Wifred II, Count of Cerdanya facts for kids
Wifred (also spelled Wilfred) was an important leader who lived a long time ago, from about 970 to 1050. He was known as the Count of Cerdanya from 988 to 1035, and also the Count of Berga from 1003 to 1035. Wifred was the oldest son of Oliba Cabreta and Ermengard of Empúries.
Contents
Wifred's Early Life and Role as Count
Wifred's father, Oliba Cabreta, decided to become a monk in 988. When this happened, Wifred's brother, Bernard, became the Count of Besalú. Another brother, Oliba, became the Count of Berga. Their mother, Ermengard, helped rule their lands until 994.
In 1003, Wifred's brother Oliba also decided to join the church. At that point, Wifred took over as the Count of Berga. In the same year, Wifred and Bernard joined other Christian leaders. They fought together to stop a Muslim invasion at the Battle of Torà.
Wifred and the Church
Like his father and brother, Wifred cared a lot about the church. He helped with the special ceremonies to open many churches and monasteries. One important place was San Martín del Canigó, which he helped start in 1007. It was officially opened in 1009.
Even though he supported the church, Wifred also wanted his land to be free from the control of the diocese of Urgell. This caused some disagreements with Saint Ermengol, a bishop.
Important Agreements and Records
In 1023, Wifred made a peace agreement with Berengar Raymond I of Barcelona and William I of Besalú. This helped keep things calm between their lands.
There is an old book from the 1200s called Liber feudorum Ceritaniae. The very first page of this book has a beautiful picture. It shows Wifred receiving loyalty from two lords, Sarn and Dalmau. They were the lords of Castellfollit. This picture is very special because it was painted by a different artist and is much better than the other pictures in the book. It shows a style of art that was popular in Catalonia around that time.
Wifred's Later Years
In 1035, Wifred decided to follow his father and brother. He retired from being a count and became a monk. He joined the monastery of San Martín del Canigó, which he had helped to build. He lived for about fifteen more years and passed away in 1050. After he died, a special scroll was made to honor him. It traveled to many places, even as far as Liège, where a group of church leaders added fourteen poems to it.
Wifred's Family
Wifred was married to a woman named Guisla of Pallars. They had many children together:
- Raymond (1035–1068), who became the next Count of Cerdanya.
- Wifred (died 1079), who became an archbishop.
- Berengar (died 1053), who became a bishop.
- Arduin (died 1050).
- William Wifred (died 1075), who became a bishop.
- Bernard (died 1050), who became the next Count of Berga.
- Berengar (died 1093), who took over from Bernard as Count of Berga and also became a bishop.
- Fe (also known as Fides or Foy), who married Hugh of Rouergue.
See also
In Spanish: Wifredo II de Cerdaña para niños
