Cheyette, Ermengard of Narbonne and the World of the Troubadours, Cornell University Press, 2001.
- Graham-Leigh, Elaine. The Southern French Nobility and the Albigensian Crusade, The Boydell Press, 2005. ISBN: 1-84383-129-5.
