Theobald I, Count of Bar facts for kids

Theobald I (born around 1158 – died February 13, 1214) was an important count in Europe during the Middle Ages. He ruled as the Count of Bar from 1190 until his death. Later, he also became the Count of Luxemburg in 1197. Theobald came from the noble House of Montbéliard. He was the son of Reginald II of Bar and Agnès de Champagne.

Becoming a Count

Theobald became the Count of Bar after his older brother, Henry, sadly died. Henry was killed during a big fight called the Siege of Acre, which was part of the Crusades. This happened in 1190, and Theobald took over his brother's important role.

Expanding His Lands

Theobald married three times. After his third marriage, he wanted to get back lands that belonged to his new wife, Ermesinde of Luxembourg. These lands included Luxembourg, Durbuy, and Laroche. A powerful ruler named Philip of Swabia agreed with Theobald's plan.

Theobald then attacked the castle at Namur. This led to a meeting where Philip of Namur and his brother Baldwin agreed to give up their claims to Luxembourg, Durbuy, and Laroche. This agreement was made official on July 6, 1199, with a document called the Treaty of Dinant.

Helping in the Crusades

Theobald also played a part in the Albigensian Crusade. In June 1211, he led his army to help Simon de Montfort during the siege of Toulouse. This was a big battle where Simon de Montfort was trying to take control of the city.

His Family and Legacy

Theobald I passed away in 1214. After his death, his oldest son, Henry II, became the new Count of Bar. Henry II was from Theobald's second marriage.

Theobald's oldest daughter, Agnes, from his first marriage, married Frederick II, Duke of Lorraine. His lands in Luxembourg went to Waleran III of Limburg, who married Theobald's widow, Ermesinde of Luxembourg. Theobald was buried in a place called St. Mihiel.

Marriages and Children

Theobald I was married three times during his life.

First Marriage

In 1176, Theobald married Laurette of Loon. She was the daughter of Louis I, Count of Loon.

• Agnes (Tomasia), born around 1177, died June 19, 1226. She married Frederick II, Duke of Lorraine.

Second Marriage

Around 1189, he married Ermesinde (Isabella) of Bar-sur-Seine. She was the daughter of Guy II of Brienne.

• Agnes, died 1225. She married Hugh, lord of Chatillon.
• Henry II, Count of Bar, born 1190, died November 13, 1239. He married Philippa of Dreux.
• Margaret, born around 1192, died after 1259. She married Heinrich von Salm.

Third Marriage

In 1197, Theobald married Ermesinde of Luxembourg. She was the daughter of Henry Coecus "the Blind" of Luxembourg.

• Margaret, died July 1270. She married Hugh III, count of Vaudémont, and later Henri de Dampierre.
• Elisabeth, died between April 11, 1262, and August 1, 1262. She married Waleran of Limburg.
• Henry, lord of Briey, Arrancy, and Marville, died 1214.
• Renaud, died February 1214.
• An unnamed daughter, died before February 1214.