As in the case of the northern part of France, the central part of the country experienced little political unity throughout the medieval period. The nobility shown here under "Central France" is therefore grouped together mainly for geographical convenience.

The area lies to the south of Paris, bordered to the west by the counties of Anjou and Maine, to the south by the county of Poitou and duchy of Aquitaine, and to the east by the county of Champagne and the duchy of Burgundy. It represented a jurisdictional middle ground within these mainly stable counties and duchies which, from early Merovingian times, was sliced along different lines by the competing members of the dynasty. After the death in 511 of King Clovis I, the area achieved political unity for the only time in its history as part of the larger territory which fell to his son King Chlodomer who established his capital at Orléans and controlled most of the lower Loire valley from the coast, including Tours, Chartres, Sens and Auxerre[1]. This unity was short-lived as, after Chlodomer was killed in 524, his brothers divided his territories between themselves. The central area, covering Tours, Orléans and the future county of Blois, was amalgamated with the northern territories ruled by King Childebert from Paris, while the eastern part was linked to Burgundy under King Theoderich. At the 561 partition after the death of King Clotaire, the border changed, the western part of the area, which mainly consisted of Blois, remained with the kingdom of Paris under King Charibert while Orléans was joined to the Burgundian kingdom ruled by King Gontran[2]. These divisions were perpetuated with the establishment of the definitive boundaries of the kingdoms of Austrasia and Neustria, with the additional change by which the area to the south of Orléans was incorporated into Neustria. With the Carolingian partition under the treaty of Verdun in 843 the whole area was firmly within the kingdom of the West Franks.

These partitions echo the experience of the northern part of France, and also that of the area covered by the future county of Champagne. It is suggested that this early failure to establish political cohesion had a profound effect on the later development of all these areas, contrasting sharply with the relative stability and sense of regional unity which was achieved by other parts of France during the middle medieval period. Another factor which applied particularly in the case of central France was the division of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, which inevitably had political repercussions. Ecclesiastical power was split three ways in the area. Tours fell within the archbishopric of the same name. The bishoprics of Blois and Orléans were within the province of Sens, while the archbishopric of Bourges retained control over the territory around that town.

The counties covered in this part of central France were Chartres and Châteaudun in the north-west and, in the southern part from west to east, Blois, Bourges, Tours, Orléans, Gâtinais, and Sancerre. The history of each county developed in markedly different ways, as discussed in more detail in the introductions to each chapter of the present document. The county of Blois remained in the same family from the early 10th to the early 13th centuries. The family expanded its territories to include the counties of Tours, Chartres and Châteaudun in the mid-10th century. They acquired Sancerre in the early 11th century, although this was split off in 1152 to provide an appanage for a junior branch of the family. The acquisition by the counts of Blois of the county of Troyes, some time in the 1020s, represented the start of a shift in their centre of activities towards the area of Champagne. In 1231, the county of Blois was inherited by the Seigneurs de Châtillon-sur-Marne, who were already also counts of Saint-Pol in northern France. The history of the county of Bourges has not been traced after the mid-9th century, but it is supposed that it was incorporated into the domaine royale at an early stage. The geographically extensive county of Orléans, at the heart of the area, was incorporated into the domaine royale of the Capetian kings with the accession of Hugues "Capet" in 987[3]. The counts of Gâtinais inherited the county of Anjou in 1067, an unforeseen result of a dynastic marriage in [1035]. However, Gâtinais was transferred to the domaine royale shortly afterwards, as a result of the war between the brothers Geoffroy III "le Barbu" Comte d'Anjou and Foulques IV "le Rechin"[4].

Other families set out in this document include the Sires de Sully, whose lordship passed by marriage in the early 12th century to a collateral line of the counts of Blois, the Seigneurs d´Amboise whose territory lay within the county of Tours, the Seigneurs de Fréteval within the county of Chartres, the Seigneurs de Baugency within the county of Orléans, the Seigneurs de Château-Landon and the Vicomtes de Fessard whose territories originally were fiefdoms of the county of Gâtinais, and the Seigneurs de Vierzon whose territory lay within the former county of Bourges.

Chapter 1. COMTES de BLOIS

The county of Blois was one of the few counties whose counts can be identified from the reign of Emperor Louis I. From the early 10th to the early 13th centuries, it became hereditary within the same family. In the mid-10th century, this family expanded its territories to include the counties of Tours, Chartres and Châteaudun. It acquired Sancerre in the early 11th century, although this was split off in 1152 to provide an appanage for a junior branch of the family. The acquisition by the counts of Blois of the county of Troyes, some time in the 1020s, represented the start of a shift in their centre of activities towards the area of Champagne. In 1231, the county of Blois was inherited by the Seigneurs de Châtillon-sur-Marne, who were already also counts of Saint-Pol in northern France.

A. COMTES de BLOIS [830]-early 10th CENTURY

Guillaume is the first recorded comte de Blois, probably being appointed to the county in [830]. After his death in 834, no record has been found which indicates who succeeded him. Merlet suggests that Robert "le Fort" was Comte de Blois in about [865][5]. He relies on a charter dated May 865 under which "Le comte Robert" donated "certains biens…situés dans le comté de Blois, dans la viguerie d´Averdon au village dit Gabrium et faisant partie du domaine de Saint-Lubin" to Actard Bishop of Nantes in exchange for other property "situés au même lieu et dépendant aussi du domaine de Saint-Lubin"[6]. However, another possibility is that Robert´s county was the "march of Anjou" to which he had been appointed count some years before (see the document FRANCE CAPETIAN KINGS).

1. GUILLAUME, son of --- ([772/90]-killed in battle [Touraine] Jun 834). His birth date is estimated on the assumption that he was younger than his brother Eudes, which is suggested by the order in which their names appear when named together in primary sources. The Annales Bertiniani record that "Odo et Willelmus frater eius" were among those killed fighting "Lantbertum et Matfridem" in 834[7]. Comte de Blois et Comte de Châteaudun: Merlet cites a charter of Emperor Louis I "le Pieux" dated 19 Nov 832 which confirms that these two territories were administered together at the time, referring to property "quæ est in pago Blisense vel Dunense"[8]. Merlet suggests that, in addition to Blois and Châteaudun, Guillaume administered Chartres as, from the 10th century, all three territories were administered by the same comte and he supposes that the same arrangement already existed in the 9th century (although no primary source exists which confirms this supposition)[9]. Constable: the Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names "in Frantiam Eggebardus comes et Willelmus comes stabuli" in the context of events in 833[10]. A poem by Gosbert is addressed to "Guillelmum Blesensium comitem" refers to him as "Francigenum primo proavis abavisque peralto"[11]. The Annales Bertiniani record that "Odo et Willelmus frater eius" were among those killed fighting "Lantbertum et Matfridem" in 834[12]. Merlet suggests that the battle took place in Touraine[13]. The Chronica Rainaldi records that "Odo comes Aurelianensium, Willelmus frater eius comes Blesensium, Guido comes Cenomanensium" died in battle fighting "Lambertum" in 835[14]. It is more likely that this battle took place in 834, assuming that it is correct that Count Lantbert was established in Italy later that year.

2. EUDES [Odo] (-1 Aug 871). René Merlet suggests that Eudes was the brother of Robert "le Fort", ancestor of the Capetian dynasty, tracing what appears to be the parallel development of their careers[15]. Comte de Châteaudun, later Comte de Troyes. 852/59 and 866/70. "Karolus…rex" authorised "Dodo…Andecavorum episcopus" and "Odo comes" to exchange land at Angers by charter dated 3 Jul 851[16]. A document issued by Charles II "le Chauve" King of the West Franks dated Nov 853 names "Wenilo episcopus, Odo et Donatus" as missi in "pago Senonico, Trecasino, Wasteniso, Miliduniso, Morviso, Proviniso, et ini tribus Arcisisis et in duobus Brionensis"[17]. "Karolus…rex" named "Odo…comes [et] predecessoris sui Aledramni…comitis ex comitatu Tricasino" in a charter dated 25 Apr 854 or 855 relating to the abbey of Montéramey[18]. A document of Charles II "le Chauve" King of the West Franks dated 21 Mar 858 is subscribed by "Hungarius, Engilramnus, Isembardus, Odo, Osbertus, Ratbodus, Hunfridus, Odalricus, Rhodulfus, Engilschalcus, Herluinus, Hitto"[19]. Comte de Blois. The Annales Fuldenses name "Adalhartus abbas et Oto comes" as missi "ab occidente" in Jul 858[20], the editor of the compilation suggesting that "Oto" was "comes Blesensis"[21].

1. ROBERT (-after Nov 902). Comte de Blois. Comte de Tours. "Roberti comitis" subscribed the charter dated Nov 902 under which "Warnegaudi vicecomitis et uxoris eius Helenæ" donated property[22].

B. COMTES de BLOIS [943]-1218

1. THIBAUT [Tetbald] [I] "l'Ancien", son of --- (-[944], bur Tours Saint-Martin). [Comte de Chartres: Guillaume de Jumièges describes how "le comte Thibaut" bought the town of Chartres from Hasting the Viking[23]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines records that "Hastingo" sold "civitate Carnoto" to "Turonensi comiti Theobaldo" in 904[24]. The accuracy of these two reports is uncertain as it is unclear whether Hasting ever was comte de Chartres.] Vicomte de Tours: "Domni Fulconis Andecavorum comitis, Tedbaldi Turonorum vicecomitis" subscribed the charter dated 30 Oct 909 under which the testamentary executors of "domni Gauzuini" donated property to Saint-Martin de Tours[25]. "…Tetbaldi vicecomitis…" subscribed the charter of "Hugo rector abbatiæ sancti Martini" relating to Tours Saint-Martin dated 931[26]. The identity of the husband of Richilde, and father of Thibaut [II] and Richard, is brought together by the charter dated to [944] under which "le comte Thibault père de Thibault" relinquished rights relating to "les terres de Vancé, de Joué, de Martigny et de Berthenay" to Tours Saint-Martin and paid for his future burial in the abbey[27]. m firstly ---. The primary source which confirms this first marriage has not yet been identified. It is likely that the only indication is provided by the charter, dated to [980], under which “Ledgardis comitissa necnon Hugo episcopus et filius meus et item filius meus Odo comes” donated property to Saint-Martin de Tours, for the souls of “Theobaldi comitis quondam senioris mei…Richildis quondam sanctimonialis, eiusque filii Richardi episcopi” (referring to “dicti comitis et fratris sui Theobaldi”, in relation to Bishop Richard)[28]. This charter confirms that Richildis was the mother of Richard and that Richard was the brother of Thibaut [II]. However, the absence of a phrase in the text such as “matris sui” linking “Richildis” to “Theobaldi comitis” suggests that she was not his mother and that therefore the brothers were born from different marriages of the same father. m secondly RICHILDIS, daughter of ---. Richildis is named as second wife of Thibaut in Europäische Stammtafeln[29] but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified. The charter, dated to [980], under which “Ledgardis comitissa necnon Hugo episcopus et filius meus et item filius meus Odo comes” donated property to Saint-Martin de Tours, for the souls of “Theobaldi comitis quondam senioris mei…Richildis quondam sanctimonialis, eiusque filii Richardi episcopi” (referring to “dicti comitis et fratris sui Theobaldi”, in relation to Bishop Richard)[30] confirms that Richildis was the mother of Richard and that Richard was the brother of Thibaut. However, it provides no indication of the name of their father and therefore of Richildis´s husband. Comte Thibaut & his [first] wife had one child:

a) THIBAUT [II] ([910]-16 Jan [975/77]). "Le comte Thibault père de Thibault" relinquished rights relating to "les terres de Vancé, de Joué, de Martigny et de Berthenay" to Tours Saint-Martin and paid for his future burial in the abbey by charter dated to [944][31]. He succeeded [his father] in [944] as THIBAUT I "le Tricheur" Comte de Blois, Vicomte de Tours.

- see below.

Comte Thibaut & his second wife had two children:

b) RICHARD (-969). “Ledgardis comitissa necnon Hugo episcopus et filius meus et item filius meus Odo comes” donated property to Saint-Martin de Tours, for the souls of “Theobaldi comitis quondam senioris mei…Richildis quondam sanctimonialis, eiusque filii Richardi episcopi” (referring to “dicti comitis et fratris sui Theobaldi”, in relation to Bishop Richard), by charter dated to [980][32]. This confirms that Richildis was the mother of Richard and that Richard was the brother of Thibaut. However, the absence of a phrase in the text such as “matris sui” linking “Richildis” to “Theobaldi comitis” suggests that she was not his mother and that therefore the brothers were born from different marriages of the same father. Archbishop of Bourges 956/57.

c) daughter . The Chronicle of Nantes records the marriage of "Alanus dux" and "Theobaldum comitem Blesensem…sorore sua"[33]. Given the date of her marriage, and assuming that the estimated birth date of her brother Thibaut [II] is correct as shown above, it is probable that this daughter was born from her father's supposed second marriage. The Chronicle of Nantes records the marriage of "Theobaldus comes Blesensis…sororem suam relictam Alani Barbætortæ ducis" and "Fulconi comiti Andegavensi"[34]. m firstly (before [949/51]) [as his second wife,] ALAIN II Duke of Brittany, son of MATHEDOI [Matuedo] Comte de Poher & his wife --- de Bretagne (in Brittany [before 919]-952). m secondly (after 952) as his second wife, FOULQUES II Comte d'Anjou, son of FOULQUES I "le Roux" Comte d'Anjou & his wife Roscille de "Loches" ([920]-11 Nov 958).

THIBAUT I [944]-975, EUDES I 975-995, THIBAUT II

THIBAUT [II] de Blois, son of THIBAUT [I] "l'Ancien" Vicomte de Tours & his first wife --- ([910]-16 Jan [975/77]). "Le comte Thibault père de Thibault" relinquished rights relating to "les terres de Vancé, de Joué, de Martigny et de Berthenay" to Tours Saint-Martin and paid for his future burial in the abbey by charter dated to [944][35]. “Ledgardis comitissa necnon Hugo episcopus et filius meus et item filius meus Odo comes” donated property to Saint-Martin de Tours, for the souls of “Theobaldi comitis quondam senioris mei…Richildis quondam sanctimonialis, eiusque filii Richardi episcopi” (referring to “dicti comitis et fratris sui Theobaldi”, in relation to Bishop Richard), by charter dated to [980][36]. This confirms that Richildis was the mother of Richard and that Richard was the brother of Thibaut. However, the absence of a phrase in the text such as “matris sui” linking “Richildis” to “Theobaldi comitis” suggests that she was his mother and that therefore the brothers were born from different marriages of the same father. He succeeded [his father] in [944] as THIBAUT I "le Tricheur" Comte de Blois, Vicomte de Tours. He dominated Brittany as guardian of his nephew Drogo, after the death of his brother-in-law Alain II Duke of Brittany in 952[37]. The Gesta Normannorum records that he plotted against Richard I Comte [de Normandie], who defeated Thibaut´s forces in [955] after the French captured Evreux[38]. "Domnus Tetbaldus comes Turonis" withdrew his claims to a serf in favour of the monks of Saint-Martin de Tours by charter dated 957, signed by "domni Tetbaldi comitis, Tetbaldi filii ipsius…Alberici Aurelianensium vicecomitis…"[39]. "Teutbaldi comitis, Teutbaldi junioris, Gausfredi comitis, Hugonis comitis Cenomannorum…" subscribed the charter dated Sep 960 under which "Aremburgis" donated property to Saint-Florent de Saumur[40]. He gained control of the counties of Chartres and Châteaudun in [960], and became the vassal of Lothaire King of the West Franks in 963. He was excommunicated by Odalric Archbishop of Reims in 964 for taking Coucy and other estates from the archbishopric[41]. Seigneur de Chino, de Saumur et de Baugency. A charter dated May 974 records a donation by "comes Teutbaldus" to Saint-Florent de Saumur[42].

m ([943/44]) as her second husband, LUITGARDIS de Vermandois, widow of GUILLAUME I “Longuespée” Comte [de Normandie], daughter of HERIBERT [II] Comte de Vermandois [Carolingian] & his wife Adela [Capet] (before 925-14 Nov after 985, bur Chartres, Abbaye de Saint-Père). Rodulfus Glauber refers to the wife of Comte Guillaume as "sororem [Heribertum Trecorum comitem]", specifying that she was childless by her first husband, when recording her second marriage to "Tetbaldus"[43]. The Liber Modernorum Regum Francorum refers to the wife of "Tetbaudi comitis" as "sorore Herberti Trecorum comitis"[44]. "Theobaldi comitis…Ledgardis comitisse" subscribed the charter dated 950 under which Ragnfred Bishop of Chartres donated property to Chartres Saint-Père, although the relationship between the two is not specified[45]. "Ledgardis" donated property to "Sancti Petri Carnotensis ecclesiam", for the souls of "senioris mei…comitis Tedbaldi…patris mei Heirberti, Trecassini comitis", with the consent of "archipresule…Hugone et…comite Odone, filiis meis", by charter dated 5 Feb 978, signed by "…Emma comitissa Pictavæ urbis…"[46]. “Ledgardis comitissa necnon Hugo episcopus et filius meus et item filius meus Odo comes” donated property to Saint-Martin de Tours, for the souls of “Theobaldi comitis quondam senioris mei…Richildis quondam sanctimonialis, eiusque filii Richardi episcopi” (referring to “dicti comitis et fratris sui Theobaldi”, in relation to Bishop Richard), by charter dated to [980][47]. "Hugonis ducis, Odonis comitis, Hugonis sanctæ Bituricensis archipræsulis, Letgardis comitissæ, Bertæ comitissæ, Gauzfridi vicecomitis…" subscribed the charter dated 985 under which "Robertus" donated property to "Sancti Petri Carnotensis", on the advice of "Odonem, simul cum sua matre Ledgarde, pariterque dominam meam Bertam, ipsius æque coniugem"[48]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "XVIII Kal Dec" of "Letgardis comitissa"[49].

Comte Thibaut I & his wife had five children:

1. THIBAUT de Blois (-killed in battle [Sep 960/962]). "Domnus Tetbaldus comes Turonis" withdrew his claims to a serf in favour of the monks of Saint-Martin de Tours by charter dated 957, signed by "domni Tetbaldi comitis, Tetbaldi filii ipsius…Alberici Aurelianensium vicecomitis…"[50]. "Teutbaldi comitis, Teutbaldi junioris, Gausfredi comitis, Hugonis comitis Cenomannorum…" subscribed the charter dated Sep 960 under which "Aremburgis" donated property to Saint-Florent de Saumur[51].

2. HUGUES de Blois (-2 Jan 986, bur Marmoutier). "Hugonis archiepiscopi filii Theobaldi comitis" subscribed the charter dated 950 under which Ragnfred Bishop of Chartres donated property to Chartres Saint-Père[52]. The necrology of Saint-Père-en-Vallée records the death "IV Non Jan" of "Hugo Bituricensis archiepiscopus filius comitisse Legardis", recording that they jointly donated "Gesiacum…predia"[53]. Archbishop of Bourges 965-985. "Ledgardis" donated property to "Sancti Petri Carnotensis ecclesiam", for the souls of "senioris mei…comitis Tedbaldi…patris mei Heirberti, Trecassini comitis", with the consent of "archipresule…Hugone et…comite Odone, filiis meis", by charter dated 5 Feb 978, signed by "…Emma comitissa Pictavæ urbis…"[54]. "Hugonis ducis, Odonis comitis, Hugonis sanctæ Bituricensis archipræsulis, Letgardis comitissæ, Bertæ comitissæ, Gauzfridi vicecomitis…" subscribed the charter dated 985 under which "Robertus" donated property to "Sancti Petri Carnotensis", on the advice of "Odonem, simul cum sua matre Ledgarde, pariterque dominam meam Bertam, ipsius æque coniugem"[55]. The necrology of Chartres Cathedral records the death “IV Non Jan” of “Hugo Bituricensis archiepiscopus et canonicus Sanctæ Mariæ”[56]. “Odo comes” restored “villam...Culturas” to Marmoutier, for the souls of “...domini Hugonis archiepiscopi, cujus ibi corpus...jacet”, by charter dated to [986], subscribed by “Berte comitissæ uxoris eius, majoris filii eius Teutboldi, filii eius Odonis adhuc in cunabulo”[57].

