Rotrou IV, Count of Perche facts for kids
Rotrou IV (born 1135, died 1191) was an important leader known as the Count of Perche. He lived a life full of battles and adventures, including joining a major war against England and later a famous journey called the Crusades.
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Who Was Rotrou IV?
Rotrou IV was born in 1135. His father was Rotrou III, Count of Perche, and his mother was Hawise. Her parents were Walter of Salisbury and Sibilla de Chaworth.
When his father passed away in 1144, Rotrou became the Count of Perche. He was still young, so his mother Hawise and her second husband, Robert I of Dreux, helped rule Perche until Rotrou was old enough.
Early Challenges and Conflicts
Rotrou continued a long-standing family disagreement with William III Talvas. William was the Count of Ponthieu and Lord of Alençon. This was a big rivalry that had been going on for a long time. Interestingly, Rotrou's uncle Patrick had married William Talvas's daughter, Adela.
Rotrou also joined King Louis VII of France in a war against Henry II of England. This war did not go well for them. Their soldiers were defeated, and their lands were damaged. Rotrou had to give up two towns, Moulins and Bonsmoulins, to the English king.
However, Rotrou made a smart move. He arranged a marriage with a powerful family called the House of Blois. This marriage helped to make the Counts of Perche stronger again, even after losing land.
Joining the Crusades
In 1189, Rotrou decided to join the Third Crusade. This was a huge journey to the Middle East. He went with two very famous kings: Philip II of France and Richard I the Lionheart of England.
Rotrou fought in the Siege of Acre, a long and difficult battle. He passed away sometime after this siege in 1191.
Rotrou's Family and Legacy
In 1160, Rotrou married Matilda of Blois-Champagne. She was the daughter of Theobald II, Count of Champagne, and Matilda of Carinthia.
Rotrou and Matilda had several children:
- Geoffrey III, Count of Perche
- Stephen (died 1205), who was a leader in Philadelphia. He was killed in the Battle of Adrianople.
- Rotrou du Perche (died 1201), who became a Bishop of Chalons.
- William II, Count of Perche, who also became a Count and a Bishop of Chalons.
- Beatrix, who married Renaud III.
After Rotrou's death, his son Geoffrey took over as the Count of Perche.
