Sibylla of Conversano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sibylla of Conversano |
|
|---|---|
| Duchess consort of Normandy | |
| Tenure | 1100–1103 |
| Died | 18 March 1103 Rouen |
| Spouse | Robert Curthose |
| Issue | William Clito |
| House | Hauteville |
| Father | Geoffrey, Count of Conversano |
Sibylla of Conversano (died March 18, 1103) was an important and wealthy woman from Normandy. She became the Duchess of Normandy when she married Robert Curthose, who was the Duke. Sibylla even ruled Normandy for a time when her husband was away.
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Her Life and Family
Sibylla was the daughter of Geoffrey of Brindisi, who was the Count of Conversano. She was also a grandniece of a famous leader named Robert Guiscard.
Marriage to Robert Curthose
In the winter of 1096-1097, Robert Curthose was in Apulia, getting ready for the First Crusade. It was probably during this time that he started planning to marry Sibylla. She was a very rich heiress.
People at the time really liked Sibylla. One writer, Orderic Vitalis, said that Robert "fell in love" with her. He also described her as a "truly good" person who was "loved by everyone."
After Robert returned from the Crusade, he and Sibylla got married in Apulia in the year 1100.
Duchess of Normandy
Soon after they came back to Normandy, Robert and Sibylla went on a special trip. They visited Mont Saint-Michel to give thanks for Robert's safe return from the Crusade.
Many writers of that time were very impressed with Sibylla. They often praised her beauty and her intelligence.
While her husband, Duke Robert, was away, Sibylla took charge. Some people, like Robert of Torigni, even said that she managed Normandy better than the Duke himself!
Birth of Her Son and Death
On October 25, 1102, Sibylla gave birth to a son. They named him William. He was named after William, Archbishop of Rouen, who was present at his baptism. Another writer, William of Malmesbury, thought he might have been named after his grandfather, William the Conqueror.
Sadly, Sibylla died on March 18, 1103, in Rouen. This was less than six months after her son was born. She was buried in the main church there, and many people were very sad.
Her Son
Sibylla and Robert had one son:
- William Clito (1102—July 27, 1128), who later became the Count of Flanders.