3. EUDES de Blois (-Châteaudun [12 Feb/4 Jul][58] 995, bur Tours, Abbaye de Saint-Martin, Marmoutier). "Odonis comitis filii Theobaldi comitis" subscribed the charter dated 950 under which Ragnfred Bishop of Chartres donated property to Chartres Saint-Père[59]. Rodulfus Glaber names "Odo…filius Tetbaldi Carnotensis cognomento fallacis", recording that he was "chief among the rebels…who rebelled against the king [Robert I] from positions that should have made them humble"[60]. Rodulfus Glauber names "Odonem" son of "Tetbaldus [et] sororem [Heribertum Trecorum comitem]"[61]. Ademar names "Odonis Campanensis" as brother of "Emma", mother of Guillaume Duke of Aquitaine[62]. Odalric Archbishop of Reims granted him Coucy after recovering it from Eudes's father[63]. He succeeded his father as EUDES I Comte de Blois, de Chartres, de Châteaudun, de Tours, de Beauvais et de Dreux. "Odo comes…" signed a charter dated Feb 977 of Chartres Saint-Père[64]. "Odoni comitis…" signed a charter dated Oct 977 relating to Bourgeuil[65]. "Ledgardis" donated property to "Sancti Petri Carnotensis ecclesiam", for the souls of "senioris mei…comitis Tedbaldi…patris mei Heirberti, Trecassini comitis", with the consent of "archipresule…Hugone et…comite Odone, filiis meis", by charter dated 5 Feb 978, signed by "…Emma comitissa Pictavæ urbis…"[66]. Seigneur de Chinon et de Saumur. A letter of Gerbert dated 983 records that "Heriberti Trecassini et Oddonis comitis filii Tedbaldi" were enemies of "Adelbero Remonis archiepiscopus"[67], while a letter dated to mid-985 records that "Ottonem, Heribertum" made peace with the archbishop[68]. “Odo comes” restored “villam...Culturas” to Marmoutier, for the souls of “...domini Hugonis archiepiscopi, cujus ibi corpus...jacet”, by charter dated to [986], subscribed by “Berte comitissæ uxoris eius, majoris filii eius Teutboldi, filii eius Odonis adhuc in cunabulo”[69]. A letter of Gerbert dated to [late 986/early 987] records that "O et Heribertus comites" were part of the council of Emma Queen of France[70]. It is assumed that "Oddonis/Ottonem/O" all refer to the same person. "Robert Vicomte de Blois" donated property to the abbey of Evron by charter dated 989 subscribed by "Odonis comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Tetbaldi filius eius, Odonis alterius filius, Hugonis vicecomitis Castridunensis, Raherii de Montigniaco"[71]. Rodolfus Glaber records his place of burial when stating that his son Eudes II was buried next to his father[72]. m ([978/80]) as her first husband, BERTHE of Burgundy, daughter of CONRAD I “le Pacifique” King of Burgundy [Welf] & his second wife Mathilde de France [Carolingian] ([964/965]-16 Jan after 1010). The Liber Modernorum Regum Francorum names "Berta filia Conradi regis Burgundiæ" wife of "Odone comite Carnotensium"[73]. Rodulfus Glauber names "Odo natus ex filia Chuonradi regis Austrasiorum, Berta nomine"[74]. "Hugonis ducis, Odonis comitis, Hugonis sanctæ Bituricensis archipræsulis, Letgardis comitissæ, Bertæ comitissæ, Gauzfridi vicecomitis…" subscribed the charter dated 985 under which "Robertus" donated property to "Sancti Petri Carnotensis", on the advice of "Odonem, simul cum sua matre Ledgarde, pariterque dominam meam Bertam, ipsius æque coniugem"[75]. “Odo comes” restored “villam...Culturas” to Marmoutier, for the souls of “...domini Hugonis archiepiscopi, cujus ibi corpus...jacet”, by charter dated to [986], subscribed by “Berte comitissæ uxoris eius, majoris filii eius Teutboldi, filii eius Odonis adhuc in cunabulo”[76]. A charter dated 996 records the confirmation by "comitissæ Berthæ" of the donation by "Odo comes" of property for the construction of the abbey of Bourgeuil, with the consent of "filiorum suorum Teobaldi…atque Odonis"[77]. She married secondly ([late 996/early 997], divorced [1003/05]) as his second wife, Robert II King of France. Richer records that King Robert married "Berta Odonis uxor"[78]. “Berta...regina cum filiis meis Tetbaldo...episcopo nec non Odoni comitis” donated tonlieu over boats at Blois to Marmoutier by undated charter[79]. "Bertæ reginæ, Odonis comitis filii eius…" subscribed the charter dated 1004 under which "Gislebertus prepositus" recorded a donation[80]. "Odonis comitis, Ermengardis uxoris eius, Bertæ reginæ…" subscribed the charter dated after 1005 under which "comitem Odonem" donated property "in comitatu Dunensi…Boscus Medius" to "Sancti Petri"[81]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "XVII Kal Feb" of "Berta mater Odonis comitis"[82]. Comte Eudes I & his wife had [six] children:

a) [ROBERT (-[989/95]). "Odonis comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Tetbaldi filius eius, Odonis alterius filius, Hugonis vicecomitis Castridunensis, Raherii de Montigniaco" subscribed the charter dated 989 under which "Robert Vicomte de Blois" donated property to the abbey of Evron[83]. Lex suggests that this document was a 12th century falsification and that this supposed eldest son Robert did not exist[84]. This position is supported by the charter dated to [986] under which “Odo comes” restored “villam...Culturas” to Marmoutier, for the souls of “...domini Hugonis archiepiscopi, cujus ibi corpus...jacet”, subscribed by “Berte comitissæ uxoris eius, majoris filii eius Teutboldi, filii eius Odonis adhuc in cunabulo”[85]. An alternative explanation is that "Rotberti filii eius" was the son of the donor, not of "Odonis comitis" whose name immediately precedes his.]

b) THIBAUT de Blois ([979/81]-11 Jul 1004, bur Chartres Saint-Père). “Odo comes” restored “villam...Culturas” to Marmoutier, for the souls of “...domini Hugonis archiepiscopi, cujus ibi corpus...jacet”, by charter dated to [986], subscribed by “Berte comitissæ uxoris eius, majoris filii eius Teutboldi, filii eius Odonis adhuc in cunabulo”[86]. "Odonis comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Tetbaldi filius eius, Odonis alterius filius, Hugonis vicecomitis Castridunensis, Raherii de Montigniaco" subscribed the charter dated 989 under which "Robert Vicomte de Blois" donated property to the abbey of Evron[87]. He succeeded his father in 995 as THIBAUT II Comte de Blois. A charter dated 996 records the confirmation by "comitissæ Berthæ" of the donation by "Odo comes" of property for the construction of the abbey of Bourgeuil, with the consent of "filiorum suorum Teobaldi…atque Odonis"[88]. He resigned in favour of his younger brother and became a priest. “Berta...regina cum filiis meis Tetbaldo...episcopo nec non Odoni comitis” donated tonlieu over boats at Blois to Marmoutier by undated charter[89]. His bishopric has not yet been identified. A charter dated to before 1024 records that "comes Tedbaldus" was buried "in capitulo Sancti Petri" at the feet of "fratris sui Teoderici"[90].

c) EUDES de Blois ([982/83]-15 Nov 1037). “Odo comes” restored “villam...Culturas” to Marmoutier, for the souls of “...domini Hugonis archiepiscopi, cujus ibi corpus...jacet”, by charter dated to [986], subscribed by “Berte comitissæ uxoris eius, majoris filii eius Teutboldi, filii eius Odonis adhuc in cunabulo”[91]. He succeeded his brother as EUDES II Comte de Blois, de Chartres, de Châteaudun, de Tours, de Beauvais.

- see below.

d) AGNES de Blois . "La reine Berthe et ses enfants Thibaud, Eudes et Agnès" confirmed a donation to Bourgeuil by Emma Ctss de Poitiers dated Sep 1001[92]. A charter dated to before 1024 records that "Odonis comitis, Bertæ matris suæ, Agnetis filiæ ipsius" subscribed a charter dated to before 1024 recording a donation to Chartres Saint-Père "in capitulo Sancti Petri" at the feet of "fratris sui Teoderici"[93]. [A fragmentary chronicle of the dukes of Aquitaine records that "Wido…comes de Thoarcio, vicecomitis Ebles filius" married "Agnete" who brought him "terram…de Salmuriaco" from "Odone patre comite Turonensi"[94]. It should be noted that these vicomtes de Thouars cannot be fitted into the family which has been reconstructed from other primary sources and is shown in the document POITOU. The accuracy of this chronicle is therefore open to doubt. m GUY Vicomte de Thouars, son of EBLES Vicomte de Thouars & his wife Altrude de Limoges.]

e) THIERRY de Blois (-[996/Sep 1101], bur Chartres Saint-Père). A charter dated to before 1024 records that "comes Tedbaldus" was buried "in capitulo Sancti Petri" at the feet of "fratris sui Teoderici"[95].

f) LANDRY de Blois (-after 27 Sep 1007). A charter of Robert II King of France dated 1007 confirmed the properties of "ecclesia B. Mariæ Bellimontis…sita a castro Patris Martini" near Tours including the donation of "Liuziam" [Luzé] with the consent of "Odonis comitis et fratris sui Landrici"[96].

4. EMMA de Blois ([953]-1 Aug, 1004 or later). The Chronicle of Adémar de Chabannes records the marriage of "Willelmum" (son of "Willelmo Capite stupæ") and "filiam Tetbaldi Campenensis…Emmam"[97]. The Chronicle of Saint-Maxence names "filiam Tetbaudi Campanensis…Emmam sive Emelinam" as the wife of "Willelmu duce…Caput Stupæ…filium eius Willelmum"[98]. She inherited property near Vernon in eastern Normandy from her mother which she gave to the abbey of Bourgueil in Aquitaine[99]. Her dowry in 968 was Chinon. "Vuillelmus dux Aquitanorum" donated property to Saint-Jean d'Angély for the soul of "…uxore mea Emma…" by charter dated [971][100]. She fled Poitou between 976 and 988 because of the adulterous behaviour of her husband[101]. "Ledgardis" donated property to "Sancti Petri Carnotensis ecclesiam", for the souls of "senioris mei…comitis Tedbaldi…patris mei Heirberti, Trecassini comitis", with the consent of "archipresule…Hugone et…comite Odone, filiis meis", by charter dated 5 Feb 978, signed by "…Emma comitissa Pictavæ urbis…"[102]. "Willelmus Aquitanorum comes et dux et uxor mea Hemma et filius noster equivocus Willelmus" donated property to Saint-Maixent by charter dated Dec 992[103]. "Emme matris eius" subscribed the donation by "Willelmus dux Aquitanorum" of property to St Cyprien, Poitiers by charter dated [990/1004][104]. She confirmed her son's 27 Dec 1003 donation of Bretignolle to the Abbey of Bourgueil, but according to Richard she was still alive when her first grandson was born in 1004[105]. A necrology of Vendôme La Trinité records the death "Kal Aug" of "Emma comitissa, Burgulii"[106]. m ([968]) GUILLAUME IV "Fier-à-Bras" Duke of Aquitaine [GUILLAUME II Comte de Poitou], son of GUILLAUME III “Tête d'Etoupes” Duke of Aquitaine [GUILLAUME I Comte de Poitou] & his wife Adela [Gerloc] [de Normandie] ([937]-Saint-Maixent 995 after May, bur Abbaye de Saint-Maixent).

EUDES II 1004-1037

EUDES de Blois, son of EUDES I Comte de Blois & his wife Berthe de Bourgogne [Welf] ([982/83]-killed in battle Commercy 15 Nov 1037, bur Tours, Abbaye de Saint-Martin, Marmoutier). “Odo comes” restored “villam...Culturas” to Marmoutier, for the souls of “...domini Hugonis archiepiscopi, cujus ibi corpus...jacet”, by charter dated to [986], subscribed by “Berte comitissæ uxoris eius, majoris filii eius Teutboldi, filii eius Odonis adhuc in cunabulo”[107]. "Odonis comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Tetbaldi filius eius, Odonis alterius filius, Hugonis vicecomitis Castridunensis, Raherii de Montigniaco" subscribed the charter dated 989 under which "Robert Vicomte de Blois" donated property to the abbey of Evron[108]. A charter dated 996 records the confirmation by "comitissæ Berthæ" of the donation by "Odo comes" of property for the construction of the abbey of Bourgeuil, with the consent of "filiorum suorum Teobaldi…atque Odonis"[109]. He succeeded his brother in [1004] as EUDES II Comte de Blois, de Chartres, de Châteaudun et de Tours. “Berta...regina cum filiis meis Tetbaldo...episcopo nec non Odoni comitis” donated tonlieu over boats at Blois to Marmoutier by undated charter[110]. "Bertæ reginæ, Odonis comitis filii eius…" subscribed the charter dated 1004 under which "Gislebertus prepositus" recorded a donation[111]. Rodulfus Glaber records that "secundus Odo filius…prioris Odonis" seized all the estates of "Stephanus comes Trecorum et Meldorum, Heriberti filius" after the latter died without an heir[112]. Comte de Sancerre, Seigneur de Chinon et de Saumur. Guillaume de Jumièges records that Comte Eudes refused to return the castle of Dreux to Richard II Duke of Normandy after the death of his first wife[113]. Rodulfus Glaber refers to the "perpetual quarrels and frequent wars" between "secundus Odo filius…prioris Odonis" and Foulques III Comte d'Anjou[114]. "Odonis…comitis" [Eudes II Comte de Blois] donated part of the county of Beauvais to "Rogerius sanctæ Belvacensis sedis…pontifex", recorded in the charter dated 1015, confirmed by Robert II King of France[115]. The Chronicon Sancti Petri Vivi Senonensis records that, after fleeing Sens in 1016, Renaud [II] Comte de Sens sought refuge with “Odonem Comitem” (presumably Eudes II Comte de Blois) with whom he built “castrum Monsteriolum…super Sequanæ fluvium” (Montereau)[116]. "Odo comes filius [Odonis comitis]" confirmed a donation of his father by charter dated to [1032/37], subscribed by "Tetbaldi filii eius, matris eius Ermengardis…Hervei vicecomitis"[117]. Rodulfus Glauber records the challenge by "Odo natus ex filia Chuonradi regis Austrasiorum, Berta nomine" to the accession by Emperor Konrad II to the kingdom of Burgundy after the death of his maternal uncle Rudolf III King of Burgundy[118]. Herimannus names "Odo sororis eiusdem [=Roudolfus, ignavus Burgundiæ regulus] filium, princeps Gallicæ Campaniæ" when recording his challenge to the succession of Emperor Konrad II to the kingdom of Burgundy in 1032[119]. After the emperor agreed an alliance with Henri I King of France, comte Eudes besieged Toul but was forced to retreat by the emperor who arrived in the town 20 Aug 1033. In Spring 1034, he ravaged the Meuse valley. Eudes captured Bar 14 Nov 1037, intending to continue to Aix-la-Chapelle where he would declare himself emperor. The Annales Sangallenses record the battle between "Gozelinum et Uotonem comittibus" in 1037 in which Comte Eudes was defeated and killed[120]. His forces were defeated at Commercy where Comte Eudes was killed[121]. Rodolfus Glaber records his place of burial[122]. The necrology of Saint-Cloud records the death "XII Kal Dec" of "Odo palacii comes"[123]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "XVII Kal Dec" of "Odo palatii comes"[124]. The necrology of Verdun Saint-Vanne records the death "XVII Kal Dec" of "Odo, Manasses, Euzuinus, Dudo comites ante Bar castrum prelio interempti"[125].

m firstly ([1003/04]) MATHILDE de Normandie, daughter of RICHARD I "Sans-peur" Comte [de Normandie] & his second wife Gunnora --- (-[1005]). Guillaume de Jumièges names Mathilde, wife of "le comte Odon", as the third of the three daughters of Duke Richard and Gunnor, specifying in a later passage that her husband was "Eudes comte de Chartres" when recording their marriage after the death of her father, her dowry being half the castle of Dreux given to her by her brother Duke Richard II, and her death without children "quelques années après"[126]. The same source recounts that this difficulty was the basis for the dispute between Comte Eudes and Duke Richard which escalated into the construction of the château de Tillières {Verneuil, Eure} and Eudes's defeat while attempting to capture it[127].

m secondly (1005) ERMENGARDE d'Auvergne, daughter of [GUILLAUME [IV] Comte d'Auvergne & his wife Humberge de Brioude] (11 or 12 Mar --- -after 1042). The Flandria Generosa names "altera Ermengardis comitissa" as daughter of "Ermengardis comitissa Arvenensis", and mother of "Berta comitissa [=de Blois]", when outlining the basis for the consanguinity between Baudouin VII Count of Flanders and [Hawise] de Bretagne, which provided the grounds for the couple's separation[128]. As discussed fully in the document AUVERGNE, less chronological difficulties result if Ermengarde was in fact the daughter of Guillaume [IV] Comte d'Auvergne and his wife Humberge, although this is not without doubt. The date of Ermengarde's marriage is fixed by the Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines which names "comitissam Turonensem Ermengardem" as wife of "Odonem Campaniensem comitem" when recording in 1005 their joint restoration of "Turonis maioris monasterii"[129]. "Odonis comitis, Ermengardis uxoris eius, Bertæ reginæ…" subscribed the charter dated after 1005 under which "comitem Odonem" donated property "in comitatu Dunensi…Boscus Medius" to "Sancti Petri"[130]. The necrology of Saint-Père-en-Vallée records the death "IV Id Mar" of "Ermengardis comitissa"[131]. The necrology of Pontlevoy records the death "V Id Mar" of "Ermengardis comitissa"[132].

Comte Eudes II & his second wife had four children:

1. THIBAUT de Blois ([1010]-29/30 Sep 1089). The Liber Modernorum Regum Francorum names "Tetbaudus et Stephanus" as the two sons of Comte Eudes, specifying that Thibaut succeeded in "Carnotensem et Turonensem"[133]. He succeeded his father in 1037 as THIBAUT III Comte de Blois, de Chartres, de Châteaudun, de Meaux, de Sancerre et de Troyes.

- see below.

2. ETIENNE de Blois (-19 May [1048]). The Liber Modernorum Regum Francorum names "Tetbaudus et Stephanus" as the two sons of Comte Eudes, specifying that Etienne succeeded in "Meldensium et Trecassinorum"[134]. Comte de Troyes.

- COMTES de TROYES.

3. BERTHE de Blois (-[11/13] Apr 1085). Her parentage and both her marriages are recorded by Orderic Vitalis[135]. The Chronicon Kemperlegiense records that "Alanus filius eius" succeeded "Gauffridus Dux Britanniæ filius Conani filii Iuhaëlis Berengarii" and married "Bertham filiam Odonis Comitis Carnotensis"[136]. The Flandria Generosa names "Berta comitissa" daughter of "altera Ermengardis comitissa", when outlining the basis for the consanguinity between Baudouin VII Count of Flanders and his wife Havise de Bretagne which provided the grounds for the couple's separation[137]. The Actus pontificum Cenomannis records that Bishop Gervais arranged the marriage of "Hugonem…Herberti filium" and "Bertam…Alani Britannorum comitis olim coniugem"[138]. Her second marriage is confirmed by the Chronicon Ruyensis Cœnobii which records the death in 1062 of "Herbertus Cenomannensium Comes et frater uterinus Conani ducis"[139]. "Comitis Tedbaldi sorori…Berte" donated property by charter dated 12 May 1069[140]. The Chronicon Britannico records the death in 1084 of "Bertha Comitissa mater Conani"[141]. The Chronicon Britannico Alter records the death in 1085 of "Bertha religiosa Comitissa", stating that she restored "Monasterium S. Melanii"[142]. The Chronicon Ruyensis Cœnobii records the death in 1085 of "Berthæ comitissæ"[143]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "II Id Apr" of "Berta comitissa"[144]. The Chronicon Kemperlegiensis records the death "Kal Jun" in 1085 of "Bertha Comitissa Britanniæ, mater Conani Ducis, soror Fulconis"[145], although no other record has been found which confirms that Berthe had a brother named Foulques. m firstly (1018) ALAIN III Duke of Brittany, son of GEOFFROY I Duke of Brittany & his wife Havise de Normandie ([997]-poisoned 1 Oct 1040). m secondly (after 14 May 1046) HUGUES [IV] Comte du Maine, son of HERBERT [I] "Eveille-chien" Comte du Maine & his wife --- (-26 Mar 1051).

THIBAUT III 1037-1089

THIBAUT de Blois, son of EUDES II Comte de Blois & his second wife Ermengarde d'Auvergne ([1010]-29/30 Sep 1089, bur Epernay). The Liber Modernorum Regum Francorum names "Tetbaudus et Stephanus" as the two sons of Comte Eudes, specifying that Thibaut succeeded in "Carnotensem et Turonensem"[146]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Theobaldi filii Odonis Campaniensis" when recording that he lost Tours in 1041[147]. "Odo comes filius [Odonis comitis]" confirmed a donation of his father by charter dated to [1032/37], subscribed by "Tetbaldi filii eius, matris eius Ermengardis…Hervei vicecomitis"[148]. He succeeded his father in 1037 as THIBAUT III Comte de Blois, de Chartres, de Châteaudun, de Meaux, de Sancerre et de Troyes. He lost Beauvais some time after 1037. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "comte Thibaut" was captured by Geoffroy Comte d'Anjou who extorted the town of Tours from him by force[149]. The Chronica Rainaldi records that "Tetbaldus, filius Odonis comitis" was captured by "Goffrido comite Andecavorum" in 1044 after which the city of Tours surrendered[150]. The necrology of Saint-Père-en-Vallée records the death "II Kal Oct" of "Tebaldus comes Carnotensium"[151]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines records that "comes Theobaldus [filius Odonis]" was buried "apud Spernacum"[152].

m firstly (repudiated 1048) as her first husband, GERSENDE du Maine, daughter of HERIBERT [I] "Euigilans Canis/Eveille-chien" Comte du Maine & his wife ---([1025/35]-). The Actus pontificum Cenomannis records that "Atho marchisius" left Maine in the hands of "Gaufridi de Meduana", also naming "uxor eiusdem marchisii Garcendis…filia Herberti Cenomannorum…comitis…Evigila Canem" and specifying that she had married firstly "Theobaldo duci Campanie" and that he had repudiated her[153]. She married secondly as his second wife, Alberto Azzo II d'Este. Her second marriage is also mentioned by Orderic Vitalis, who incorrectly says that she was the daughter of Comte Hugues IV[154].

[m secondly ([1050/55]) GUNDRADA, daughter of --- (-[1055/60]). Her marriage is confirmed by the charter dated 1089 under which “Stephanus comes” donated property to the abbey of Pontlevoy, for the souls of “Theobaldi comitis patris mei et matris meæ Gundreæ…”[155]. It is assumed that she died soon after giving birth to her son. Another possibility is that “Gundreæ” in this charter is in fact a distorted transcription of “Gersendæ”, the name of Thibaut´s known first wife. This cannot be verified unless another primary source emerges which names the mother of Comte Etienne.]

m [secondly/thirdly] (before 1061) ADELA [Alix], daughter of --- (-12 May [1093/1100], bur Saint-Faron). "Adeladis comitisse" subscribed the donation to Cluny by "Rotrocus castri Mauritanie comes atque Dunensis castri vicecomes" dated 11 Jan 1078, immediately after "Tetbaldi comitis, Stephani comitis"[156], it being assumed that she was the wife of the former not the latter. Her parentage is uncertain. According to the Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines, "Alaydis soror sancti Symonis" married "comiti Campanie Theobaldo", although Alberic confuses her with her supposed niece Adelais, daughter of Héribert [IV] Comte de Vermandois, saying that she married "Hugoni fratri regis Philippi" after the death of her husband[157]. If Alberic is correct, the [second/third] wife of Comte Thibaut III was Adela [Alix] de Valois, daughter of Raoul [III] de Crépy Comte du Vexin et de Valois & his first wife Aelis de Bar-sur-Aube. The difficulty with Alberic´s statement is an undated charter, quoted by Acta Sanctorum, under which "Rodulfus comes" [identified as Comte Raoul [III]] donated property to Saint-Rémy, confirmed by "Symonem filium meum, duos quoque generos meos, quos de filiabus meis habeo, id est Heribertum comitem et juvenem…Bartholomeum"[158]. If the wife of Thibaut III Comte de Blois had been another daughter of Comte Raoul [III], it is unclear why Thibaut would have been omitted from this document which appears to indicate clearly that Raoul had only two sons-in-law. Nevertheless, a close relationship with the family of the comtes de Valois is indicated by a charter dated to [1077/81] under which "Teobaudus comes palatinus…cum mulierum Adelaide" donated property to Montiérender, naming "bone memorie predecessorum…patris sui Odonis comitis et Heriberto cognomento senioris…comes Rodulfus predecessor suus et propinquus"[159], the latter presumably referring to Comte Raoul [III]. In addition, Comte Thibaut acquired the county of Bar-sur-Aube after the death of Comte Raoul. If Thibaut had not been Raoul´s son-in-law, the basis for this acquisition is unclear. The necrology of Saint-Loup, Troyes records the death "XII Mai" of "Aalais uxor Theobaudi comitis Campaniæ" and her burial "in monasterio Sancti Faronis"[160].

Comte Thibaut III & his [second] wife had one child:

1. ETIENNE [Henri] de Blois (-killed in battle Ramleh 19 May 1102). The Liber Modernorum Regum Francorum names (in order) "Stephanus et Hugo" as sons of "comes Tetbaudus", specifying that Etienne "factus est Blesensium Carnotensium atque Meldensium comes" on their father's death[161]. “Stephanus comes” donated property to the abbey of Pontlevoy, for the souls of “Theobaldi comitis patris mei et matris meæ Gundreæ…” by charter dated 1089[162]. As noted above, it is possible that “Gundreæ” in this charter is in fact a distorted transcription of “Gersendæ”, the name of Thibaut´s known first wife. This cannot be verified unless another charter emerges which names the mother of Comte Etienne. He succeeded his father in 1089 as ETIENNE Comte de Blois, de Chartres, de Châteaudun, de Sancerre et de Meaux.

- see below.

Comte Thibaut III & his [second/third] wife had three children:

2. EUDES de Blois (-1093). The Genealogica ex Stirpe Sancti Arnulfi names (in order) "Stephanum, Othonem, Hugonem fratres comites" as sons of "Theobaldus comes"[163]. Brother of Comte Etienne according to Orderic Vitalis[164]. The fact that he was the son of his father's third marriage is confirmed by "Odonis filius eius" subscribing the donation to Cluny by "Rotrocus castri Mauritanie comes atque Dunensis castri vicecomes" dated 11 Jan 1078, immediately after "Adeladis comitisse"[165]. He succeeded as EUDES IV Comte de Troyes. "Hugo comes Campanie Teotbaldi comitis filius" donated property to the abbey of Molesme by charter dated 2 Apr 1104, which names "frater meus Odo comes…"[166]. [m BERTHE, daughter of ---. "Berte comitisse" subscribed the donation to Cluny by "Rotrocus castri Mauritanie comes atque Dunensis castri vicecomes" dated 11 Jan 1078, immediately after "Odonis filius eius [Adeladis]"[167]. There is no proof that Berthe was the wife of Eudes, although the proximity of the two names in the list of subscribers suggests that this may be the case. Eudes is not described as "comes" in the charter, but it is possible that this was an oversight as his half-brother Etienne was accorded the title. No other contemporary "Berte comitisse" has yet been identified. Neither has any other reference to any wife of Eudes been found.]

3. PHILIPPE de Blois (-1100). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names (in order) "Philippum episcopum Cathalauensem et Hugonem Campanie comitem" as the two sons of "comiti Campanie Theobaldo" and his wife Adela[168]. Bishop of Chalon-sur-Marne 1093. "Hugo…comes Trecasinus cum Philippo fratre meo Catalaunensium episcopo" renounced rights over the village of Rouilly-Saint-Loup by charter dated [1100 or before] which names "patrem meum Theobaudum comitem"[169].

4. HUGUES de Blois (-Palestine 14 Jun 1126). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names (in order) "Philippum episcopum Cathalauensem et Hugonem Campanie comitem" as the two sons of "comiti Campanie Theobaldo" and his wife Adela[170]. The Liber Modernorum Regum Francorum names (in order) "Stephanus et Hugo" sons of "comes Tetbaudus", specifying that Hugues "factus est …Trecassinorum comes" on their father's death[171]. Brother of Comte Etienne according to Orderic Vitalis[172]. He succeeded his brother in 1093 as Comte de Troyes.

- COMTES de TROYES.

ETIENNE 1089-1102

ETIENNE [Henri] de Blois, son of THIBAUT III Comte de Blois & his [first/second wife Gersende du Maine/Gundrada ---] (-murdered Ramla 19 May 1102). The Liber Modernorum Regum Francorum names (in order) "Stephanus et Hugo" as sons of "comes Tetbaudus", specifying that Etienne "factus est Blesensium Carnotensium atque Meldensium comes" on their father's death[173]. Son of Thibaut according to Orderic Vitalis, who does not specify his mother's name[174]. “Stephanus comes” donated property to the abbey of Pontlevoy, for the souls of “Theobaldi comitis patris mei et matris meæ Gundreæ…” by charter dated 1089[175]. As noted above, it is possible that “Gundreæ” in this charter is in fact a distorted transcription of “Gersendæ”, the name of Thibaut´s known first wife. This cannot be verified unless another primary source emerges which names the mother of Comte Etienne. He succeeded his father in 1089 as ETIENNE Comte de Blois, de Chartres, de Châteaudun, de Sancerre et de Meaux. He joined the contingent of Robert II Count of Flanders on the First Crusade in Sep 1096, along with Robert "Curthose" Duke of Normandy. Albert of Aix records the arrival in Constantinople of "Robertus Normannorum comes, Stephanus Blesensis, Eustachius frater prædicti Ducis", dated to early 1097 from the context[176]. Albert of Aix records that "Willelmus Carpentarius, Willelmusque alter, quondam familiaris et domesticus imperatoris Constantinopolis, qui et sororem Boemundi principis Siciliæ uxorem duxerat", escaped "out of fear", believing that the crusading army was doomed after it was besieged by Kerbogha atabeg of Mosul, from Antioch to Alexandretta where they met "Stephanus Blesensis" (who had left the siege "causa infirmitatis") and who thereupon prepared to leave for Europe by sea[177]. "Henricus comes cognomina Stephanus necnon et Adela uxor eius cum filiis nostris" granted immunities to Chartres Notre-Dame by charter dated [Oct 1100/1101], signed by "Stephani comitis, Adele comitisse, Guillelmi, Stephani, Odonis, Teobaldi"[178]. Albert of Aix records that "Stephanus comes Blesensium, pœnitentia ductus" made plans to return to Jerusalem, dated to late 1100 from the context[179]. The group appointed Comte Raymond as their overall leader when they arrived at Constantinople[180]. After the combined armies left Constantinople in May 1101, they captured Ankara from the Seljuk Turks 23 Jun 1101 but were scattered after their defeat by the Turks at Mersivan[181]. Albert of Aix records "…Stephanus Blesensis…" among those who spent Easter in Jerusalem with Baudouin I King of Jerusalem, dated to 1102 from the context[182]. Robert of Torigny records that "Stephanus comes Blesensis" was killed "1102 XV Kal Aug apud Ramulam"[183]. Albert of Aix records that "Conradus, Arpinus, Stephanus Blesensis itemque Stephanus de Burgundia" were captured at Ramla after being burned in a tower, and that "Stephano itemque Stephano" were beheaded, dated to mid-1102 from the context[184]. Two of his letters to his wife Adela, written during the First Crusade, have survived and provide a unique first-hand account of events[185]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "XIV Kal Jun" of "Stephanus palatinus comes"[186]. The necrology of Saint-Jean-en-Vallée records the death "XIV Kal Jun" of "Stephanus nomine Henricus comes palatinus"[187]. The necrology of Pontlevoy records the death "XIV Kal Jun" of "Henrici comitis"[188].

m (Breteuil 1080, confirmed Chartres Cathedral 1081) ADELA de Normandie, daughter of WILLIAM I "the Conqueror" King of England & his wife Mathilde de Flandre (Normandy [1066/67]-Marigney-sur-Loire 8 Mar 1138, bur Abbey of Holy Trinity, Caen). She is listed by Orderic Vitalis last among the daughters of King William in his description of their careers[189]. She is named third in his list of the daughters of King William I by Matthew Paris[190], but this appears unlikely in view of Adela's child-bearing until her husband's death in 1102. Her birth date is estimated bearing in mind that marriage frequently took place in early adolescence at the time, and also that Adela clearly continued to bear children right up to her husband's death. Orderic Vitalis records that she encouraged her husband to join the First Crusade and did not hide her shame when he deserted from Antioch in 1098[191]. Regent of Blois 1102-1107, after the death of her husband. She became a nun at the Cluniac priory of Marigney-sur-Loire in [1122]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "VIII Id Mar" of "Adela comitissa"[192], and in another manuscript the death "VIII Id Mar" of "Adela nobilis Blesensium comitissa regis Anglorum Willelmi filia"[193].

Mistress (1): ---. The name of Comte Etienne's mistress is not known.

Comte Etienne & his wife had [eleven] children:

1. [HUMBERT de Blois (-young). Comte de Vertus. Humbert is shown by Weir[194] as the oldest son of Comte Etienne but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified.]

2. GUILLAUME de Blois ([1090/93]-[1150]). His parentage is stated by Orderic Vitalis, who names him first in order of the sons which he lists, specifying that his father-in-law was Gilo de Sully, and calling him a "good and peaceful man blessed with children and wealth"[195]. Orderic also provides some indication of his birth year when he records that his mother Ctss Adela provided troops to Louis VI King of France at the time of the siege of Montmorency in [1108] "because Count Stephen her husband had gone on crusade and her eldest sons, William and Theobald, who were not yet of age, were unable to command troops of knights"[196]. The description is confused because Count Etienne had died several years earlier, but it nevertheless provides some indication of the comparative youth of the brothers Guillaume and Thibaut at the time. "Henricus comes cognomina Stephanus necnon et Adela uxor eius cum filiis nostris" granted immunities to Chartres Notre-Dame by charter dated [Oct 1100/1101], signed by "Stephani comitis, Adele comitisse, Guillelmi, Stephani, Odonis, Teobaldi"[197]. Comte de Chartres. Sire de Sully, by right of his wife. He was disinherited, retaining only Sully. According to Weir[198], Guillaume is described in the chronicles as an idiot but she does not cite the primary source in question. During a dispute in [1103][199] with the chapter of Chartres that was awaiting arbitration, he forced the burgesses of Chartres to form a confederation and take a solemn oath to kill the bishop[200]. Chibnall, in order to reconcile this incident with the description of Guillaume by Orderic Vitalis, speculates that he was of retarded mental development and, although irresponsible, violent only in words[201].

- SIRES de SULLY.

3. THIBAUT de Blois ([1090/95]-10 Jan 1152, bur Lagny). His parentage is stated by Orderic Vitalis, who names him second in order of the sons which he lists[202]. "Henricus comes cognomina Stephanus necnon et Adela uxor eius cum filiis nostris" granted immunities to Chartres Notre-Dame by charter dated [Oct 1100/1101], signed by "Stephani comitis, Adele comitisse, Guillelmi, Stephani, Odonis, Teobaldi"[203], which suggests that Thibaut may have been the fourth son although this is inconsistent with his having succeeded his father. He succeeded his father in 1102 as THIBAUT IV “le Grand/le Vieil” Comte de Blois, de Troyes.

- see below.

4. EUDES de Blois (-25 Dec [after 1107]). "Henricus comes cognomina Stephanus necnon et Adela uxor eius cum filiis nostris" granted immunities to Chartres Notre-Dame by charter dated [Oct 1100/1101], signed by "Stephani comitis, Adele comitisse, Guillelmi, Stephani, Odonis, Teobaldi"[204]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "VIII Kal Jan" of "Odo filius comitis Stephani", stating that "Adela…comitissa mater eius" made a donation for his soul[205]. This entry is dated "after 1106" in the edition but the basis for this is not clear. Eudes is shown in Europäische Stammtafeln[206] as the fifth son of Comte Etienne. Weir suggests that he has been confused with Etienne's son Henri who, she states, is referred to as Eudes in one charter[207], but the Chartres necrology shows that Eudes was a separate person.

5. MATHILDE de Blois (-drowned off Barfleur, Normandy 25 Nov 1120). Her marriage is recorded by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her parents[208]. William of Malmesbury records that she drowned with her husband following the sinking of the “Blanche Nef [White Ship]”[209]. The Continuator of Florence of Worcester names "…neptis regis Comitissa de Cestria" among those drowned in the sinking of the White Ship[210]. m (1115) RICHARD d'Avranches Earl of Chester Vicomte d’Avranches, son of HUGUES d’Avranches "Lupus" Earl of Chester & his wife Ermentrude de Clermont [en-Beauvaisis] ([1093]-drowned off Barfleur, Normandy 25 Nov 1120).

6. [AGNES de Blois . Agnes is shown by Weir[211] as the second daughter of Comte Etienne III and as the wife of Hugues [III] du Puiset but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified. "Hugo Puteacensis vicecomes" donated property to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité de Tiron by charter dated 1129 witnessed by "uxore eius Agnete et filiis…Evrardo, Bucardo filiorum vicecomitis"[212], although the origin of Agnes is not stated. "Hugo Carnotensis vicedominus…et Agnes uxor eius" donated property by charter dated to [1100/04][213]. "Hugo vicecomes…et uxorem suam Agnetam, et filios Ebrardum atque Burchardum" donated property to Chartres Saint-Père by charter dated to [1101/29], with the consent of "comite Theobaldo"[214]. m (before 1104) HUGUES [III] du Puiset Vicomte de Chartres, son of ERARD [III] du Puiset Vicomte de Chartres & his wife Adelaide de Corbeil (-Palestine 1132).]

7. [ADELAIDE de Blois . "Adela or Lithuise" is shown by Weir[215] as the daughter of Comte Etienne, and wife of Milon, but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified. "Lithuaise", daughter of Comte Etienne, is shown in Europäische Stammtafeln[216] as the wife of Milon. It is assumed that the name "Lithuaise" results from confusion with his mother. m ([1112], divorced 1113) as his second wife, MILON [II] de Montlhéry Vicomte de Troyes, son of MILON [I] "le Grand" Seigneur de Montlhéry & his wife Lithuaise Vicomtesse de Troyes (-1118).]

8. ELEONORE de Blois (-after 1148). Kerrebrouck names Eleonore, daughter of Comte Etienne III, as the first wife of Raoul Comte de Vermandois[217] but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified. After her repudiation she found refuge with her brother Thibaut IV Comte de Champagne who declared war on her husband and appealed to Pope Innocent II, who excommunicated him. Ctss Eléonore appeared in person before Pope Eugene III at Reims 21 Mar 1148, but the Pope confirmed the annulment of her marriage[218]. m ([1120], repudiated 1142) as his first wife, RAOUL [I] "le Vaillant" Comte de Vermandois, son of HUGUES "le Maisné" de France Comte de Vermandois & his wife Adelais Ctss de Vermandois, de Valois et de Crépy ([1094]-13 Oct 1152, bur Priory of Saint-Arnoul de Crépy).

9. ETIENNE de Blois (Blois [1096/97]-Dover 25 Oct 1154, bur Faversham Abbey, Kent). His parentage is stated by Orderic Vitalis, third in order of the sons which he lists, specifying that he was son-in-law of Eustache Comte de Boulogne[219]. "Henricus comes cognomina Stephanus necnon et Adela uxor eius cum filiis nostris" granted immunities to Chartres Notre-Dame by charter dated [Oct 1100/1101], signed by "Stephani comitis, Adele comitisse, Guillelmi, Stephani, Odonis, Teobaldi"[220], which suggests that Thibaut may have been the fourth son. Created Comte de Mortain by Henry I King of England "after Guillaume Comte de Mortain was captured at Tinchebrai" (in 1106)[221]. Orderic Vitalis records that Etienne was invested with Séez, Alençon, Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe and Almenèches with La Roche-Mabille by his brother Comte Thibaut IV, after the latter was invested with these lands by Henry I King of England who had confiscated them from Robert de Bellême[222]. It is difficult to date this event accurately. Robert de Bellême's territories were confiscated in 1112, but the passage in Orderic follows a description of the rebellion of Robert Giroie which is assumed to have taken place in Jul [1119]. Comte de Boulogne, by right of his wife, before 1125. He succeeded 22 Dec 1135 as STEPHEN King of England.

- KINGS of ENGLAND.

10. [ALIX de Blois . "Alice" is shown by Weir[223] as the youngest daughter of Comte Etienne and the wife of "Renaud III Comte de Joigny" (who has not yet been identified satisfactorily) but the primary source on which this is based has not been found. m [as his first/second wife,] RENARD [III] Comte de Joigny, son of RENARD [II] Comte de Joigny & his wife Vaindemonde de Courtenay (-1150).]

11. HENRI de Blois (Winchester [1098/99]-Winchester 1 Jul 1171, bur Winchester Cathedral[224]). His parentage is stated by Orderic Vitalis, fourth in order of the sons which he lists[225]. His date of birth is estimated on the assumption that Henri was younger than his brother the future King Stephen of England. [The Gesta Episcoporum Virdunensium records that "quidam Heinricus…Guintoniensis Angliæ archidiaconus" came [to Germany] with Matilda daughter of Henry I King of England, when recording his later appointment to the see of Verdun[226]. Poull identifies this person as Henri de Blois[227]. Poull adds that "Heinricus" was chaplain to Empress Matilda, citing the Gesta: the text does not specify precisely that he held this position, but it is implied. Matilda left England for Germany in early 1110, and was married to Emperor Heinrich V until early 1114. If the estimated birth date of Henri de Blois is correctly shown above, it is unlikely that he would have accompanied the future empress as early 1110, and even less likely that he became the empress´s chaplain at that time. The Gesta continues by recording that "Heinricus", on the recommendation of Emperor Heinrich V, was elected Bishop of Verdun in 1118 but could not be consecrated due to the ongoing dispute between the papacy and the empire regarding lay investiture[228]. The Pope arranged his consecration in Milan by cardinal John of Cremona, but the emperor forbade the inhabitants of Verdun from receiving him and he took refuge in the fortress of Hattonchatel. He was finally installed in 1120 with the military support of Renaud Comte [de Bar], Comte de Verdun, but was expelled in 1123 by Henri Comte de Grandpré who stormed Verdun on the orders of Emperor Heinrich V. He escaped by swimming across the river Meuse. He was reinstalled as bishop following the peace of Chalade signed between Renaud de Bar and the emperor in 1124, but left after the death of Pope Calixtus[229]. The Gesta makes no reference to the subsequent fate of "Heinricus", and the question remains whether this person could have been Henri de Blois. His probable age suggests otherwise, considering the age before which bishops were not normally appointed at the time. However, given the tense relations which exited between Emperor Heinrich and the church, it is not impossible that the former made the appointment whatever the age of his appointee. No other person "Henry archdeacon of Winchester" has yet been identified.] Monk at the priory of Cluny. Monk at Bermondsey Abbey, later abbot[230]. Orderic Vitalis records that he was appointed abbot of Glastonbury[231] in 1126. He was nominated Bishop of Winchester 4 Oct 1129, and consecrated 17 Nov 1129. The Continuator of Florence of Worcester records that "rex Anglorum Heinricus…cuius nepos Glæstoniensis abbas Henricus" was elected bishop of Winchester in Oct and consecrated "XV Kal Dec"[232]. Matthew Paris records the creation of "Henricus abbas Glastoniensis, nepos Henrici regis" as bishop of Winchester in 1129[233]. He was elected Archbishop of Canterbury in 1136, subject to papal approval[234].

Comte Etienne had [one illegitimate daughter by Mistress (1)]:

12. [EMMA . The Hyde Register lists "Herbertus camerarius, Arnulfus filius eius, Emma uxor eius" immediately after the names of King Henry I and his first wife[235]. Secondary sources state that the wife of Herbert FitzHenry was Emma de Blois, illegitimate daughter of Etienne Comte de Blois. This is presumably based on the Chronicle of Meaux, in Yorkshire, which names "comitis --- Herberti filius, ex Emma sorore regis Anglorum Stephani progenitus"[236]. As this source is dated to [1394/1400], it is unlikely to be conclusive in relation to events which occurred 250 years earlier, in the absence of other corroborative evidence. Eyton includes no reference to any wife of Herbert FitzHenry in his article on the barony of FitzHerbert[237]. Until further evidence comes to light, it is suggested that the information should be treated with caution. If it is correct, the chronology of the FitzHerbert family dictates that Emma must have been born while her supposed father was still young, probably before his marriage to Adela of Normandy in 1080. m HERBERT FitzHenry the Chamberlain, son of HENRY & his wife --- (-1130).]

THIBAUT IV 1102-1152

THIBAUT de Blois, son of ETIENNE Comte de Blois & his wife Adela of England ([1090/95]-10 Jan 1152, bur Lagny). "Henricus comes cognomina Stephanus necnon et Adela uxor eius cum filiis nostris" granted immunities to Chartres Notre-Dame by charter dated [Oct 1100/1101], signed by "Stephani comitis, Adele comitisse, Guillelmi, Stephani, Odonis, Teobaldi"[238], which suggests that Thibaut may have been the fourth son although this is inconsistent with his having succeeded his father. It does not appear from other sources that Thibaut was younger than his brother Etienne. His parentage is stated by Orderic Vitalis, who names him second in order of the sons which he lists[239]. Orderic also provides some indication of his birth year when he records that his mother Ctss Adela provided troops to Louis VI King of France at the time of the siege of Montmorency in [1108] "because Count Stephen her husband had gone on crusade and her eldest sons, William and Theobald, who were not yet of age, were unable to command troops of knights"[240]. The description is confused because Count Etienne had died several years earlier, but it nevertheless provides some indication of the comparative youth of the brothers Guillaume and Thibaut at the time. This is corroborated by the charter dated 2 Apr 1104 under which "Hugo comes Campanie Teotbaldi comitis filius" donated property to the abbey of Molesme which names "…comitissam Adelaidem uxorem fratris mei comitis Stephani nepotes…" and is subscribed by "Teotbaldus puer filius Stephani comitis nepos huius comitis Hugonis"[241]. He succeeded his father in 1102 as THIBAUT IV “le Grand/le Vieil” Comte de Blois, de Troyes. He was invested with the county of Chartres in 1107. Chibnall speculates that the delay in this investiture may have been due to lack of proof that his father was dead rather than Thibaut's own youth[242], but Thibaut´s age is the obvious reason. Orderic Vitalis states that Comte Thibaut supported Hugues du Puiset during his rebellion against Louis VI King of France in 1111, which led to more widespread warfare culminating in Thibaut defeating the king's forces near Meaux later in 1111[243]. Henry of Huntingdon records that Thibaut rebelled against King Louis in 1116, aided by his uncle Henry I King of England[244]. It is assumed that these two reports refer to the same rebellion, with contradictory dating. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines records that "Hugo comes Campanie" became a Knight Templar in 1125 and was succeeded by "Theobaldus nepos eius"[245]. Orderic Vitalis states that Thibaut was proposed as successor to Henry I King of England by Normans at a meeting at Neubourg in Dec 1135, but when they heard that his younger brother had forestalled him, they agreed to serve King Stephen[246]. Orderic Vitalis also records that he was offered the crown of England in 1141 after his brother King Stephen was captured at Lincoln, but declined the offer[247]. He entered into conflict with Raoul Comte de Vermandois in 1142-43. Louis VII King of France declared war against him, laid siege to and captured Vitry but signed peace at Vitry in 1143. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines records the death "1152 VI Id Jan" of "comes Campanie Theobaldus" and his burial "apud Latinicacum"[248]. A list of foundations at Troyes records the memory "10 Jan" of "Thibault Comte de Champagne décédé ce jour"[249]. The necrology of Saint-Etienne, Troyes records the death "10 Jan" of "Theobaldus comes Campanie"[250]. The necrology of Saint-Loup, Troyes records the death "10 Jan 1152" of "Teobaudus comes" and his burial "in ecclesia de Lagny"[251]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "IV Id Jan" of "Teobaldus comes palatinus", stating that "cuius filius Teobaldus comes Blesensis et Francie senescallus…matris sui Matildis" donated property for his soul[252].

m (1123) MATHILDE von Sponheim, daughter of ENGELBERT Marchese of Istria [later Duke of Carinthia] [Sponheim] & his wife Uta von Passau [Ratpotonen] (-[13 Dec] [1160/1161]). She is named by Orderic Vitalis, who calls her father "Duke Engelbert", when recording her marriage[253]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "comitissa Mathildis Campaniensis et uxor Renaldi comitis Nivernensis et comitissa Montis Veteris iuxta Coloniam et mater illorum Romanorum qui Froiepain dicuntur" as sisters of "archiepiscopi Coloniensis Frederici"[254], although the latter is shown by other sources to be their paternal uncle. "Teobaudus Blesensis comes" made a donation to Montiérender by charter dated 1139 with the consent of "Matildis comitissa uxor mee et Henricus filius meus"[255]. "Comitissa Mathildis et filius eius Henricus et Theobaudus et Stephanus" donated property to the abbey of Fontevraud by charter dated to [1125/49][256]. A list of foundations at Troyes records the memory "13 Dec" of "Mathilde épouse du comte Thibaut"[257]. The necrology of Saint-Etienne, Troyes records the death "13 Dec" of "Mathildis comitissa"[258]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "Id Dec" of "comitissa Mathildis mater…archiepiscopi Senonensis Willelmi et…Henrici comitis, Teobaldi comitis atque comitis Stephani"[259].

Mistress (1): ---. The name of Comte Thibaut's mistress is not known.

Comte Thibaut IV & his wife had ten children:

1. HENRI de Blois (1126-Troyes 17 Mar 1181, bur Troyes, Saint-Etienne). "Teobaudus Blesensis comes" made a donation to Montiérender by charter dated 1139 with the consent of "Matildis comitissa uxor mee et Henricus filius meus"[260]. William of Tyre records him as "Henricus comitis Trecensium filius Theobaldi senioris"[261]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Henricum comitem Trecensem palatinum…Theobaldum comitem Blesenem…Stephanum comitem de Sancerre…et Guillelmus" as the four sons of "comes Campanie Theobaldus"[262]. He succeeded his father in 1152 as HENRI I "le Libéral" Comte de Champagne et de Brie.

- COMTES de CHAMPAGNE.

2. MARIE de Blois (1128-11 Mar or 7 Aug [1190], bur Abbaye de Fontevraud). William of Tyre records her as sister of Etienne de Champagne Comte de Sancerre, but does not name her[263]. The Annales S. Benigni Divisionensis record the mother of Hugues Duke of Burgundy as "filie comitis Theobaldi comitis Campanie"[264]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names (in order) "Maria Burgundie ducissa, secunda Agnes Barri Ducis comitissa, tertia quedam ducissa in partibus remotis, hanc postea duxit Guilelmus Goez in dyocesi Carnotensi, quarta comitis Mathildis Pertici, quinta monialis Fontis Ebraldi, sexta Adela Francorum regina" as the six daughters of "comes Campanie Theobaldus"[265]. She was regent for her son during his minority from Sep 1162 to Apr 1165. "Maria ducissa Burgundie" donated property to Cîteaux by charter dated [1171/72] which specifies that she was acting while "Hugo dux Burgundie filius meus" was on a journey to Jerusalem[266]. After 1165 she became a nun at Fontevraud, and was abbess in 1174. A list of foundations at Troyes records the memory "13 Mar" of "Marie fille du Thibaut comte de Champagne et femme d'Eudes duc de Bourgogne", recording that she was buried at Fontevraud where she died "le 11 de ce mois"[267]. m (1145) EUDES II Duke of Burgundy, son of HUGUES II "Borel/le Pacifique" Duke of Burgundy & his wife Mathilde de Mayenne (1118 or [1120]-27 Sep 1162, bur Cîteaux).

3. THIBAUT de Blois ([1130]-Acre 1191, bur Abbaye de Pontigny). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Henricum comitem Trecensem palatinum…Theobaldum comitem Blesenem qui tenuit Carnotum [et] Stephanum comitem de Sancerre…et Guillelmus" as the four sons of "comes Campanie Theobaldus"[268]. He succeeded his father in 1152 as THIBAUT V "le Bon" Comte de Blois et de Chartres.

- see below.

4. ISABELLE de Blois (1130-13 Aug after 1168). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines refers to, but does not name, the third of the six daughters of "comes Campanie Theobaldus" as "quedam ducissa in partibus remotis, hanc postea duxit Guilelmus Goez in dyocesi Carnotensi" specifying that her two daughters were "matrem Gaufridi de Dunzei et Agnetam domnam de Monteforti in Cenomania"[269]. The primary source which confirms her first marriage more precisely has not yet been identified. She returned to France after her first husband died. Her second marriage is confirmed by Robert of Torigny which names "Herveus de Juen" as husband of "Guillermus Goeth…primogenitam filiam natam ex una sororem comitis Teobaldi"[270]. "Guillaume Goët", on leaving on crusade, confirmed a donation to Gué-de-Launay abbey made by “Bodard de Saint-Michel”, with the consent of “sa femme Isabelle et de ses filles Mathilde et Agnes”, by charter dated 1168[271]. The necrology of the Prieuré de Fontaines records the death "13 Aug" of "Domina Elisabeth…monacha, ducissa, soror domine Marie ducisse"[272]. m firstly ([1140/43]) ROGER Duke of Apulia, son of ROGER II King of Sicily & his first wife Infanta doña Elvira de Castilla ([1121]-12 May 1148). m secondly ([1150/55]) GUILLAUME [IV] Goët de Montmirail Baron du Perche-Goët, son of --- (-[1170]).

5. ETIENNE de Blois (-Acre 1191). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Henricum comitem Trecensem palatinum…Theobaldum comitem Blesenem…Stephanum comitem de Sancerre quod Sacrum Cesaris est dictum…et Guillelmus" as the four sons of "comes Campanie Theobaldus"[273]. William of Tyre names him and his father[274]. Comte de Sancerre.

- COMTES de SANCERRE.

6. GUILLAUME de Blois (-7 Sep 1202). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Henricum comitem Trecensem palatinum…Theobaldum comitem Blesenem…Stephanum comitem de Sancerre…et Guillelmus" as the four sons of "comes Campanie Theobaldus", specifying that Guillaume was archbishop of Sens, later archbishop of Reims, "ad quem magister Petrus Comestor scripsit Scolasticum Hystoriam"[275]. William of Tyre names him and his father[276]. Bishop of Chartres 1164. Bishop of Sens. Archbishop of Reims 1176. Robert of Torigny records that "Guillermus frater comitis Thebaldi archiepiscopus Senonensis et episcopus Carnotensis" was transferred to the "archiepiscopum Remensem" in 1177[277]. Cardinal.

7. MATHILDE de Blois (-1 Jan [1184]). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "comitis Mathildis Pertici" as the fourth of the six daughters of "comes Campanie Theobaldus"[278]. A list of foundations at Troyes records the memory "1 Jan" of "madame Mahaut ou Mathilde de Champagne, fille du comte Thibaut, mariée à Rotrou Comte du Perche"[279]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "Kal Jan" of "Mathildis comitissa Perticensis uxor Rotrodi comitis"[280]. m (before 1160) ROTROU [II] Comte du Perche, son of ROTROU [I] "le Grand" Comte du Perche & his second wife Mathilde [of England] (-killed in battle before Acre 27 Jul 1191).

8. AGNES de Blois (-7 Aug 1207, bur Trois-Fontaines). The Genealogica ex Stirpe Sancti Arnulfi refers to the wife of "Rainaldus frater Theoderici electi Metensis" as "filia comitis Campanie…soror regine Francie"[281]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Agnes Barri Ducis comitissa" as second of the six daughters of "comes Campanie Theobaldus", and in a later passage names "comitissa Agnes" as wife of "comitis Raynaldi"[282]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines also records that "Agnes [mater comitis Barri Theobaldi]" was buried "in abbatia Trium Fontium"[283]. Dame de Ligny-en-Barrois. A list of foundations at Troyes records the memory "11 Aug" of "Agnes de Bar fille du comte Thibaut"[284]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "VII Id Aug" of "Agnes comitissa Montionis"[285]. m (1155) RENAUD [II] Comte de Bar, son of RENAUD [I] Comte [de Bar] & his wife Gisèle de Vaudémont (-25 Jul 1170).

9. ALIX de Blois ([1140]-Paris 4 or 13 Jun 1206, church of the Cistercian Abbey of Pontigny, Yonne). William of Tyre records her as "Ala filia Theobaldi senioris" as well as her marriage[286]. The Chronicon Hanoniense names "Alam sororem…Henrici comitis Campanensis" as the wife of "Ludovicus rex"[287]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Adela Francorum regina" as the sixth of the six daughters of "comes Campanie Theobaldus", and in a later passage names "filia comitis Theobaldi…Adala" as mother of the wife of Alexios Komnenos[288]. She was anointed queen after her marriage in Notre-Dame de Paris. Regent of France for her son King Philippe II Jun-Dec 1191, during his absence abroad. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines records the death "1206…Non Iun" of "Adela regina Francorum mater regis Philippi"[289]. The necrology of the abbey of Saint-Denis records the death "Id Jun" of "Ala Francorum regina, mater Philippi regis"[290]. The Chronique de Guillaume de Nangis records the death in 1206 of "la reine Adèle, mère de Philippe roi de France" at Paris and her burial "en Bourgogne, à Pontion"[291]. m (Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris 13 Nov 1160) as his third wife, LOUIS VII King of France, son of LOUIS VI "le Gros/le Batailleur" King of France & his wife Adélaïde de Maurienne [Savoy] (1120-Paris, Palais Royal de la Cité 18/19 Sep 1180, bur Abbaye cistercienne de Notre-Dame-de-Barbeaux near Fontainebleau, transferred 1817 to l'église de l'Abbaye royale de Saint-Denis).

10. MARGUERITE de Blois (-6 Nov ----). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines refers to, but does not name, the fifth of the six daughters of "comes Campanie Theobaldus" as "monialis Fontis Ebraldi"[292]. Nun at Fontevraud. A list of foundations at Troyes records the memory "6 Nov" of "Marguerite fille du Thibaut Comte de Champagne et religieuse à Fontevrault" where she was buried after dying "le 6 de ce mois"[293].

Comte Thibaut IV had one illegitimate son by Mistress (1):

11. HUGUES [de Blois] (-after 1163). Robert of Torigny records the succession in 1163 of "Hugo naturalis filius comitis Theobaldi senioris" as "abbas Latiniacensis" specifying that he was previously "monachus Tironis…abbas Hommensis in Anglia…abbas Certesiensis"[294]. Monk of Tiron. Abbot of St Benet’s, Holme [1146]-50. Abbot of Chertsey [1149]-1163. King Stephen granted Chertsey abbey to "Hugoni abbati nepoti meo" by charter dated to [1149][295]. "Henricus Trecensium comes palatinus" donated property to Tiron Sainte-Trinité and “Hugoni abbati Cisterciensi fratri meo”, by charter dated 1156[296]. Abbot of Lagny-sur-Marne 1163[297].

THIBAUT V 1152-1191, LOUIS 1191-1205, THIBAUT VI 1205-1218, MARGUERITE 1218-1230

THIBAUT de Blois, son of THIBAUT IV Comte de Blois & his wife Mathilde von Sponheim [Carinthia] ([1130]-Acre 1191, bur Abbaye de Pontigny). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Henricum comitem Trecensem palatinum…Theobaldum comitem Blesenem qui tenuit Carnotum [et] Stephanum comitem de Sancerre…et Guillelmus" as the four sons of "comes Campanie Theobaldus"[298]. He succeeded his father in 1152 as THIBAUT V "le Bon" Comte de Blois et de Chartres. He was appointed Seneschal of France in 1154 by Louis VII King of France. "Theobaldus Blesensis comes, Francie senesscalus" donated property to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun with the consent of "Adelicia comitissa uxore mea, filiis quoque et filiabus meis Theobaldo et Ludovico atque Henrico, Margarita et Ysabella" by charter dated 1183[299]. "Theobaldus comes Blesensis, Francie senesscalus" donated property to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun with the consent of "Adelicia uxore mea…filiis meis Ludovico, Philippo et filiabus mei Margarita, Ysabella" by charter dated 1190[300]. Matthew Paris records the death at Acre in 1191 of "Theodbaldus Bloeensis comes, Stephanus frater eius comes"[301]. He died of disease at the siege of Acre[302].

m firstly as her second husband, SIBYLLE de Château-Renard, widow of --- d’Anneau, daughter of ---. She is shown in Europäische Stammtafeln[303] as the first wife of Comte Thibaut V but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified.

m secondly (1164) ALIX de France, daughter of LOUIS VII King of France & his first wife Eléonore d’Aquitaine (1150-11 Sep after 1195). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Mariam comitissam Trecensum et Aelidem comitissam Blesensem" as the two daughters of "regi Francie Ludovico" & his wife "Alienor Guilielmi filia comits Pictavorum et Aquitanie ducis"[304]. Her parentage is confirmed by Matthew Paris, who specifies that she was the younger sister and married the younger brother "Theodbaldus filius magni comitis Theodbaldi Flandrensis", although he does not give her name[305]. "Adelicia comitissa uxore mea…" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus Blesensis comes, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1183[306]. "Adelicia uxore mea…" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus comes Blesensis, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1190[307]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "III Id Sep" of "Adelicia…Blesensium comitissa", stating that "cuius filius…comes Blesensis Ludovicus" donated property for her soul[308].

Comte Thibaut V & his second wife had seven children:

1. THIBAUT de Blois (-[1183/90]). "…Filiis quoque et filiabus meis Theobaldo et Ludovico atque Henrico, Margarita et Ysabella" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus Blesensis comes, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1183[309]. He must have died before 1190 as he is not named with his other brothers and sisters in his father's charter of that date.

2. MARGUERITE ([1170]-12 Jul 1230). "…Filiis quoque et filiabus meis Theobaldo et Ludovico atque Henrico, Margarita et Ysabella" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus Blesensis comes, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1183[310]. "Hugo vicecomes Meldensis" donated property to Cavea monastery, with the consent of "domina Margarete uxore mea", by charter dated to [1185][311]. Her first marriage is confirmed by the charter dated [Jun/Aug] 1208 under which "Margareta uxor Galterii de Averna comitissa palatina Burgundie" confirmed an agreement between "Willelmum militem de Monasteriis" and Saint-Martin-des-Champs which also names "Hugo de Oysi filius Symonis vicecomitis, olim maritus meus"[312]. "Hugo de Oisiaco vicecomes Meldensis, castellanus Cameracensis" donated property to "ecclesiam B. Mariæ de Pratis", for the soul of "uxoris meæ Margaretæ", by charter dated 1189[313]. "Filiabus mei Margarita, Ysabella" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus comes Blesensis, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1190[314]. "…Philippo fratre et sororibus Marguerita, Isabella et Adelicia" consented to the donation by "Louis C. de Blois et de Clermont" to the abbey of l'Etoile by charter dated 1190[315]. William of Tyre (Continuator) records "la fille dou conte Thibaut de Blois" being the wife of "Otes dus de Borgoigne"[316]. "…Sororibus meis Margarita, Ysabella, Adelicis" consented to the donation by "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 27 Jan 1196[317]. "…Sororibusque meis Margarita et Ysabella et Adelicia" consented to the confirmation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes" of the donation by "Gaufridus vicecomes Castriduni" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated Mar 1200[318]. The late 13th century genealogy by Balduinus de Avennis records that "dominus Galterus filius [Jacobi] primogeniti" married "Margareta comitatus Blesensis hærede"[319]. "…Sororibus meis Margarita, Ysabella" consented to the donation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes…Iherosolimam proficiscens" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteadun by charter dated May 1202[320]. "Margareta uxor Galterii de Averna comitissa palatina Burgundie" confirmed an agreement between "Willelmum militem de Monasteriis" and Saint-Martin-des-Champs by charter dated [Jun/Aug] 1208 which also names "Hugo de Oysi filius Symonis vicecomitis, olim maritus meus"[321]. She succeeded her nephew in 1218 as Ctss de Blois et de Châteaudun. The necrology of the abbey of Vauduisant records the death "IV Id Jul" of "comitisse Blesensis Marguerite"[322]. The necrology of La Cour-Dieu records the death “IV Id Jul” of “comitissa Blesensis”[323]. m firstly ([1183]) as his second wife, HUGUES [III] d'Oisy châtelain de Cambrai, son of SIMON d'Oisy, châtelain de Cambrai & his wife Ade de la Ferté-Ancoul-sous-Jouarre (-29 Aug 1189). m secondly ([1190]) OTTO von Staufen Comte Palatin de Bourgogne, son of Emperor FRIEDRICH I "Barbarossa" & his second wife Beatrix Ctss Palatine de Bourgogne ([Jun/Jul] 1170-Besançon 13 Jan 1200, bur Besançon Saint-Etienne). m thirdly (after 1200) GAUTHIER [II] d'Avesnes Seigneur d'Avesnes, son of JACQUES Seigneur d'Avesnes & his wife Adeline de Guise (-[1243/46]). Comte de Blois et de Guise.

3. LOUIS de Blois ([1171/72]-killed in battle near Adrianople 15 Apr 1205). "…Filiis quoque et filiabus meis Theobaldo et Ludovico atque Henrico, Margarita et Ysabella" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus Blesensis comes, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1183[324]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Ludovicum Blesensum " as son of "Aelidem comitissam Blesenem"[325]. "…Filiis meis Ludovico, Philippo…" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus comes Blesensis, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1190[326]. His paternity is confirmed by the charter dated 1206 under which "Katelina Blesis et Clarimuntis comitissa" took "villam Ceresium" into her protection which names "Theobaldus comes felicis memorie et eius filius comes Ludovicus dominus meus"[327]. He succeeded his father in 1191 as LOUIS Comte de Blois. "Louis C. de Blois et de Clermont" donated property to the abbey of l'Etoile at the request of "Adelicie comitisse Blessensis matris" and with the consent of "Catharina uxore et Philippo fratre et sororibus Marguerita, Isabella et Adelicia" by charter dated 1190[328]. "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" donated property to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun for the souls of "patris mei comitis Theobaldi…et…matris mee Adelicie" with the consent of "Katerina uxore mea et Philipo fratre meo et sororibus meis Margarita, Ysabella, Adelicis" by charter dated 27 Jan 1196[329]. Villehardouin names "Comte Louis de Blois et de Chartrain" among the leaders of the Fourth Crusade in 1199, commenting that he was "just twenty-seven" at the time[330]. That his departure may have been delayed until early 1200 is suggested by the charter dated Mar 1200 (assuming that this is correctly dated) under which "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes" confirmed the donation by "Gaufridus vicecomes Castriduni" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun, with the consent of "Katherina uxore mea, Theobaldo filio meo, Johanna filia mea, Philippo fratre meo, sororibusque meis Margarita et Ysabella et Adelicia"[331]. "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" confirmed a donation to Chartres Notre-Dame by his father, with the consent of "Katherina uxor mea, filiis meis Theobaldo et Radulfo et filia mea Johanna et Philippo fratre meo", by charter dated 1201[332]. "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes…Iherosolimam proficiscens" donated property to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteadun with the consent of "Katherina uxore mea, Theobaldo filio meo, Iohanna filia mea et sororibus meis Margarita, Ysabella" by charter dated May 1202[333]. He was assigned Nikaia under the terms of the Mar 1204 treaty which divided the empire between Venice and the crusaders, and defeated Theodoros Laskaris at Poimanenon together with the forces of Henri de Flandre (brother of Baudouin I Latin Emperor of Constantinople). Louis did not press his advantage in Nikaia but returned to Thrace where he was killed defending the Latin Empire against the Bulgarians[334]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "XVII Kal Mai" of "Ludovicus comes Blesensis", stating that "matris sue Adelicie et uxoris sue Katerine" donated property for his soul[335]. m (1184) CATHERINE de Clermont, daughter of RAOUL "le Roux" Comte de Clermont [en-Beauvaisis] & his wife Adela de Breteuil (-19/20 Sep [1212/23]). "…Filiarum mearum Katerine et Adelidis" consented to two donations by "Radulfus comes Claromonensis" to the abbey of Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp by charters dated 1178[336]. "…Filio que meo Philippo et Katarina filia mee" consented to the donation by "Radulfus comes Clarimontis" to the abbey of Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp by charter dated 1182[337]. "Catharina uxore…" consented to the donation by "Louis C. de Blois et de Clermont" to the abbey of l'Etoile by charter dated 1190[338]. She succeeded as Ctss de Clermont in 1192. "Katerina uxore mea…" consented to the donation by "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 27 Jan 1196[339]. "Katherina uxore mea…" consented to the confirmation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes" of the donation by "Gaufridus vicecomes Castriduni" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated Mar 1200[340]. "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" confirmed a donation to Chartres Notre-Dame by his father, with the consent of "Katherina uxor mea, filiis meis Theobaldo et Radulfo et filia mea Johanna et Philippo fratre meo", by charter dated 1201[341]. "Katerina Blesensis et Claromontensis comitisse" consented to a donation to the abbey of Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp by charter dated 1202[342]. "Katherina uxore mea…" consented to the donation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes…Iherosolimam proficiscens" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteadun by charter dated May 1202[343]. "Katelina Blesis et Clarimuntis comitissa" took "villam Ceresium" into her protection by charter dated 1206 which names "Theobaldus comes felicis memorie et eius filius comes Ludovicus dominus meus"[344]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "XII Kal Oct" of "Katerina…comitissa Blesensis et Clarimontis", also naming "viro suo…comite Ludovico…Theobaldus comes filius suus"[345]. Comte Louis & his wife had three children:

a) THIBAUT de Blois (-16 or 22 Apr 1218). "…Theobaldo filio meo, Johanna filia mea…" consented to the confirmation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes" of the donation by "Gaufridus vicecomes Castriduni" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated Mar 1200[346]. "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" confirmed a donation to Chartres Notre-Dame by his father, with the consent of "Katherina uxor mea, filiis meis Theobaldo et Radulfo et filia mea Johanna et Philippo fratre meo", by charter dated 1201[347]. "…Theobaldo filio meo, Iohanna filia mea…" consented to the donation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes…Iherosolimam proficiscens" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteadun by charter dated May 1202[348]. He succeeded his father in 1205 as THIBAUT VI Comte de Blois et de Clermont. "Theobaldus Blesensis et Clarimontis comitis" donated property to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteadun with the consent of "Clemencia uxore mea" by charter dated Apr 1218[349]. On his death the county of Clermont [en-Beauvaisis] was sold to the French crown[350]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "X Kal Mai" of "Theobaldus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes", stating that "matris sui Katherine comitisse" donated property for his soul[351]. m firstly (before 19 Sep 1213) MATHILDE d'Alençon, daughter of ROBERT Comte d'Alençon & his second wife Jeanne de Preuilly Dame de la Guerche et de Bouchet. A manuscript genealogy of the Lords of Beaumont names “Joannem et Matildam” as the children of “Robertum comitem Alencheii” and his wife “Joanna…filia domini Josberti de Guirchia”, adding that Matilda married “comiti Blesensi Theobaldo”[352]. m secondly as her first husband, CLEMENCE des Roches, daughter of GUILLAUME des Roches Seneschal of Anjou & his wife Marguerite Dame de Sablé [Nevers] (-after Sep 1259). The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified. "Clemencia uxore mea" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus Blesensis et Clarimontis comitis" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteadun by charter dated Apr 1218[353]. She married secondly Geoffroy [VI] Vicomte de Châteaudun. Her second marriage is confirmed by the charter dated Oct 1226 under whichj "Gaufridus vicecomes Castriduni" donated property to the donation to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteadun with the consent of "Clemencia quondam comitissa Blesensi uxore mea"[354]. "Gaufridus vicecomes Castriduni" donated a fair to Châteaudun, with the consent of "Clemencia uxore mea, condam comitissa Blesensi", by charter dated Jul 1229[355].

b) RAOUL de Blois (-[1201/May 1202]). "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" confirmed a donation to Chartres Notre-Dame by his father, with the consent of "Katherina uxor mea, filiis meis Theobaldo et Radulfo et filia mea Johanna et Philippo fratre meo", by charter dated 1201[356]. Raoul presumably died before May 1202, the date of a charter in which his older brother and sister are named.

c) JEANNE de Blois (-after May 1202). "…Theobaldo filio meo, Johanna filia mea…" consented to the confirmation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes" of the donation by "Gaufridus vicecomes Castriduni" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated Mar 1200[357]. "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" confirmed a donation to Chartres Notre-Dame by his father, with the consent of "Katherina uxor mea, filiis meis Theobaldo et Radulfo et filia mea Johanna et Philippo fratre meo", by charter dated 1201[358]. "…Theobaldo filio meo, Iohanna filia mea…" consented to the donation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes…Iherosolimam proficiscens" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteadun by charter dated May 1202[359].

4. HENRI de Blois (-[1183/90]). "…Filiis quoque et filiabus meis Theobaldo et Ludovico atque Henrico, Margarita et Ysabella" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus Blesensis comes, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1183[360]. He must have died before 1190 as he is not named with his other brothers and sisters in his father's charter of that date.

5. ISABELLE de Blois (-25 Nov 1248). "…Filiis quoque et filiabus meis Theobaldo et Ludovico atque Henrico, Margarita et Ysabella" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus Blesensis comes, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1183[361]. "…Filiabus mei Margarita, Ysabella" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus comes Blesensis, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1190[362]. "…Philippo fratre et sororibus Marguerita, Isabella et Adelicia" consented to the donation by "Louis C. de Blois et de Clermont" to the abbey of l'Etoile by charter dated 1190[363]. "…Sororibus meis Margarita, Ysabella, Adelicis" consented to the donation by "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 27 Jan 1196[364]. "Sulpitius dominus Ambaziæ" granted concessions to Marmoutier, with the consent of "Isabel uxoris meæ et fratrum meorum Hugonis, Johannis et Willielmi et sororum mearum Isabel comitissæ Engolismensis et Dyonisiæ", for the soul of "dominæ Matildis felicis memoriæ…matris meæ", by charter dated 1199[365]. "…Sororibusque meis Margarita et Ysabella et Adelicia" consented to the confirmation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes" of the donation by "Gaufridus vicecomes Castriduni" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated Mar 1200[366]. "…Sororibus meis Margarita, Ysabella" consented to the donation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes…Iherosolimam proficiscens" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteadun by charter dated May 1202[367]. She succeeded her nephew in 1218 as Ctss de Chartres et de Romorantin. "Isabel comitissa Carnotensis et domina Ambazie" donated property to Notre-Dame de l'Eau by charter dated Aug 1218[368]. "Isabellis comitissa Carnotensis et domina Ambazye" donated property to Notre-Dame de la Trappe naming "frater meus Ludovicus comes Blesensis quondam bone memorie" by charter dated 23 Jun 1221[369]. "Iohannes comes Carnotensis et dominus Oysiaci et Isabella comitissa Carnotensis uxor eius" donated property to the abbey of Lieu-Notre-Dame-lès-Romorantin by charter dated May 1222[370]. Her second marriage is confirmed by the charter dated Apr 1226 under which "Johannes comes Carnotensis et dominus Oysiaci et…Ysabella comitissa Carnotensis et domina Ambazie uxor eius" donated property to Notre-Dame de l'Eau[371]. The necrology of the Frères Prêcheurs de Chartres records the death "25 Nov" of "Ysabella comitissa Carnutensis"[372]. m firstly (before 1196) SULPICE [III] Sire d'Amboise, son of HUGUES [II] Sire d'Amboise & his wife Mathilde de Vendôme (-19 Jun 1218). m secondly (before May 1222) JEAN [II] Seigneur de Montmirail, son of JEAN [I] de Montmirail Vicomte de Meaux & his wife Helvise de Dampierre (-14 Sep 1240, bur Chartres).

6. PHILIPPE de Blois ([after 1183]-[May 1202]). "…Filiis meis Ludovico, Philippo…" consented to the donation by "Theobaldus comes Blesensis, Francie senesscalus" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 1190[373]. "…Philippo fratre et sororibus Marguerita, Isabella et Adelicia" consented to the donation by "Louis C. de Blois et de Clermont" to the abbey of l'Etoile by charter dated 1190[374]. It is probable that he was born either shortly before or after 1183 as he is not named in his father's charter of that date. "…Philipo fratre meo…" consented to the donation by "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 27 Jan 1196[375]. "…Philippo fratre meo…" consented to the confirmation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes" of the donation by "Gaufridus vicecomes Castriduni" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated Mar 1200[376]. "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" confirmed a donation to Chartres Notre-Dame by his father, with the consent of "Katherina uxor mea, filiis meis Theobaldo et Radulfo et filia mea Johanna et Philippo fratre meo", by charter dated 1201[377]. "…Philipo fratre meo…" confirmed the donation to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteadun by "Ludovicus Blesis et Clarimontis comes" by charter dated May 1202[378]. He presumably died during May 1202, the date of another charter under which his brother Louis Comte de Blois made a donation to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun without naming him.

7. ADELAIDE de Blois ([after 1183]-[Mar 1200/May 1202]). "…Philippo fratre et sororibus Marguerita, Isabella et Adelicia" consented to the donation by "Louis C. de Blois et de Clermont" to the abbey of l'Etoile by charter dated 1190[379]. It is probable that she was born either shortly before or after 1183 as she is not named in his father's charter of that date. Her absence from her father's charter dated 1190 is more puzzling, as she was presumably born by that date. "…Sororibus meis Margarita, Ysabella, Adelicis" consented to the donation by "Ludovicus comes Blesensis et Clarimontis" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated 27 Jan 1196[380]. Abbess of Fontevraud 1190. "…Sororibusque meis Margarita et Ysabella et Adelicia" consented to the confirmation by "Ludovicus Blesensis et Clarimontis comes" of the donation by "Gaufridus vicecomes Castriduni" to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun by charter dated Mar 1200[381]. She presumably died before May 1202, the date of a charter under which her brother Louis Comte de Blois made another donation to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun

C. COMTES de BLOIS 1218-1397 (AVESNES, CHÂTILLON)

GAUTHIER [II] d'Avesnes, son of JACQUES Seigneur d'Avesnes & his wife Adeline de Guise (-11 Jul [1243/46]). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Galtherus [que] factus est comes Blesensis et…quatuor sorores comitissæ" as children of "Iacobo [filii Nicolao de Avenes]"[382]. Seigneur d'Avesnes, de Guise, de Condé, de Leuze, de Landrechies et de Trélon. He succeeded in 1218 as Comte de Blois, by right of his wife. The necrology of La Cour-Dieu records the death “V Id Jul” of “Galterius de Avernis”[383].

m (after 1200) as her third husband, MARGUERITE Ctss de Blois, widow firstly of HUGUES [III] d'Oisy Châtelain de Cambrai and secondly of OTTO von Staufen Comte Palatin de Bourgogne, daughter of THIBAUT IV Comte de Blois & his wife Adèle de France ([1170]-12 Jul 1230). "Margareta uxor Galterii de Averna comitissa palatina Burgundie" confirm an agreement between "Willelmum militem de Monasteriis" and Saint-Martin-des-Champs by charter dated [Jun/Aug] 1208 which also names "Hugo de Oysi filius Symonis vicecomitis, olim maritus meus"[384]. She succeeded her nephew in 1218 as Ctss de Blois et de Châteaudun. The necrology of the abbey of Vauduisant records the death "IV Id Jul" of "comitisse Blesensis Marguerite"[385]. The necrology of La Cour-Dieu records the death “IV Id Jul” of “comitissa Blesensis”[386].

Gauthier [II] & his wife had one child:

1. MARIE d'Avesnes (-after 1241[387]). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. She succeeded her mother in 1231 as Ctss de Blois. Dame d'Avesnes, de Guise, de Leuze, de Landrechies et de Trélon. m (Apr 1226) as his second wife, HUGUES Seigneur de Châtillon, son of GAUCHER [III] Seigneur de Châtillon-sur-Marne Comte de Saint-Pol & his wife Elisabeth Ctss de Saint-Pol (before 1196-9 Apr 1248). He succeeded in 1231 as Comte de Blois, by right of his wife. He succeeded in 1240 as Comte de Saint-Pol. Hugues & his second wife had four children:

a) JEAN de Châtillon (-28 Jun 1279, bur Abbaye de Laguiche, Coulanges, Loir-et-Cher). The late 13th century genealogy by Balduinus de Avennis names "Joannem, Guidonem et Galterum" as the three children of "comiti Sancti-Pauli Hugoni" and his wife[388]. He succeeded in 1249 as Comte de Blois, de Chartres et de Dunois. Seigneur d'Avesnes, de Guise et de Leuze. "Iohannes de Castellione comes Blesensis et dominus Avenis et Alleidis uxor eius" donated property to the abbey of Lieu-Notre-Dame-lès-Romorantin by charter dated Jul 1259[389]. m (contract 11 Dec 1254) ALIX de Bretagne, daughter of JEAN I Duke of Brittany & his wife Infanta doña Blanca de Navarra (Château de Sucinio, Sarzeau, Morbihan 6 Jun 1243-2 Aug 1288, bur Abbaye de Laguiche, Coulanges, Loir-et-Cher). Dame de Pontarcy et de Brie-Comte-Robert, as her dowry. "Iohannes de Castellione comes Blesensis et dominus Avenis et Alleidis uxor eius" donated property to the abbey of Lieu-Notre-Dame-lès-Romorantin by charter dated Jul 1259[390]. She founded the abbey of Laguiche near Blois in 1277, where she was later buried. She visited Palestine in 1287, erecting a monument to Ptolemy in Syria. Comte Jean & his wife had one child:

i) JEANNE de Châtillon ([1253]-19 or 29 Jan 1291, bur Abbaye de Laguiche, near Blois). The Gesta Philippi Tertia Francorum Regis of Guillaume de Nangis records the marriage in 1272 of "comes Alensonis Petrus frater Philippi regis Franciæ" and "Johannam filiam Johannis comitis Blesensis"[391]. Ctss de Blois, de Chartres, de Dunois, d'Alençon et du Perche. The Gesta Philippi Tertia Francorum Regis of Guillaume de Nangis records that "uxor...eius Johanna Blesis comitissa" was childless after the death of "comes Alansonis Petrus Philippi regis Franciæ frater" and that she lived "in sancta viduitate"[392]. She sold the county of Chartres to the crown 1286. The Chronicle of Guillaume de Nangis records the death in 1291 of "Johanna comitissa Blesis"[393]. The necrology of Chartres records the death "IV Kal Feb" of "Joanna de Castellione comitissa Carnotensis vidua Petri de Francia comitis de Alençonio filii Ludovici regis"[394]. m (by treaty Paris Feb 1263, 1272) PIERRE de France Comte d'Alençon, son of LOUIS IX King of France & his wife Marguerite de Provence (1251-Salerno 6 or 7 Apr 1284, bur Paris, église des Cordeliers).

b) GUY [II] de Châtillon (after 1226-12 Mar 1289, bur Chercamp). The late 13th century genealogy by Balduinus de Avennis names "Joannem, Guidonem et Galterum" as the three children of "comiti Sancti-Pauli Hugoni" and his wife[395]. He succeeded in 1249 as Comte de Saint-Pol.

i) HUGUES [II] de Châtillon (1258-1307). The late 13th century genealogy by Balduinus de Avennis names "Hugonem comitem Blesensem qui nunc est, et Guidonem nunc comitem Sancti-Pauli, et Jacobum dominum Lutosæ" as the children of "Johannes…fratri Guidoni [comes] Sancti Pauli" and his wife[396]. He succeeded in 1292 as Comte de Blois et de Dunois.

- see below.

ii) GUY [III] de Châtillon (-6 Apr 1317). The late 13th century genealogy by Balduinus de Avennis names "Hugonem comitem Blesensem qui nunc est, et Guidonem nunc comitem Sancti-Pauli, et Jacobum dominum Lutosæ" as the children of "Johannes…fratri Guidoni [comes] Sancti Pauli" and his wife[397]. He succeeded as Comte de Saint-Pol. The Chronicle of Guillaume de Nangis records that, after the death in 1291 of "Johanna comitissa Blesis", "eius consanguinei comes sancti Pauli...Hugo et fratres ipsius, atque Galtherius Castellionis dominus" divided her inheritance, specifying that "Hugo" left "comitatum sancti Pauli" to "Guidoni fratri suo"[398].

- COMTES de SAINT-POL.

iii) other children: COMTES de SAINT-POL.

c) other children: COMTES de SAINT-POL.

HUGUES [II] de Châtillon, son of GUY [II] de Châtillon-sur-Marne Comte de Saint-Pol & his wife Mathilde de Brabant (1258-1307). The late 13th century genealogy by Balduinus de Avennis names "Hugonem comitem Blesensem qui nunc est, et Guidonem nunc comitem Sancti-Pauli, et Jacobum dominum Lutosæ" as the children of "Johannes…fratri Guidoni [comes] Sancti Pauli" and his wife[399]. He succeeded in 1292 as Comte de Blois et de Dunois. The Chronicle of Guillaume de Nangis records that, after the death in 1291 of "Johanna comitissa Blesis", "eius consanguinei comes sancti Pauli...Hugo et fratres ipsius, atque Galtherius Castellionis dominus" divided her inheritance, specifying that "Hugo" left "comitatum sancti Pauli" to "Guidoni fratri suo"[400].

m (1287) BEATRIX de Flandre, daughter of GUY de Dampierre Count of Flanders & his second wife Isabelle de Luxembourg (-after 1307). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified.

Hugues [II] & his wife had two children:

1. GUY [I] de Châtillon (-after 12 Aug 1342, bur Abbaye de Laguiche, Coulanges, Loir-et-Cher). Comte de Blois et de Dunois. Seigneur d´Avesnes, de Guise et de Trélon. m MARGUERITE de Valois, daughter of CHARLES Comte de Valois [Capet] & his first wife Marguerite of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] ([1295]-Jul 1342). The Continuatio of the Chronicle of Guillaume de Nangis which records the betrothal in 1308 of "Guido quondam comitis Blesensis primogenitus" and "filia Karolii Valesii ex conjuge Catherina adhuc teneræ ætatis"[401]. This source apparently incorrectly identifies the bride´s mother. Guy [I] & his wife had three children:

a) LOUIS [I] de Châtillon (-killed in battle Crécy 26 Aug 1346). Comte de Blois et de Soissons. Seigneur d´Avesnes, de Guise, de Chimay, de Nouvion-en-Thiérache. m (5/10 Nov 1336) as her first husband, JEANNE de Beaumont, daughter of JEAN de Hainaut Seigneur de Beaumont & his wife Marguerite de Nesle Ctss de Soissons (1323-[16/31] Dec 1350). She succeeded her mother in 1350 as Ctss de Soissons and Dame de Chimay. She died of plague. She married secondly (before 13 Feb 1348) Guillaume I "le Riche" Marquis de Namur. Louis [I] & his wife had three children:

i) LOUIS [II] de Châtillon (-1372). Comte de Blois et de Dunois. Seigneur d´Avesnes, de Landrecies, de Trélon, de Chimay.

ii) JEAN [II] de Châtillon (-Jun 1381). Comte de Blois et de Dunois. m (14 Feb 1372) as her second husband, MECHTILD Dss of Gelre, widow firstly of GODEFROI Comte de Looz-Chiny, and secondly of JOHANN II Graf von Kleve, daughter of REINALD [II] Graaf van Gelre & his first wife Sophie Berthout Vrouwe van Mechelen ([1325]-Huissen 21 Sep 1384, bur Arnhem). The Kronik van Arent toe Bocop names "Mergreta…" as the second of the four daughters of "dye Rennaldus…grave van Gelre" and his wife "Soffie dye docter van den heerre van Mechghelen" married "dye grave van Valois" and died in 1384[402].

iii) GUY [II] de Châtillon (-22 Dec 1397). Comte de Soissons. He succeeded his brother in 1381 as Comte de Blois et de Dunois. m ([22 Aug 1370]) as her first husband, MARIE de Namur, daughter of GUILLAUME I Comte de Namur & his second wife Catherine de Savoie (-11 Aug 1412). She married secondly Clignet de Breban. Guy [II] & his wife had one child:

(a) LOUIS [II] de Châtillon (-Beaumont en Hainaut 15 Jul 1391). Comte de Dunois. m (contract Bourges, Cher 29 Mar 1386, Bourges Saint-Etienne 1386) as her first husband, MARIE de Berry, daughter of JEAN de France Duc de Berry & his first wife Jeanne d'Armagnac (1370-Lyon Jun 1434, bur Abbaye de Souvigny-en-Bourbonnais, Allier). She married secondly (contract Paris 27 Jan 1393) Philippe d'Artois Comte d'Eu. She married thirdly (contract Paris 27 May 1400, in person Paris, Palais du Roi 21 Jun 1401) Jean de Bourbon Comte de Clermont, who succeeded his father in 1410 as Duc de Bourbon.

b) CHARLES de Blois-Châtillon (1319-killed in battle near Auray 29 Sep 1364, bur Guingamp église des Cordeliers). He succeeded in 1341 as Duke of Brittany, Comte de Penthièvre, Seigneur de Guise, by right of his wife.

- COMTES de PENTHIEVRE.

c) MARIE de Châtillon ([1323]-1363). Regent of Lorraine for her son 1346-1361. m firstly (contract May 1334, dispensation 30 May 1334) RAOUL Duc de Lorraine, son of FERRY IV Duke of Lorraine & his wife Elisabeth of Austria ([Mar/Apr] 1320-killed in battle Crécy 26 Aug 1346, bur Beaupré Abbey). m secondly (1353 before 9 Aug) FRIEDRICH VII Graf von Leiningen, son of --- (-after 1379).

2. JEAN de Châtillon (-1329). Seigneur de Château-Renard et de Millançay.

D. VICOMTES de BLOIS (11th CENTURY)

1. ROBERT [I] (-1003). Vicomte de Blois. "Robert Vicomte de Blois" donated property to the abbey of Evron by charter dated 989 subscribed by "Odonis comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Tetbaldi filius eius, Odonis alterius filius, Hugonis vicecomitis Castridunensis, Raherii de Montigniaco"[403]. m ---. The name of the wife of Robert [I] is not known. Robert [I] & his wife had one child:

a) ROBERT [II] (-after 1 Mar 1006). ["Robert Vicomte de Blois" donated property to the abbey of Evron by charter dated 989 subscribed by "Odonis comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Tetbaldi filius eius, Odonis alterius filius, Hugonis vicecomitis Castridunensis, Raherii de Montigniaco"[404]. As noted above under comtes de Blois, there are some doubts about the authenticity of this charter. One interpretation is that "Rotberti filii eius" applies to the donor, not "Odonis comitis" whose name directly precedes his in the list of subscribers, as Eudes Comte de Blois is not otherwise recorded with a son named Robert.] Vicomte de Blois. "Roberti vicecomitis, Nanterii et Joscelini eius filiorum…Joscelini Miliduni vicecomites" subscribed the charter dated 1 Mar 1006 under which "Burchardus…castri comes Curbolii…cum filio meo Rainaldo…Parisensium episcopo" authorised donations to the abbey of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés[405]. m ---. The name of Robert's wife is not known. Robert [II] & his wife had two children:

i) NANTHER (-after 1 Mar 1006). "Roberti vicecomitis, Nanterii et Joscelini eius filiorum…Joscelini Miliduni vicecomites" subscribed the charter dated 1 Mar 1006 under which "Burchardus…castri comes Curbolii…cum filio meo Rainaldo…Parisensium episcopo" authorised donations to the abbey of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés[406].

ii) JOSCELIN (-after 1 Mar 1006). "Roberti vicecomitis, Nanterii et Joscelini eius filiorum…Joscelini Miliduni vicecomites" subscribed the charter dated 1 Mar 1006 under which "Burchardus…castri comes Curbolii…cum filio meo Rainaldo…Parisensium episcopo" authorised donations to the abbey of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés[407].

The charter referred to below suggests that there may have been a family relationship between Robert [II] Vicomte de Blois and Joscelin Vicomte de Melun, especially as the former named his second son Joscelin. His name also suggests a relationship with the family of the Sires de Courtenay (see PARIS REGION NOBILITY).

1. JOSCELIN (-after 1 Mar 1006). Vicomte de Melun. "Roberti vicecomitis, Nanterii et Joscelini eius filiorum…Joscelini Miliduni vicecomites" subscribed the charter dated 1 Mar 1006 under which "Burchardus…castri comes Curbolii…cum filio meo Rainaldo…Parisensium episcopo" authorised donations to the abbey of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés[408].

1. HERVE (-after [1060]). Vicomte de Blois. "Odo comes filius [Odonis comitis]" confirmed a donation of his father by charter dated to [1032/37], subscribed by "Tetbaldi filii eius, matris eius Ermengardis…Hervei vicecomitis"[409]. "Odo comes" [Eudes II Comte de Blois] donated the church of Saint-Médard dans le Vendômois to Saint-Martin, with the consent of "Salomon de Labarzinio, Walterius filius Hamelini, Burchardus", by charter dated to [1037], witnessed by "Herveus vicecomes…"[410]. "Gelduinus" donated property by charter dated to [1038/40] subscribed by "…Hervei vicecomitis"[411]. "Radulfo vicecomite, Guillelmo vicecomite, Erfredo vicecomite, Herveo vicecomite de Bleso…" witnessed a charter dated 1039 which records that "miles…Walterius…filius Hamelini de Lingaiis" was sentenced to relinquish property held from Geoffroy II "Martel" Comte d´Anjou for having killed "cognatum predicti comitis…Mauricium", Comte Geoffroy donating the property to La Trinité de Vendôme[412]. "Herveus vicecomes Blesensis" donated property by charter dated [1041/42] which names "filii ipsius Hervei…Gelduinus…et Gaufridus et Stephanus filiæ quoque Ermengardis atque Girberga quæ nuncupator etiam Claricia"[413]. A charter dated to [1059/64] records donations to Marmoutier in Blémars wood, witnessed by “...Herueus quondam vicecomes nunc monachus...”[414]. m ---. The name of Hervé's wife is not known. Hervé & his wife had five children:

a) HILDUIN (-after [1088]). "Filii ipsius Hervei…Gelduinus…et Gaufridus et Stephanus…", specifying that Hilduin succeeded his father, are named in the charter dated [1041/42] under which "Herveus vicecomes Blesensis" donated property[415]. Vicomte de Blois. “...Gilduini vicecomitis Blesensis...” subscribed the charter dated to [1061/65] under which “Wicherium filium Guicherii de castro Reginaldi” claimed rights in the forest of Blémars[416]. “Gilduinus” donated “quemdam clausum vinearum prope turrem Blesis” to Marmoutier, in accordance with the wish expressed by his father “Herueus vicecomes Blesis...monachus”, by charter dated to before 1088[417].

b) GEOFFROY (-after [1041/42]). "Filii ipsius Hervei…Gelduinus…et Gaufridus et Stephanus…" are named in the charter dated [1041/42] under which "Herveus vicecomes Blesensis" donated property[418].

c) ETIENNE (-after [1041/42]). "Filii ipsius Hervei…Gelduinus…et Gaufridus et Stephanus…" are named in the charter dated [1041/42] under which "Herveus vicecomes Blesensis" donated property[419].

d) ERMENGARDE (-after [1041/42]). "…filiæ quoque Ermengardis atque Girberga quæ nuncupator etiam Claricia" are named in the charter dated [1041/42] under which "Herveus vicecomes Blesensis" donated property[420].

e) GERBERGE [Claricia] (-after [1041/42]). "…filiæ quoque Ermengardis atque Girberga quæ nuncupator etiam Claricia" are named in the charter dated [1041/42] under which "Herveus vicecomes Blesensis" donated property[421].

1. ROBERT (-before 1105). Vicomte de Blois. m as her first husband, MATHILDE de Châteaudun, daughter of HUGUES Vicomte de Châteaudun & his wife Agnès de Fréteval (-25 Sep after 1130). "…Filii eius Maulde et Pagano qui nondum erat christianus" consented to the donation by "Hugonis vicecomitis" by charter dated to [1080/1100][422], the actual date presumably being in the early part of this range if his son Geoffroy was not yet baptised. "Hugo vicecomes de Castroduno" donated property with the consent of "…Gausfredo filio eius, Matilda filia eius" by charter dated to [1095/1100][423]. The primary source which confirms her first marriage has not yet been identified. She married secondly (1105) Geoffroy [II] "Grisegonelle" Comte de Vendôme. Her second marriage is confirmed by the charter dated 1119 under which "Gaufridus de Castroduno" (her brother) donated property to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité de Tiron with the consent of "uxore mea [unnamed] Hugone filio meo et duabus filiabus meis Aupazia et Helvissa atque nepote meo Gofredo filio comitis Vindocinensis"[424]. "Gaufredus comes Vindocinensis qui cognominatus et Grisa Gonella…uxor eius Mathildis…comitissa necnon Eschirater eiusdem comitis" donated property by charter dated 1107[425]. "…Mithildis comitissa Vindocinensis filia eiusdem Hugonis…" consented to the donation by "Hugo vicecomes Castriduni" by charter dated [1110/11][426]. A list of anniversaries of Vendôme La Trinité records the death "IX Kal Oct" of "Mathildis comitissa Vindocinensis"[427].

E. VICOMTES de BLOIS (SEIGNEURS de LISLE en VENDÔMOIS)

ROBERT de Lisle, son of RENAUD de la Tour & his wife Berthe --- (-1214). "Robertus de Insula" returned property to La Trinité de Vendôme, for the soul of "Bartholomei fratris Rainaldi patris sui", with the consent of "Rainaldus frater ipsius Roberti et mater eorum Berta et duo patrui eorum Hugo et Hamelinus", by charter dated 1152[428]. Vicomte de Blois. "Robertus de Insula" donated property to La Trinité de Vendôme, on the death of "Rainaldi fratris sui" buried at the abbey, with the consent of "Rainaldus et Philippus filii Roberti et Matildis uxor eius", by charter dated to [1160/65][429]. "Robertus de Insula Blesensis vicecomes" donated property with the consent of "uxore mea Mahot…filiis et filiabus meis…Reginaldo, Gaufrido et Berta" by charter dated to [1165][430]. A charter dated 1190 records donations of revenue to La Trinité de Vendôme by "Petrus Papeillum", on leaving for Jerusalem, with the consent of "Robertus de Insula…et Rainaldus predicti Roberti filius"[431]. "Robertus de Insula" donated property to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Maldtidis uxor mea, Raginaldus filius meus major natu et Gaufridus filius meus", by charter dated to [1190][432]. "Robertus de Insula dominus…cum filiis meis Raginaldo et Goffredo" noted an agreement with Chartres Notre-Dame by charter dated Jan 1201[433].

m firstly MATHILDE, daughter of --- (-after [1190]). "Robertus de Insula" donated property to La Trinité de Vendôme, on the death of "Rainaldi fratris sui" buried at the abbey, with the consent of "Rainaldus et Philippus filii Roberti et Matildis uxor eius", by charter dated to [1160/65][434]. "Uxore mea Mahot…filiis et filiabus meis…Reginaldo, Gaufrido et Berta" consented to the donation by "Robertus de Insula Blesensis vicecomes" by charter dated to [1165][435]. "Robertus de Insula" donated property to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Maldtidis uxor mea, Raginaldus filius meus major natu et Gaufridus filius meus", by charter dated to [1190][436].

m secondly LUCE, daughter of ---.

Robert & his first wife had four children:

1. RENAUD (-after Jul 1214). "Robertus de Insula" donated property to La Trinité de Vendôme, on the death of "Rainaldi fratris sui" buried at the abbey, with the consent of "Rainaldus et Philippus filii Roberti et Matildis uxor eius", by charter dated to [1160/65][437]. "Uxore mea Mahot…filiis et filiabus meis…Reginaldo, Gaufrido et Berta" consented to the donation by "Robertus de Insula Blesensis vicecomes" by charter dated to [1165][438]. A charter dated 1190 records donations of revenue to La Trinité de Vendôme by "Petrus Papeillum", on leaving for Jerusalem, with the consent of "Robertus de Insula…et Rainaldus predicti Roberti filius"[439]. "Robertus de Insula" donated property to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Maldtidis uxor mea, Raginaldus filius meus major natu et Gaufridus filius meus", by charter dated to [1190][440]. "…Rainaldus de Insula…" witnessed the charter dated 1195 under which "Burchardus…Vindocinensis comes" created a foundation for maintenance of two lamps at La Trinité de Vendôme[441]. "Rainaldus, Insulæ Jheremiæ dominus" restored rights to Marmoutier, taken by "patris mei Rotberti et fratris mei Gauffridi necnon uxoris meæ Alienor" by charter dated to [1200][442]. "Robertus de Insula dominus…cum filiis meis Raginaldo et Goffredo" noted an agreement with Chartres Notre-Dame by charter dated Jan 1201[443]. "Raginaldus dominus de Insula" donated wood for the poor, with the consent of "fratris mei Gaufridi militis et uxoris mee Alienordis", by charter dated Jul 1214 which names "patris mei Roberti de Insula"[444]. Vicomte de Blois. Blesois 194, 195, 209. m ELEONORE, daughter of --- (-after Jul 1214). "Rainaldus, Insulæ Jheremiæ dominus" restored rights to Marmoutier, taken by "patris mei Rotberti et fratris mei Gauffridi necnon uxoris meæ Alienor" by charter dated to [1200][445]. "Raginaldus dominus de Insula" donated wood for the poor, with the consent of "fratris mei Gaufridi militis et uxoris mee Alienordis", by charter dated Jul 1214 which names "patris mei Roberti de Insula"[446]. Blesois 194.

2. GEOFFROY (-1231). "Uxore mea Mahot…filiis et filiabus meis…Reginaldo, Gaufrido et Berta" consented to the donation by "Robertus de Insula Blesensis vicecomes" by charter dated to [1165][447]. "Robertus de Insula" donated property to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Maldtidis uxor mea, Raginaldus filius meus major natu et Gaufridus filius meus", by charter dated to [1190][448]. "Rainaldus, Insulæ Jheremiæ dominus" restored rights to Marmoutier, taken by "patris mei Rotberti et fratris mei Gauffridi necnon uxoris meæ Alienor" by charter dated to [1200][449]. "Robertus de Insula dominus…cum filiis meis Raginaldo et Goffredo" noted an agreement with Chartres Notre-Dame by charter dated Jan 1201[450]. "Raginaldus dominus de Insula" donated wood for the poor, with the consent of "fratris mei Gaufridi militis et uxoris mee Alienordis", by charter dated Jul 1214 which names "patris mei Roberti de Insula"[451]. A charter dated Sep 1231 records an agreement between "Gaufridus de Insula miles" and the abbey of la Madeleine de Châteaudun about Mornais wood[452]. Vicomte de Blois. "Gaufridus de Insula miles" granted revenue to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Adelicia uxore mea filiis et filiabus meis Roberto, Raginaldo, Philippo et Gaufrido, Matilde, Adelicia et Ysabelle", by charter dated Sep 1231[453]. m ADELICIA, daughter of ---. "Gaufridus de Insula miles" granted revenue to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Adelicia uxore mea filiis et filiabus meis Roberto, Raginaldo, Philippo et Gaufrido, Matilde, Adelicia et Ysabelle", by charter dated Sep 1231[454]. Geoffroy & his wife had seven children:

a) ROBERT . "Gaufridus de Insula miles" granted revenue to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Adelicia uxore mea filiis et filiabus meis Roberto, Raginaldo, Philippo et Gaufrido, Matilde, Adelicia et Ysabelle", by charter dated Sep 1231[455].

b) RENAUD (-after 1269). "Gaufridus de Insula miles" granted revenue to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Adelicia uxore mea filiis et filiabus meis Roberto, Raginaldo, Philippo et Gaufrido, Matilde, Adelicia et Ysabelle", by charter dated Sep 1231[456]. Vicomte de Blois.

c) PHILIPPE . "Gaufridus de Insula miles" granted revenue to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Adelicia uxore mea filiis et filiabus meis Roberto, Raginaldo, Philippo et Gaufrido, Matilde, Adelicia et Ysabelle", by charter dated Sep 1231[457].

d) GEOFFROY . "Gaufridus de Insula miles" granted revenue to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Adelicia uxore mea filiis et filiabus meis Roberto, Raginaldo, Philippo et Gaufrido, Matilde, Adelicia et Ysabelle", by charter dated Sep 1231[458].

e) MATHILDE . "Gaufridus de Insula miles" granted revenue to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Adelicia uxore mea filiis et filiabus meis Roberto, Raginaldo, Philippo et Gaufrido, Matilde, Adelicia et Ysabelle", by charter dated Sep 1231[459].

f) ADELICIA . "Gaufridus de Insula miles" granted revenue to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Adelicia uxore mea filiis et filiabus meis Roberto, Raginaldo, Philippo et Gaufrido, Matilde, Adelicia et Ysabelle", by charter dated Sep 1231[460].

g) ISABELLE . "Gaufridus de Insula miles" granted revenue to La Madeleine de Châteaudun, with the consent of "Adelicia uxore mea filiis et filiabus meis Roberto, Raginaldo, Philippo et Gaufrido, Matilde, Adelicia et Ysabelle", by charter dated Sep 1231[461].

3. BERTHE (-after [1165]). "Uxore mea Mahot…filiis et filiabus meis…Reginaldo, Gaufrido et Berta" consented to the donation by "Robertus de Insula Blesensis vicecomes" by charter dated to [1165][462].

4. PHILIPPE . "Robertus de Insula" donated property to La Trinité de Vendôme, on the death of "Rainaldi fratris sui" buried at the abbey, with the consent of "Rainaldus et Philippus filii Roberti et Matildis uxor eius", by charter dated to [1160/65][463].

5. ISABELLE .

Chapter 2. COMTES de BOURGES

The history of the county of Bourges has not been traced after the mid-9th century, but it is supposed that it was incorporated into the domaine royale at an early stage.

A. COMTES de BOURGES

1. WICFRED . Comte de Bourges. The Miraculis Sancti Genulfi names "Agana filia…Byturicensium comes…Wifredus regali prosapia oriundus [et]…Oda coniux"[464]. A charter of Charles III “le Simple” King of the West Franks dated 3 Nov 908, confirming the assets of “monasterio Crassensi”, mentions property “in territorio Narbonensi” exchanged between “Wifredus comes cum Fredaldo episcopo”[465].

- CAROLINGIAN NOBILITY.

Brother [and sister], parents not known.

1. HUGUES . Comte de Bourges. Abbo records that Eudes King of France defeated Guillaume "le Pieux" Comte d´Auvergne and gave "tous ses honneurs…à Hugues alors prince et gouverneur de Bourges", triggering war between the two parties in which Hugues was killed, dated to 889 from the context[466].

2. [daughter . Her parentage and marriage are confirmed by Abbo who names "Rotgaire, comte et neveu de Hugues" as one of the supporters of "Hugues…prince et gouverneur de Bourges", on the assumption that this passage means that the sister of Hugues was the mother of Rotger, dated to 889 from the context[467]. m --- [du Maine], son of ---.]

B. VICOMTES de BOURGES

1. [GEOFFROY [I] . Vicomte [de Bourges]. The existence of Vicomte Geoffroy [I] is confirmed only by the charter dated 28 Jun 1092. If the information contained in the charter is historically accurate (which is unknown), the chronology suggests that Geoffroy [I] would have been granted the vicomté de Bourges in the late 9th/early 10th century, maybe early in the reign of Charles III "le Simple" King of the West Franks. "Stephanus Vicecomes Bituricensis urbis et soror mea Ildeburgis" donated property to the abbey of Vierzon Saint Pierre by charter dated 28 Jun 1092, which names "…Gaufredi patris nostri avus…moriens vero Gaufrido filio suo…Bosberaès…quoque Gaufredus filium suum itidem Gaufredum Nobilem cognominatum…patri nostro Gaufredo…Meschins…"[468]. m ---. The name of Geoffroy's wife is not known. Geoffroy [I] & his wife had one child:]

a) GEOFFROY [II] "Bosberas" . Vicomte [de Bourges]. "Odonis comitis…Gaufredi vicecomitis, Gaufredi filii eius, Harduini filii Corbonis" signed a charter dated 17 Dec 1064 (presumably redateable to before 1037 because of "Odonis comitis" [Eudes II Comte de Blois?]) relating to serfs of Marmoutier[469]. "Stephanus Vicecomes Bituricensis urbis et soror mea Ildeburgis" donated property to the abbey of Vierzon Saint Pierre by charter dated 28 Jun 1092, which names "…Gaufredi patris nostri avus…moriens vero Gaufrido filio suo…Bosberaès…quoque Gaufredus filium suum itidem Gaufredum Nobilem cognominatum…patri nostro Gaufredo…Meschins…"[470]. m ---. The name of Geoffroy's wife is not known. Geoffroy [II] & his wife had one child:

i) GEOFFROY [III] "le Noble" . "Odonis comitis…Gaufredi vicecomitis, Gaufredi filii eius, Harduini filii Corbonis" signed a charter dated 17 Dec 1064 (presumably redateable to before 1037 because of "Odonis comitis" [Eudes II Comte de Blois?]) relating to serfs of Marmoutier[471]. Vicomte [de Bourges]. "Stephanus Vicecomes Bituricensis urbis et soror mea Ildeburgis" donated property to the abbey of Vierzon Saint Pierre by charter dated 28 Jun 1092, which names "…Gaufredi patris nostri avus…moriens vero Gaufrido filio suo…Bosberaès…quoque Gaufredus filium suum itidem Gaufredum Nobilem cognominatum…patri nostro Gaufredo…Meschins…"[472]. m ---. The name of Geoffroy's wife is not known. Geoffroy [III] & his wife had one child:

(a) GEOFFROY [IV] "le Meschin" . "Stephanus Vicecomes Bituricensis urbis et soror mea Ildeburgis" donated property to the abbey of Vierzon Saint Pierre by charter dated 28 Jun 1092, which names "…Gaufredi patris nostri avus…moriens vero Gaufrido filio suo…Bosberaès…quoque Gaufredus filium suum itidem Gaufredum Nobilem cognominatum…patri nostro Gaufredo…Meschins…"[473]. Vicomte de Bourges. m ---. The name of Geoffroy's wife is not known. Geoffroy [IV] & his wife had two children:

(1) ETIENNE . Vicomte de Bourges. "Stephanus Vicecomes Bituricensis urbis et soror mea Ildeburgis" donated property to the abbey of Vierzon Saint Pierre, with the consent of "viri sui D. Geilone Soliacensis castri" and on the advice of "Arnulfi Virzionensis domini filiique eius Gaufridi...", by charter dated 28 Jun 1092, which names "Abbatiam Gaufredus cognomento Papabos, Gaufredi patris nostri avus…moriens vero Gaufrido filio suo…Bosberaès…quoque Gaufredus filium suum itidem Gaufredum Nobilem cognominatum…patri nostro Gaufredo…Meschins…D. Odonem cognomento Arpinum, neptis nostræ [Mathildæ]"[474].

(2) EDELBURGE de Bourges (-after 30 Apr [1096]). "Stephanus Vicecomes Bituricensis urbis et soror mea Ildeburgis" donated property to the abbey of Vierzon Saint Pierre, with the consent of "viri sui D. Geilone Soliacensis castri" and on the advice of "Arnulfi Virzionensis domini filiique eius Gaufridi...", by charter dated 28 Jun 1092, which names "Abbatiam Gaufredus cognomento Papabos, Gaufredi patris nostri avus…moriens vero Gaufrido filio suo…Bosberaès…quoque Gaufredus filium suum itidem Gaufredum Nobilem cognominatum…patri nostro Gaufredo…Meschins…D. Odonem cognomento Arpinum, neptis nostræ [Mathildæ]"[475]. "Gillo de Soliaco" recognised the rights of Saint-Florent over the monastery of Saint-Gondon sur Loire by charter dated 30 Apr [1096] which names "uxorem suam Audeburgim filiam Goffredi vicecomitis Bituricensis"[476]. m GILLES [II] Sire de Sully, son of ARCHAMBAUD [II] Sire de Sully & his wife Agnes --- (-1098).

C. SEIGNEURS de MONFAUCON [en BERRY]

1. THIERRY de Monfaucon (-after 1012). "Thierry de Monfaucon" is named in a charter of "vicomte Geoffroy de Bourges" dated 1012[477].

2. --- de Monfaucon . m --- [de Châtillon], daughter of --- ([1095/1105]-). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines records that "principe Antiochie Renaldo" had a sister who was the mother of "Renaldum de Monte Falconis in Bituria et duas sorores illius"[478]. Her birth date range, which is very approximate, is estimated based on the probable birth date range of her daughter. Three children:

a) RENAUD [I] de Monfaucon (-[1180]). His parentage is confirmed by the Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines which records that "principe Antiochie Renaldo" had a sister who was the mother of "Renaldum de Monte Falconis in Bituria et duas sorores illius"[479]. "Renaud de Monfaucon" is named in charters dated 1138 and 1147 which record donations to the abbey of Chalivoy[480]. Pierre Archbishop of Bourges requested Suger to deliver "Renaud de Montfaucon" for judgment by the knights "du pays de Bourges"[481]. m AGNES de Sully, daughter of EUDES [Archambaud] Sire de Sully & his wife Mathilde de Baugency. Renaud & his wife had four children:

i) EUDES de Monfaucon . m SARAH d´Ervy, daughter of ---. Eudes & his wife had two children:

(a) RENAUD [II] de Monfaucon (-after 1235). m MATHILDE de Charenton, daughter of EBLES [IV] Sire de Charenton {Charenton-sur-Cher, Cher} & his wife --- de Bourbon.

(b) ELEONORE de Monfaucon (-1250). m EUDES [I] de Sully Seigneur de Beaujeu-en-Berry, son of GILLES [III] Sire de Sully & his wife Luce de Charenton.

ii) ARCHAMBAUD de Montfaucon .

iii) RAOUL de Monfaucon .

iv) SIMON de Monfaucon . m AGNES, daughter of ---.

b) AVELINE de Monfaucon ([1110/20]-). Her parentage and marriage are confirmed by the Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines which records that "principe Antiochie Renaldo" had a sister who was the mother of "Renaldum de Monte Falconis in Bituria et duas sorores illius", of whom one "Avelina de Traci" married "viro nobili Ursoni"[482]. Her birth date range is estimated from the possible birth date of her daughter. Dame de Tracy, which Richemond identifies as Treuzy near Nemours[483]. m URSON, son of ---.

c) daughter . Her parentage is confirmed by the Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines which records that "principe Antiochie Renaldo" had a sister who was the mother of "Renaldum de Monte Falconis in Bituria et duas sorores illius"[484].

D. SEIGNEURS de VIERZON

The primary sources which confirm the parentage and marriages of the members of this family have not yet been identified, unless otherwise shown below.

HUMBAUD [I] "le Tortu" . André Abbé de Vierzon granted property in fief to "quodam milite…Humbaudo…vocabulo Tortus…dominatum exercere…in castro Virzionensi", recently arrived from "Belesma castro", by charter dated to [981][485].

m ---. The name of Humbaud´s wife is not known.

Humbaud [I] & his wife had two children:

1. HUMBAUD [II] "le Riche" (-after 1040). Seigneur de Vierzon. "Humbaldus cognomine dives Virsionnensis dominus" became a monk at the abbey of Vierzon, with the consent of "nepos Arnulfe" to whom he granted his territories, by charter dated 1025[486].

2. GEOFFROY (-after [1030]). "Dominus Gaufredus de Virzione et de Cella" renounced rights over the church of Saint-Eucise-sur-Selles, in the presence of "uxore sua Beatrice et liberis suis…Hernulfus, Hubaudus, Guillelmus filii eorum, Adela filia eorum", by charter dated to [1030][487]. m BEATRIX de Mehun, daughter of ETIENNE Seigneur de Mehun & his wife --- (-after [1030]). "Dominus Gaufredus de Virzione et de Cella" renounced rights over the church of Saint-Eucise-sur-Selles, in the presence of "uxore sua Beatrice et liberis suis…Hernulfus, Hubaudus, Guillelmus filii eorum, Adela filia eorum", by charter dated to [1030][488]. Geoffroy & his wife had five children:

a) ARNOUL [I] (-[1082/95]). "Humbaldus cognomine dives Virsionnensis dominus" became a monk at the abbey of Vierzon, with the consent of "nepos Arnulfe" to whom he granted his territories, by charter dated 1025[489]. Seigneur de Vierzon. "Dominus Gaufredus de Virzione et de Cella" renounced rights over the church of Saint-Eucise-sur-Selles, in the presence of "uxore sua Beatrice et liberis suis…Hernulfus, Hubaudus, Guillelmus filii eorum, Adela filia eorum", by charter dated to [1030][490]. A charter dated 1056 records the settlement of a war between "Arnulfus Virsionensis castri dominus" and "Rainaldus Graciacensis [castri dominus]"[491]. m BERTALDE, daughter of ---. Toulgoët-Treanna records that Arnoul and his wife "Bertalde" subscribed a charter dated to [1071/92] under which Ansgarde donated property to Vierzon abbey[492]. Arnoul [I] & his wife had two children:

i) GEOFFROY [I] de Vierzon (-before 1108). Toulgoët-Treanna records that "Robert de Vierzon fils de Geoffroy" donated a serf to Vierzon abbey by undated charter subscribed by "Arnoul de Vierzon, Geoffroy son fils et Humbaud frère d´Arnoul"[493].

- see below.

ii) daughter

b) HUMBAUD (-after 1069). "Dominus Gaufredus de Virzione et de Cella" renounced rights over the church of Saint-Eucise-sur-Selles, in the presence of "uxore sua Beatrice et liberis suis…Hernulfus, Hubaudus, Guillelmus filii eorum, Adela filia eorum", by charter dated to [1030][494]. Seigneur de Mehun.

- SEIGNEURS de MEHUN.

c) GUILLAUME . "Dominus Gaufredus de Virzione et de Cella" renounced rights over the church of Saint-Eucise-sur-Selles, in the presence of "uxore sua Beatrice et liberis suis…Hernulfus, Hubaudus, Guillelmus filii eorum, Adela filia eorum", by charter dated to [1030][495].

d) ADELA . "Dominus Gaufredus de Virzione et de Cella" renounced rights over the church of Saint-Eucise-sur-Selles, in the presence of "uxore sua Beatrice et liberis suis…Hernulfus, Hubaudus, Guillelmus filii eorum, Adela filia eorum", by charter dated to [1030][496].

e) ROBERT . Toulgoët-Treanna records that "Robert de Vierzon fils de Geoffroy" donated a serf to Vierzon abbey by undated charter subscribed by "Arnoul de Vierzon, Geoffroy son fils et Humbaud frère d´Arnoul"[497].

GEOFFROY [I] de Vierzon, son of ARNOUL [I] Seigneur de Vierzon & his wife --- (-before 1108). Toulgoët-Treanna records that "Robert de Vierzon fils de Geoffroy" donated a serf to Vierzon abbey by undated charter subscribed by "Arnoul de Vierzon, Geoffroy son fils et Humbaud frère d´Arnoul"[498]. Seigneur de Vierzon. Toulgoët-Treanna records that Geoffroy [I] Seigneur de Vierzon transferred his rights in the election of the abbot of Vierzon to the abbot of Déols, with the consent of "Arnoul et de Humbaud ses enfants", by charter dated 1096[499].

m ---. The name of Geoffroy´s wife is not known.

Geoffroy [I] & his wife had four children:

1. ARNOUL [II] de Vierzon (-1142). Toulgoët-Treanna records that Geoffroy [I] Seigneur de Vierzon transferred his rights in the election of the abbot of Vierzon to the abbot of Déols, with the consent of "Arnoul et de Humbaud ses enfants", by charter dated 1096[500]. Seigneur de Vierzon. A letter, dated 1108, addressed by Ivo Bishop of Chartres to Leodegar Archbishop of Bourges relates to "causam Arnulfi Virsionensis"[501]. The Breve Chronicon Virzionensis Cœnobii records the death in 1142 of "Arnulfus Virzionis dominus"[502]. m ---. The name of Arnoul's wife is not known. Arnoul [II] & his wife had one child:

a) GEOFFROY [II] (-1144). The Breve Chronicon Virzionensis Cœnobii records that "Gaufredus filius eius" succeeded on the death of "Arnulfus Virzionis dominus", and died in 1144[503]. Seigneur de Vierzon. Toulgoët-Treanna records that Geoffroy [II] Seigneur de Vierzon confirmed his father´s arrangements with the abbey of Vierzon "cum Roberto clerico avunculo suo" by undated charter[504]. m ---. The name of Geoffroy´s wife is not known. Geoffroy [II] & his wife had one child:

i) HERVE [I] (-1184). Seigneur de Vierzon. The Breve Chronicon Virzionensis Cœnobii records that "Herveus Virzionis dominus" went to Jerusalem in 1144[505]. m ELEONORE de la Ferté-Imbaud, daughter of ---. A charter dated 1213 records an agreement between the abbess of Beaumont-les-Tours and "Herveus Virsionensis dominus" concerning the priory of Mentouz, referring to his earlier donation made with the consent of "Maria uxor mea et Aenorda mater mea domina de Firmitate Humbaldi" and naming "Mathildis que fuit conjux mea"[506]. Hervé [I] & his wife had five children:

(a) GUILLAUME [I] (-1197). Seigneur de Vierzon. The Breve Chronicon Virzionensis Cœnobii records that "Willelmus Virzionis dominus" was knighted in 1192, and that "castrum Virzionis" was destroyed by the king of England in 1197 when "Willelmus Virzionis dominus" died and "successerunt fratres"[507]. m MATHILDE de Clermont, daughter of RAOUL "le Roux" Comte de Clermont [en-Beauvaisis] & his wife Adela de Breteuil (-1200 or after).

(b) HERVE [II] (-Damieta [1218/19]). Seigneur de Vierzon. The Breve Chronicon Virzionensis Cœnobii records that "Herveus" succeeded on the death of "Willelmus dominus Virzionis", leaving for Jerusalem "cum Simonis de Montfort" in 1221 and leaving "Willelmo filio Virzionensis"[508].

- see below.

(c) HERSENDE (-after Feb 1227). "Hersendis domina de Lineriis soror…Hervei de Virzione defuncti" donated property to the priory of Menetou-sur-Cher, for the souls of "Guillelmi de Lineriis…mariti mei defuncti…et Guillelmi filii mei", by charter dated Feb 1226 (presumably O.S.)[509]. m GUILLAUME [II] de Lignières, son of JEAN [II] de Lignières & his wife Alix --- (-before Feb 1227).

(d) MATHILDE . m RAOUL de la Chatre, son of --- (-before 1237).

(e) MARGUERITE (-after 1237). Dame de Pruniers.

2. HUMBAUD (-after 1096). Toulgoët-Treanna records that Geoffroy [I] Seigneur de Vierzon transferred his rights in the election of the abbot of Vierzon to the abbot of Déols, with the consent of "Arnoul et de Humbaud ses enfants", by charter dated 1096[510].

3. HERVE (-after 1110).

4. ROBERT (-after 1142). Toulgoët-Treanna records that Geoffroy [II] Seigneur de Vierzon confirmed his father´s arrangements with the abbey of Vierzon "cum Roberto clerico avunculo suo" by undated charter[511].

HERVE [II] de Vierzon, son of HERVE [II] Seigneur de Vierzon & his wife Eléonore de la Ferté-Imbaud (-Damieta [1218/19]). Seigneur de Vierzon. A charter dated 1213 records an agreement between the abbess of Beaumont-les-Tours and "Herveus Virsionensis dominus" concerning the priory of Mentouz, referring to his earlier donation made with the consent of "Maria uxor mea et Aenorda mater mea domina de Firmitate Humbaldi" and naming "Mathildis que fuit conjux mea"[512]. [The Breve Chronicon Virzionensis Cœnobii records the death in 1216 of "Willelmus dominus Virzionis", after stating that he "profectus est contra Albigenses" in 1213[513]. It is assumed that these entries relate to Hervé [II] as no other record has been found of a Guillaume Seigneur de Vierzon at that time.] The Breve Chronicon Virzionensis Cœnobii records that "Herveus" succeeded on the death of "Willelmus dominus Virzionis", leaving for Jerusalem "cum Simonis de Montfort" in 1221 and leaving "Willelmo filio Virzionensis"[514]. The Historia Damiatina by Oliverus Scholasticus records the deaths in 1218 at Damieta of "comes de Marcha et comes de Bar et filius eius, frater Guillelmus de Carnoto magister militiæ templi, Herveus de Virsione, Iterius de Tacci, Oliverus filius regis Anglie"[515].

m firstly MATHILDE, daughter of ---. A charter dated 1213 records an agreement between the abbess of Beaumont-les-Tours and "Herveus Virsionensis dominus" concerning the priory of Mentouz, referring to his earlier donation made with the consent of "Maria uxor mea et Aenorda mater mea domina de Firmitate Humbaldi" and naming "Mathildis que fuit conjux mea"[516].

m secondly (1210) as her first husband, MARIE de Dampierre, daughter of GUY [II] Seigneur de Dampierre & his wife Mathilde dame de Bourbon (-[13 May] before 1237). A charter dated 1213 records an agreement between the abbess of Beaumont-les-Tours and "Herveus Virsionensis dominus" concerning the priory of Mentouz, referring to his earlier donation made with the consent of "Maria uxor mea et Aenorda mater mea domina de Firmitate Humbaldi" and naming "Mathildis que fuit conjux mea"[517]. "M. domina Virsonii" named "Archembaldum de Borbonio fratrem meum" as pledge relating to the property of "domino Herveo de Virsonio quondam marito meo" by charter dated 10 Sep 1219[518]. She married secondly ([1221]) Henri [I] de Sully, who succeeded as Sire de Sully after [1234]. "Henricus Soliaci et Virsionis dominus" donated property to the priory of Menetou-sur-Cher, with the consent of "Marie uxoris mee et Willielmi filii eius heredis Virsionensis", by charter dated Jun 1231[519].

Hervé [II] & his second wife had two children:

1. GUILLAUME [II] (-[1250/Oct 1252]). The Breve Chronicon Virzionensis Cœnobii records that "Herveus" left "Willelmo filio Virzionensis" when leaving for Jerusalem "cum Simonis de Montfort" in 1221[520]. "Henricus Soliaci et Virsionis dominus" donated property to the priory of Menetou-sur-Cher, with the consent of "Marie uxoris mee et Willielmi filii eius heredis Virsionensis", by charter dated Jun 1231[521]. Seigneur de Vierzon. "Guillermus Virsionis dominus" granted revenue from the market at Vierzon, held "juris bone memorie Guillermus quondam dominus Virsionis avunculus noster", to the Knights Templar by charter dated Jul 1248[522]. m (after 1234) as her second husband, BLANCHE de Joigny, widow of GUILLAUME [I] de Chauvigny Seigneur de Châteauroux, daughter of GUILLAUME [II] Comte de Joigny & his second wife Beatrix ---. "Blancha domina Virsionis" granted rights of passage to Bourges cathedral, for an anniversary for "domini Guillelmi quondam domini Virsionis", by charter dated Oct 1252[523]. Guillaume [III] & his wife had two children:

a) MARIE (-after 28 May 1284). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. Dame de Menetou-Salon et de Soesmes. m (1259) JEAN [I] Comte de Sancerre, son of LOUIS [I] Comte de Sancerre & his first wife Blanche de Courtenay (-before 28 May 1284).

b) HERVE [III] (-1270, bur Bourges). Seigneur de Vierzon. "Herveus dominus Virsionis miles" granted privileges to the prior of Dèvre by charter dated Oct 1265[524]. "Herveus dominus Virsionis miles" disenfranchised the inhabitants of Nizerolles and Lenay by charter dated May 1270[525]. "Herveus dominus Virsionis miles" confirmed donations to the abbey of Saint-Pierre made by "bone memorie Guillermi quondam patris nostri" dated Jun 1248 and Nov 1240, and by "Herveus dominus Virsionis" dated 1205 and 1218, by charter dated May 1270[526]. m ([1261]) JEANNE de Brenne Dame de Mézières-en-Brenne, daughter of GUILLAUME de Brenne Seigneur de Rochecorbon & his wife Mathilde --- (-after Mar 1298, bur Bourgeuil). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. Hervé [IV] & his wife had one child:

i) JEANNE de Vierzon (-before 1296, bur Bourges Franciscan Church). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. Dame de Vierzon, de Mézières-en-Brenne, de Lucy, de la Ferté-Imbaud, de Fuselier, de l'Isle-Savary et de la Rochecorbon. m (before 1280) GODEFROI de Brabant Heer van Aerschot, son of HENRI III "le Pacifique/le Débonnaire" Duke of Brabant & his wife Alix de Bourgogne [Capet] (-killed in battle Courtrai 11 Jul 1302). Seigneur de Vierzon, de iure uxoris.

2. ALIX de Vierzon (-3 Dec 1245). Dame de Tournenfuy. "Girardus dominus Pincenii et vicedominus Ambianensis" confirmed the donation of salt to Paris Hôtel-Dieu made by "Ingerrandus quondam pater meus", with the consent of "Aaliddis uxoris mee", by charter dated Feb 1244[527]. m firstly GAUTHIER [III] de Nemours Seigneur de Villebéon "le Chambellan", son of ADAM [I] de Nemours Seigneur de Villebéon & his wife Isabelle de Tancarville (-1239). m secondly (before 1243) as his second wife, GERARD [III] de Picquigny Vidame d'Amiens, son of ENGUERRAND de Picquigny Vidame d´Amiens & his wife Marguerite de Ponthieu (-[May 1248/Jun 1249]).

Chapter 3. COMTES de CHARTRES

The early history of the county of Chartres is obscure. Guillaume de Jumièges describes how "le comte Thibaut" [Thibaut [I] Vicomte de Tours, see Chapter 1.B above] bought the town of Chartres from Hasting the Viking[528]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines records that "Hastingo" sold "civitate Carnoto" to "Turonensi comiti Theobaldo" in 904[529], presumably copying from the same source. The accuracy of these two reports is uncertain as it is unclear whether Hasting ever was comte de Chartres. It is also unclear whether Hasting was Viking in origin: Rodulfus Glauber records that "vir...in pago Trecassino ex infimo rusticorum genere Astingus...in vico...Tranquillus" left home and joined "Normannorum gentem"[530]. It is more likely that Thibaut [II], son of Thibaut [I], who had acquired the county of Blois also gained control of the counties of Chartres and Châteaudun in the 960s. Thereafter, the counts of Blois were also counts of Chartres. Government of the county was entrusted to the vicomtes, records of whom are continuous from the early 11th century (see Parts A and B below).

Episcopal influence in the town was of course strong, the bishops being represented in temporal matters by the vidames de Chartres, who are set out in Part C of the present chapter.

A. VICOMTES de CHARTRES, COMTES (later SIRES) de BRETEUIL

1. HILDUIN [Gilduin], son of --- (-St Vanne, Verdun 18 May [1060]). Vicomte de Chartres. He founded the abbey of Coulombs in 1025. "…Gilduini vicecomitis Carnotensi…" subscribed the charter dated [1027/28] under which Robert II King of France confirmed donations to Coulombs[531]. He founded the abbey of Saint-Jean-en-Vallée, Chartres in 1036. Comte de Breteuil. "Gelduinus" donated property by charter dated to [1038/40] which names "propinquo meo…Fulcherio, seniorisque mei Odonis…comitis, coniugis mea…Emelinæ filiorumque meorum Evrardi, Arduini, Hugonis episcopi, Gelduini et Fulcherii Carnotensis propinqui mei", subscribed by "Gelduini vicecomitis, Harduin vicecomitis filius eius, Ebrardi fratris eius, Gualerandi fratris eius…Hervei vicecomitis"[532]. "Gelduinus de Bretulio et filius eius Harduinus vicecomes Carnotensis" donated property by charter dated to [1048/60][533]. "Gelduinus…vicecomes" donated a serf to Marmoutier, for the soul of "meique filii Harduini", with the consent of "domino meo Tetbaldo comite…filio meo Ebrardo", by charter dated to [1046/64] signed by "Ermengarde comitisse, Gerduini vicecomitis, Ebrardi filii eius, Ebrardi filii Ebrardi, Hugonis fratris eius, Adeladis sororis eorum, Guarini Tyrensis filii…Ilberti filii Nivelonis, Fulcherii fratris eius, Girardi fratris eius…Hugonis vicecomitis, Hilgodi filii episcopi…"[534]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "XV Kal Jun" of "Gelduinus ex vicecomite monachus", recording that he donated property at "Ciconiolas" for his soul and that of "filii sui Harduini"[535]. The necrology of Verdun Saint-Vanne records the death "XV Kal Jun" of "domnus Gelduinus pater domni abbatis Waleranni"[536]. m EMMELINE, daughter of ---. "Gelduinus" donated property by charter dated to [1038/40] which names "…coniugis mea…Emelinæ…"[537]. "Gilduinus, vicecomes Carnotinæ urbis, uxorque propria…Emmelina…cum filiis nostris" donated property to "Carnotensi monasterio Sancti Petri" by charter 29 Apr 1046, signed by "Gilduinus vicecomes, Harduinus vicecomes filius eius, Elisabeth uxor eiusdem…"[538]. Hilduin & his wife had [six] children:

a) HARDUIN de Breteuil (-13 or 14 Jun [1050/60]). "Arduini filii Gelduini" subscribed the charter dated to [1032/37] under which "Agnete domini Wanilonis tesaurarii uxore" donated property[539]. "Gelduinus" donated property by charter dated to [1038/40] which names "…filiorumque meorum Evrardi, Arduini, Hugonis episcopi…", subscribed by "Gelduini vicecomitis, Harduin vicecomitis filius eius, Ebrardi fratris eius, Gualerandi fratris eius…"[540]. Vicomte de Chartres 1036/1060. “...Harduini filii Gelduini, Gelduini fratris eius...” subscribed the charter dated 1042 under which “Theobaldus et Stephanus frater meus germanus...comites Franciæ et Ermengardis comitissa mater nostra” donated property to Amiens cathedral[541]. "Gilduinus, vicecomes Carnotinæ urbis, uxorque propria…Emmelina…cum filiis nostris" donated property to "Carnotensi monasterio Sancti Petri" by charter 29 Apr 1046, signed by "Gilduinus vicecomes, Harduinus vicecomes filius eius, Elisabeth uxor eiusdem…"[542]. "Gelduinus de Bretulio et filius eius Harduinus vicecomes Carnotensis" donated property by charter dated to [1048/60][543]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "XVIII Kal Jul" of "Harduinus vicecomes", stating that "pater eius Gilduinus" donated property at "Ciconiolas" for her soul[544]. The necrology of Saint-Père-en-Vallée records the death "Id Jun" of "Harduinus vicecomes Carnotensium"[545]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "XV Kal Jun" of "Gelduinus ex vicecomite monachus", recording that he donated property at "Ciconiolas" for his soul and that of "filii sui Harduini"[546]. "Gelduinus…vicecomes" donated a serf to Marmoutier, for the soul of "meique filii Harduini", with the consent of "domino meo Tetbaldo comite…filio meo Ebrardo", by charter dated to [1046/64][547]. m (before 29 Apr 1046) ELISABETH, daughter of ---. "Gilduinus, vicecomes Carnotinæ urbis, uxorque propria…Emmelina…cum filiis nostris" donated property to "Carnotensi monasterio Sancti Petri" by charter 29 Apr 1046, signed by "Gilduinus vicecomes, Harduinus vicecomes filius eius, Elisabeth uxor eiusdem…"[548].

b) ERARD [I] de Breteuil (-12 Feb [1061/66]). "Gelduinus" donated property by charter dated to [1038/40] which names "…filiorumque meorum Evrardi, Arduini, Hugonis episcopi…", subscribed by "Gelduini vicecomitis, Harduin vicecomitis filius eius, Ebrardi fratris eius, Gualerandi fratris eius…"[549]. Comte de Breteuil 1048. Vicomte de Chartres.

- see below.

c) HUGUES de Breteuil (-Viterbo 16 Mar 1051). "Gelduinus" donated property by charter dated to [1038/40] which names "…filiorumque meorum Evrardi, Arduini, Hugonis episcopi…", subscribed by "Gelduini vicecomitis, Harduin vicecomitis filius eius, Ebrardi fratris eius, Gualerandi fratris eius…"[550]. The Chronicon Hugonis names "Hugo Linguonensis episcopus" as brother of "Walerannus, Gelduini comitis filius", noting that he was later made archbishop of Reims by Pope Leo IX[551]. Cleric at Chartres. Bishop of Langres 1031. Archbishop of Reims. He was deposed in 1046 by the Council of Reims for simony, tyranny and homicide[552].

d) GALERAN de Breteuil (-1063). "Gelduinus" donated property by charter dated to [1038/40] which names "…filiorumque meorum Evrardi, Arduini, Hugonis episcopi…", subscribed by "Gelduini vicecomitis, Harduin vicecomitis filius eius, Ebrardi fratris eius, Gualerandi fratris eius…"[553]. Vicomte de Vexin or Meulan. Monk 1037. The Chronicon Hugonis names "Walerannus, Gelduini comitis filius", recording that he limped after being wounded in the knee during the Bar war and was buried at Verdun in 1046[554]. Abbot of St Vannes, Verdun 1049. Abbot of Montléramé.

e) HILDUIN de Breteuil (-after 1042). “...Harduini filii Gelduini, Gelduini fratris eius...” subscribed the charter dated 1042 under which “Theobaldus et Stephanus frater meus germanus...comites Franciæ et Ermengardis comitissa mater nostra” donated property to Amiens cathedral[555].

f) [--- de Breteuil (-11 Sep 1051). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. Du Chesne states that "Raoul frere de Dreux Comte de Vexin" married “la fille de Gelduin ou Hilduin Comte de Breteuil et de Clermont en Beauvoisin” who brought “la terre de Nanteuil surnommée de là Nanteuil le Hildouin en mémoire du Comte Hilduin son pere” but does not cite the corresponding primary source[556]. Du Chesne does not name her. m RAOUL [II] Comte de Valois, d'Amiens et de Crépy, son of GAUTHIER [II] "le Blanc" Comte de Mantes, de Valois, d'Amiens et de Crépy & his wife Adela --- (-1060).]

The precise relationship between Hilduin, Foucher and Hilduin de Breteuil is not known. Nor is it known whether Hilduin and Foucher were brothers.

1. HILDUIN . "Gelduinus" donated property by charter dated to [1038/40] which names "propinquo meo…Fulcherio…Gelduini et Fulcherii Carnotensis propinqui mei"[557].

2. FOUCHER de Chartres . "Gelduinus" donated property by charter dated to [1038/40] which names "propinquo meo…Fulcherio…Fulcherii Carnotensis propinqui mei"[558].

ERARD [I] de Breteuil, son of HILDUIN Comte de Breteuil Vicomte de Chartres & his wife Emmeline --- (-12 Feb [1061/66]). Robert II King of France confirmed the donation of "Manasses comes" to Chartres Notre-Dame by charter dated 4 Feb 1031, signed by "…Manasses comitis, Hilduini comitis fratris eius, filiorum eius Manassis et Hilduini, Burcardo de Montemorenciaco, Evrardi filii Hilduini de Britoglio, Amalrici de Monteforti, Milonis de Caprosa…"[559]. "Gelduinus" donated property by charter dated to [1038/40] which names "…filiorumque meorum Evrardi, Arduini, Hugonis episcopi…", subscribed by "Gelduini vicecomitis, Harduin vicecomitis filius eius, Ebrardi fratris eius, Gualerandi fratris eius…"[560]. Comte de Breteuil 1048. "Gelduinus…vicecomes" donated a serf to Marmoutier, for the soul of "meique filii Harduini", with the consent of "domino meo Tetbaldo comite…filio meo Ebrardo", by charter dated to [1046/64] signed by "Ermengarde comitisse, Gerduini vicecomitis, Ebrardi filii eius, Ebrardi filii Ebrardi, Hugonis fratris eius, Adeladis sororis eorum, Guarini Tyrensis filii…Ilberti filii Nivelonis, Fulcherii fratris eius, Girardi fratris eius…Hugonis vicecomitis, Hilgodi filii episcopi…"[561]. Vicomte de Chartres. A charter dated to [1050/60] confirms that "frater eius Ebrardus" succeeded on the death of "Harduini vicecomitis Carnotensis", and confirmed his father's and brother's donations[562]. “...Ebrardi vicecomitis Carnotensis...” subscribed the charter dated to [1061/65] under which “Wicherium filium Guicherii de castro Reginaldi” claimed rights in the forest of Blémars[563]. The necrology of Chartres cathedral records the death "II Id Feb" of "Ebrardus vicecomes Gilduini filius", stating that "Ebrardus filius eius et Hugo" donated property for his soul[564].

m HUMBERGE, daughter of ---. "Ebrardus, Carnotensium vicecomes" donated a family of servants to "Carnotensi monasterio Sancti Petri", for the souls of "uxorisque meæ Hunbergæ et filiorum meorum", by undated charter signed by "Ebrardi vicecomitis, Ebrardi filii eius, Hugonis filii eius, Huncbergæ uxoris eius…"[565]. Dion suggests that Humberge brought her husband the châtellenie of Puiset, on the basis that the appanage granted to a younger son frequently formed part of his maternal heritage[566]. An undated charter records that “Hugonem cognomine Bardulfum cum uxore sua Elisabeth” donated “terram in pago Carnotense...Soors” to Coulombs, and that after the death of Elisabeth “nepos eius...Hugo cognomine Blavons” [the son of Humberge] retook the land[567], which suggests that Humbeline may have been the sister of the wife of Hugues “Bardoul” Seigneurs de Broyes (see the document CHAMPAGNE NOBILITY).

Erard [I] & his wife had [seven] children:

1. ERARD [II] de Breteuil (-16 Sep after 1105). "…Gerduini vicecomitis, Ebrardi filii eius, Ebrardi filii Ebrardi, Hugonis fratris eius, Adeladis sororis eorum…" signed the charter dated to [1046/64] under which "Gelduinus…vicecomes" donated a serf to Marmoutier, for the soul of "meique filii Harduini", with the consent of "domino meo Tetbaldo comite…filio meo Ebrardo"[568]. "Ebrardus, Carnotensium vicecomes" donated a family of servants to "Carnotensi monasterio Sancti Petri", for the souls of "uxorisque meæ Hunbergæ et filiorum meorum", by undated charter signed by "Ebrardi vicecomitis, Ebrardi filii eius, Hugonis filii eius, Huncbergæ uxoris eius…"[569]. His parentage is confirmed by the necrology of Chartres cathedral which records the death "II Id Feb" of "Ebrardus vicecomes Gilduini filius", stating that "Ebrardus filius eius et Hugo" donated property for his soul[570]. Comte de Breteuil, resigned 1073. He became a monk in 1077 as shown by the charter of that date under which "Waleranni…possessor in Francia castri…Bretulii" granted property for the love of "germanique mei fratris Ebrardi" who recently became a monk at Saint-Martin de Turenne (Marmoutier)[571]. An undated charter records that “Hugonem cognomine Bardulfum cum uxore sua Elisabeth” donated “terram in pago Carnotense...Soors” to Coulombs, that after the death of Elisabeth “nepos eius...Hugo cognomine Blavons” retook the land, but that “Ebrardus frater eiusdem Hugonis, Majoris-Monasterii monachus” protested, the result being that the names of Hugues “et fratres eius Ebrardus et Galerannus, simulque pater eorum...Evrardus” were written into the necrology of Coulombs[572]. "Ebrardus de Puteolo monachus noster" donated property with "nepotem suum…Ebrardum de Puteolo" by charter dated 1095 which names "Hugonis de Puteolo patris eiusdem nepotis sui…mater eius Adelicia…et Hugo frater ipsius Ebrardi, Gilduinus quoque et Gualerannus fratres ipsorum, Gaufridus Brito cognatus eorum"[573]. He made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1105[574]. m ---. The Historia Conversionis Ebrardi vicecomitis Carnotensis confirms that Erard was married when he became a monk, dated to [1073/77][575]. The name of his wife is not known.

2. ADELAIDE de Breteuil (-1073 or after). "…Gerduini vicecomitis, Ebrardi filii eius, Ebrardi filii Ebrardi, Hugonis fratris eius, Adeladis sororis eorum…" signed the charter dated to [1046/64] under which "Gelduinus…vicecomes" donated a serf to Marmoutier[576]. Nun at Marmoutiers [1039/42]/1073.

3. VALERAN [I] de Breteuil (-after 25 Feb 1084). His parentage is confirmed by the charter dated 1077 under which "Waleranni…possessor in Francia castri…Bretulii" granted property for the love of "germanique mei fratris Ebrardi" who recently became a monk at Saint-Martin de Turenne, witnessed by "Ursione viadomino Belvacensi et possessore Girbereici castri, Elia cognato eius"[577]. Sire de Breteuil. Co-seigneur de Creil.

- see below.

4. HUGUES [I] "Blavons" de Breteuil (-23 Dec, 1096 or after). "…Gerduini vicecomitis, Ebrardi filii eius, Ebrardi filii Ebrardi, Hugonis fratris eius, Adeladis sororis eorum…" signed the charter dated to [1046/64] under which "Gelduinus…vicecomes" donated a serf to Marmoutier[578]. His parentage is confirmed by the necrology of Chartres cathedral which records the death "II Id Feb" of "Ebrardus vicecomes Gilduini filius", stating that "Ebrardus filius eius et Hugo" donated property for his soul[579]. Châtelain du Puiset 1067. Vicomte de Chartres 1073.

- VICOMTES de CHARTRES.

5. ROBERT de Breteuil (-5 Nov 1077). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Abbot of Notre-Dame de Breteuil 1066. Gallia Christiana records that “Robertus filius Evrardi tertiogeniti Gilduini comitis et fundatoris” was appointed abbot of Breteuil in 1066 and died “calend. Nov 1077” but cites no primary source[580].

6. ADELAIS de Breteuil . Orderic Vitalis names Adelais, daughter of Everard du Puiset, as second wife of Roger de Montgommery and says that she was "remarkable for her gentleness and piety"[581]. m (after 1082) as his second wife, ROGER [II] de Montgommery Earl of Shrewsbury Baron de Bellême, son of ROGER [I] Seigneur de Montgommery and Vicomte de l'Hiémois & his wife Josceline --- (-Shrewsbury 27 Jul 1094, bur Shrewsbury Abbey).

7. [EREMBURGE . Dion suggests that “il est fort probable qu’Ebrard fut aussi père de la femme de Rudalen seigneur de Dol en Bretagne”, presumably basing his hypothesis on the couple naming one of their sons Gilduin although this is not stated explicitly[582]. "Guillaume fils de Rivallon" restored property to Mont-Saint-Michel, with the consent of "sa mère Heremburge et de ses frères Jean et Gelduin" by charter dated [1060][583]. m RIVALLON [II] Seigneur de Dol, son of HAMO [I] Vicomte de Dinan & his wife Roiantelina --- (-after [1064/65]).]

VALERAN [I] de Breteuil, son of ERARD [I] Comte de Breteuil, Vicomte de Chartres & his wife Humberge --- (-after 25 Feb 1084). Sire de Breteuil. Co-seigneur de Creil. His parentage is confirmed by the charter dated 1077 under which "Waleranni…possessor in Francia castri…Bretulii" granted property for the love of "germanique mei fratris Ebrardi" who recently became a monk at Saint-Martin de Turenne, witnessed by "Ursione vicedomino Belvacensi et possessore Girbereici castri, Elia cognato eius…"[584].

m ---. The name of Valéran's wife is not known.

Valeran [I] & his wife had three children:

1. VALERAN [II] de Breteuil (-after 1124). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Sire de Breteuil. "Galéran de Breteuil, Ivette son épouse et Eberard leur fils" consented to the donation by Robert de Membroles to the abbey of Josaphat-lès-Chartres, confirmed by Louis VI King of France by charter dated 1124[585]. m JUDITH [Ivette], daughter of ---. “Nobilis femina Judidta” donated “terram...Limaurion” to the monastery of Notre-Dame de Josaphat by charter dated 1123, which names “Ebrardum Judidte ex Galeranno de Britullio filium”[586]. Henry I King of England confirmed the foundation of Conches by "Rogerius senior de Toenio et filius eius Radulphus senex et Radulphus juvenis filius prædicti Radulphi senis et Rogerius filius Radulphi juvenis", quoting the donation by "Ebrardus Britholensium dominus" with the consent of "Ineta matre mea", dated to [1130][587]. Valéran [II] & his wife had three children:

a) ERARD [III] de Breteuil (-killed in battle Laodicea 1147). “Nobilis femina Judidta” donated “terram...Limaurion” to the monastery of Notre-Dame de Josaphat by charter dated 1123, which names “Ebrardum Judidte ex Galeranno de Britullio filium”[588]. Comte de Breteuil.

- see below.

b) SINEGONDE de Breteuil (-[1113]). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. m (before 1113) PIERRE de Châteauneuf, son of ---.

c) EMMELINE de Breteuil . The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified. 1113.

2. GAUTHIER de Breteuil (-killed in battle Nikaia [1097]). Albert of Aix records that the crusaders arrived at "urbem Nizh" and requested supplies from "ducem Nichitam principem Bulgarorum" who was then in the town, and were obliged to give him as hostages "Walterus filius Waleramni de Bretul castello…juxta Belvatium et Godefridus Burel de Stampis", who were returned safely after the crusading army passed on[589]. Albert of Aix records that "Petrus, Reinoldus de Breis, Walterus filius Waleramni de Bretoil, Godefridus Burel, Folcherus Aureliensis" regrouped with 500 men on a mountain after the crusaders were attacked by "ducem Nichitam principem Bulgarorum" outside "urbem Nizh" before proceeding on their way[590]. Albert of Aix records that "Reinoldum de Breis, Walterum Senzavohir, Walterum quoque de Bretol et Folkerum Aureliensem", leaders of the army of Pierre l´Hermite, refused to counter-attack the Turks after the crusading army was first defeated at Nikaia and were declared cowardly by "Godefridus…Burel" leader of the foot soldiers, which spurred them into action, but that "Walterus Senzavohir…Reinoldus de Breis, Folerus Carnotensis" were killed in the ensuing battle[591].

3. THIBAUT de Breteuil "le chevalier blanc" (-killed in battle [1090]). Orderic Vitalis records that "Tedbaldus, Gualeranni de Britolio filius […candidus eques], et Guido Rubicundus" were killed in battle in Normandy, dated to 1090 from the context[592].

ERARD [III] de Breteuil, son of VALERAN [II] Sire de Breteuil & his wife Ivette [Judith] --- (-killed in battle Laodicea 19 Jan 1148). “Nobilis femina Judidta” donated “terram...Limaurion” to the monastery of Notre-Dame de Josaphat by charter dated 1123, which names “Ebrardum Judidte ex Galeranno de Britullio filium”[593]. Comte de Breteuil. Henry I King of England confirmed the foundation of Conches by "Rogerius senior de Toenio et filius eius Radulphus senex et Radulphus juvenis filius prædicti Radulphi senis et Rogerius filius Radulphi juvenis", quoting the donation by "Ebrardus Britholensium dominus" with the consent of "Ineta matre mea", dated to [1130][594]. “Miles Evrardus Britulensium dominus et filii eius Walerannus, Evrardus...avocaturam et vicecomitatum” donated property “in villa et in terra de Tilleto” to Lannoy abbey by charter dated to [1136][595]. Odon Bishop of Beauvais confirmed donations to Lannoy, including the donation of property “in villa et in terra Teoleti” made by “Everardus Britolii dominus et filii eius Walerannus, Everardus et Hugo”, by charter dated 1140[596]. The History of Louis VII King of France names "…Evrardus de Britolio…" among those who accompanied King Louis VII on crusade in 1147[597]. William of Tyre records "comes Guarenna...Galcherius de Montiay, Evrardus de Bretol, Berus de Magnac…" among those killed in battle at Laodicea, in early 1148 (N.S.)[598].

m firstly (repudiated 1130) BEATRIX de Coucy, daughter of THOMAS Comte d´Amiens, Seigneur de Coucy & his first wife Ida de Hainaut (-after 1156). The Annales Lobienses refer to the two daughters of "Thomam de Marla" & his wife, specifying that one (unnamed, mentioned second) married "Evrardus de Bretullie" by whom she was mother of "Evrardum et Gualerannum cum aliis"[599]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines refers to the other of the two daughters of "Thomam de Cocy" as the husband was "Everardus de Bretulio"[600]. The primary source which names her has not yet been identified.

m secondly IVETTE, daughter of --- (-before 1147). "Ebrard seigneur de Breteuil et Ivette son épouse" donated the church of Hacqueville to the abbey of Conches by charter dated to [1129/64][601].

Erard [III] & his first wife had four children:

1. VALERAN [III] de Breteuil (-[1162]). “Miles Evrardus Britulensium dominus et filii eius Walerannus, Evrardus...avocaturam et vicecomitatum” donated property “in villa et in terra de Tilleto” to Lannoy abbey by charter dated to [1136][602]. Odon Bishop of Beauvais confirmed donations to Lannoy, including the donation of property “in villa et in terra Teoleti” made by “Everardus Britolii dominus et filii eius Walerannus, Everardus et Hugo”, by charter dated 1140[603]. Sire de Breteuil. m firstly HILDEBURGE Dame d'Ailly-sur-Noye et de Tartigny, daughter of --- [Seigneur d´Ailly-sur-Noye] & his wife Beatrix de Bulles (-after 24 Jun 1156). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. Her relationship with the family of the seigneurs de Bulles is indicated by the charter dated Jul 1223 under which [her third daughter] “Amicia domina Britulii” confirmed the donation made by “dominus Manasserus de Bullis avunculus meus, de Albo Fossato dominus, ad ultimum vite sue”, adding that she was “in hereditate dicti Manasseri, avunculi mei, jure hereditario”[604]. This charter shows that Amice could not have been the daughter of his father´s marriage to Alix de Dreux (despite what is stated in the Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines, see below). m secondly ([1160]) as her first husband, ALIX de Dreux, daughter of ROBERT [I] Seigneur de Dreux et du Perche [Capet] & his first wife Hawise de Salisbury ([1145/46]-[Jan 1205/Mar 1210], bur église collégiale de Dreux). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Alaydam" as the daughter of "comitem de Brana Robertum domnum" & his first wife, naming her first husband "Gallerano de Bertuilh", her second husband "Guidone de Castellone", her third husband "Iohanne castellano Noviomensi" and her fourth husband "comite Suessionensi"[605]. She married secondly (1161) Guy [II] Seigneur de Châtillon-sur-Marne, thirdly Jean de Thourotte châtelain de Noyon, and fourthly (1182 or before) as his first wife, Raoul de Nesle Comte de Soissons. Valéran [III] & his first wife had three children:

a) ALIX de Breteuil (-after [1195/97], bur Variville). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "comitissam Clarimontis Belvacensis et uxorem Symonis Clarimontis et Emiciam" as the three daughters of "Alaydis [filia comitem de Brana Robertum domnum]" & her first husband[606], although it appears chronologically impossible for Alix, wife of Raoul Comte de Clermont, to have been the daughter of Valeran [III] by his second wife. Dame de Breteuil. "Adelidis uxor …" consented to the donation by "Radulfus…comes Clarimontis" to the abbey of Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp by charter dated 1162[607]. "R…comes Clarimontis et dominus Brituliensis…et Aeliz comitissam uxorem meam" confirmed the donation to the church of Breteuil by "Sangalo de Garda Malgerii, Henricus filius eius" by undated charter, witnessed by "Albericus Domni Martini comes et Mahaux soror mea, Domni Martini comitissa, Rainaldus castellanus Britulii…"[608]. "Radulphus…comes Clarimontis" donated harvest from property "apid Credulium" to Paris Hôtel-Dieu, with the consent of "uxore mea comitissa Aaliz et filiabus meis…Catalina et Aaliz", by charter dated 1177[609]. "Adelidis uxoris mee…" consented to two donations by "Radulfus comes Claromonensis" to the abbey of Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp by charters dated 1178[610]. "Uxore mea Aelis…" consented to the donation by "Radulfus comes Clarimontis" to the abbey of Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp by charter dated 1182[611]. "Aelidis comitissa Claromontis et domina Britulli" confirmed the donation to the church of Breteuil by "Hugo de Garda" by charter dated 1194, witnessed by "Radulphus de Ailli nepos meus…Manasses de Conti…" and confirmed another donation by "Hugo de Crepicordio frater patris mei Galeranni" for the soul of "Petronille filie sue" and confirmed after his death by "Heverardus eius filius successor et heres"[612]. m ([1153/55]) RAOUL "le Roux" Comte de Clermont, son of RENAUD Comte de Clermont-en-Beauvaisis & his [second wife Clémence de Bar] (-killed in battle Acre 15 Oct 1191). Seigneur de Breteuil 1163. Connétable de France.

b) MATHILDE de Breteuil (-14 Mar 1208). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "comitissam Clarimontis Belvacensis et uxorem Symonis Clarimontis et Emiciam" as the three daughters of "Alaydis [filia comitem de Brana Robertum domnum]" & her first husband[613], although it appears chronologically unlikely for Mathilde, wife of Simon de Clermont, to have been the daughter of Valeran [III] by his second wife. The primary source which confirms her name has not yet been identified. m SIMON de Clermont Seigneur de'Ailly-sur-Noye, son of RENAUD Comte de Clermont-en-Beauvaisis & his second wife Clémence de Bar. 1162/1187.

c) AMICIE de Breteuil ([1158/59]-[Sep/Oct] 1226). The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "comitissam Clarimontis Belvacensis et uxorem Symonis Clarimontis et Emiciam" as the three daughters of "Alaydis [filia comitem de Brana Robertum domnum]" & her first husband[614]. The source quoted below, which names “dominus Manasserus de Bullis” as uncle of “Amicia domina Britulii” demonstrates that Amice must have been her father´s daughter by his first marriage. "Gaucherus de Castellione dominus de Mongai" confirmed a donation to Saint-Denis by “sororio meo Balduino de Donion et...sorori meæ Amiciæ” by charter dated Mar 1201[615]. "Balduinus de Dongione et...Amicia uxor eius" donated property “quod dominus Gaucherius de Castillione feodum” to Saint-Denis by charter dated Mar 1201[616]. The primary sources which confirm her second and third marriages has not yet been identified. Dame de Catheux. Dame de Breteuil 1218. “Amicia domina Britulii” confirmed the donation made by “dominus Manasserus de Bullis avunculus meus, de Albo Fossato dominus, ad ultimum vite sue”, adding that she was “in hereditate dicti Manasseri, avunculi mei, jure hereditario”, by charter dated Jul 1223[617]. m firstly ([1180]) BAUDOUIN du Donjon, son of --- (-[22 Jan 1205/06]). m secondly JEAN Briard Seigneur de Villiers, son of --- (-before May 1220). m thirdly (before Aug 1225) GAUTHIER de Reynel, son of --- (-killed in battle [Aug 1225/Aug 1226). He was killed fighting the Albigensians.

2. ERARD de Breteuil . “Miles Evrardus Britulensium dominus et filii eius Walerannus, Evrardus...avocaturam et vicecomitatum” donated property “in villa et in terra de Tilleto” to Lannoy abbey by charter dated to [1136][618]. Odon Bishop of Beauvais confirmed donations to Lannoy, including the donation of property “in villa et in terra Teoleti” made by “Everardus Britolii dominus et filii eius Walerannus, Everardus et Hugo”, by charter dated 1140[619]. 1168. m REMBURGE, daughter of ROGER Ferat & his wife ---. The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. 1168. Erard & his wife had one child:

a) GAUTHIER de Breteuil . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. 1168.

3. HUGUES de Breteuil (-[28] Mar 1184, bur Abbaye de Breteuil). Odon Bishop of Beauvais confirmed donations to Lannoy, including the donation of property “in villa et in terra Teoleti” made by “Everardus Britolii dominus et filii eius Walerannus, Everardus et Hugo”, by charter dated 1140[620]. "Aelidis comitissa Claromontis et domina Britulli" confirmed the donation to the church of Breteuil by "Hugo de Crepicordio frater patris mei Galeranni" for the soul of "Petronille filie sue" and confirmed after his death by "Heverardus eius filius successor et heres" by charter dated 1194[621]. Seigneur de Crèvecœur. Châtelain de Breteuil. m (before 1159) ADA de Gerberoy, daughter of HELIE Vidame de Gerberoy & his wife ---. The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. 1157/68. Hugues & his wife had six children:

a) ERARD de Breteuil . "Aelidis comitissa Claromontis et domina Britulli" confirmed the donation to the church of Breteuil by "Hugo de Crepicordio frater patris mei Galeranni" for the soul of "Petronille filie sue" and confirmed after his death by "Heverardus eius filius successor et heres" by charter dated 1194[622].

b) ENGEURRAND de Breteuil . 1168.

c) MATHILDE de Breteuil . 1168.

d) PETRONILLE de Breteuil . "Aelidis comitissa Claromontis et domina Britulli" confirmed the donation to the church of Breteuil by "Hugo de Crepicordio frater patris mei Galeranni" for the soul of "Petronille filie sue" and confirmed after his death by "Heverardus eius filius successor et heres" by charter dated 1194[623].

e) SARA de Breteuil . Nun at Variville 1179.

f) ADELA de Breteuil . m ARNOUL de Collencourt, son of ---.

4. ENGUERRAND de Breteuil . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. 1139.

- CHÂTELAINS de BRETEUIL[624].

Erard [III] & his second wife had three children:

5. MANASSES de Breteuil dit de Bulles (-before Jul 1223). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Seigneur de Bulles et de Blancfosse. m ---. The name of Manassès's wife is not known. Manassès & his wife had two children:

a) ASCELIN de Breteuil (-before 1223).

b) HENRI de Breteuil (-before 1223).

6. ERMENGARDE de Breteuil (-after 1193). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. She founded the abbey of Froidmont. m --- (-after 1193).

7. [JEAN de Breteuil . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Canon and Chancellor of the archbishop of Reims 1174.]

B. VICOMTES de CHARTRES

HUGUES [I] "Blavons" de Breteuil, son of ERARD [I] Comte de Breteuil, Vicomte de Chartres & his wife Humberge --- (-23 Dec, 1096 or after). "…Gerduini vicecomitis, Ebrardi filii eius, Ebrardi filii Ebrardi, Hugonis fratris eius, Adeladis sororis eorum…" signed the charter dated to [1046/64] under which "Gelduinus…vicecomes" donated a serf to Marmoutier[625]. "Ebrardus, Carnotensium vicecomes" donated a family of servants to "Carnotensi monasterio Sancti Petri", for the souls of "uxorisque meæ Hunbergæ et filiorum meorum", by undated charter signed by "Ebrardi vicecomitis, Ebrardi filii eius, Hugonis filii eius, Huncbergæ uxoris eius…"[626]. His parentage is confirmed by the necrology of Chartres cathedral which records the death "II Id Feb" of "Ebrardus vicecomes Gilduini filius", stating that "Ebrardus filius eius et Hugo" donated property for his soul[627]. Châtelain du Puiset 1067. Vicomte de Chartres 1073. An undated charter records that “Hugonem cognomine Bardulfum cum uxore sua Elisabeth” donated “terram in pago Carnotense...Soors” to Coulombs, that after the death of Elisabeth “nepos eius...Hugo cognomine Blavons” retook the land, but that “Ebrardus frater eiusdem Hugonis, Majoris-Monasterii monachus” protested, the result being that the names of Hugues “et fratres eius Ebrardus et Galerannus, simulque pater eorum...Evrardus” were written into the necrology of Coulombs[628]. The donation of property to "sancti Petro" by "Hugo vicecomes" is recorded in a charter dated 1096, subscribed by "Adelidis uxor vicecomitis, filii eorum, Ebrardus, Hugo, Guiddo et filia Unberga"[629].

m ALIX de Montlhéry, daughter of GUY [I] Sire de Montlhéry & his wife Hodierne dame de Gometz et de la Ferté-Alais (-after 1097). The donation of property to "sancti Petro" by "Hugo vicecomes" is recorded in a charter dated 1096, subscribed by "Adelidis uxor vicecomitis, filii eorum, Ebrardus, Hugo, Guiddo et filia Unberga"[630]. The Historia of Monk Aimon names "Milonem de Brayo et Guidonem Rubeum, Comitissam quoque Reiteste, et Bonam-vecinam de Pontibus, Elizabeth etiam uxorem Joscelini de Corteciniaco, insuper dominam de Puisat, et dominam de S. Galerico" as the children of "Guidonem" and his wife[631]. Dame de Villepreux. "…Mater eius Adelicia…" are named in the charter dated 1095 under which "Ebrardus de Puteolo monachus noster" donated property with "nepotem suum…Ebrardum de Puteolo"[632]. The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified.

Hugues [I] & his wife had [nine] children:

1. GUILLAUME du Puiset . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. 1077.

2. ERARD [III] du Puiset (-Palestine 21 Aug [1099]). The donation of property to "sancti Petro" by "Hugo vicecomes" is recorded in a charter dated 1096, subscribed by "Adelidis uxor vicecomitis, filii eorum, Ebrardus, Hugo, Guiddo et filia Unberga"[633]. His parentage is confirmed by the charter dated 1095 under which "Ebrardus de Puteolo monachus noster" donated property with "nepotem suum…Ebrardum de Puteolo" which names "Hugonis de Puteolo patris eiusdem nepotis sui…"[634]. William of Tyre names Evrard du Puiset among those who left on the First Crusade in 1096 with Robert Count of Flanders[635]. Albert of Aix records that "Rotgerus de Barnevilla, Everhardus de Poisat militibus" accompanied Robert Duke of Normandy to the river Farfar, dated to late 1098 from the context[636]. "Hugo de Puteacio" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs for the souls of "patris mei domni Hugonis et Ebrardi fratris mei" by charter dated to [1102/06][637]. Seigneur du Puiset. Vicomte de Chartres. m ADELAIDE de Corbeil, daughter of BOUCHARD [II] Comte de Corbeil & his wife Isabelle de Ramerupt (-[after 1126]). "Hugo de Puteolo…mater mea domina Aleidis" donated property to the abbey of Marcigny-sur-Loire by charter dated to [1108/1116] which specifies that she was a nun at Marcigny[638]. The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified. "Gozellus comes Edessanus" confirmed a donation to the church of St. Marie, Josaphat, with the consent of "filii sui abbatis dicti monasterio Gilduino", of "terram Kyaria" by "dominus Galeran comitissæ de Corboil" by charter dated [Jan/Aug] 1126[639], although the garbled description of the donors makes their definite identification difficult. Erard [III] & his wife had two children:

a) GILDUIN du Puiset . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. 1095.

b) HUGUES [III] du Puiset (-Palestine 1132). "Hugo filius Ebrardi de Puteolo" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs with the consent of "patrui eius fratres patris eius…Hugo et Wido, Walerannus et Rodulfus" by charter dated 1109[640]. "Hugo de Puteolo…mater mea domina Aleidis" donated property to the abbey of Marcigny-sur-Loire by charter dated to [1108/1116] which specifies that she was a nun at Marcigny[641]. Seigneur du Puiset 1106. Vicomte de Chartres. Comte de Corbeil. m (before 1104) AGNES de Blois, daughter of ETIENNE Comte de Blois et de Chartres & his wife Adela of England. "Hugo Puteacensis vicecomes" donated property to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité de Tiron by charter dated 1129 witnessed by "uxore eius Agnete et filiis…Evrardo, Bucardo filiorum vicecomitis"[642], although the origin of Agnes is not stated. Agnes is shown by Weir[643] as the second daughter of Comte Etienne III, and wife of Hugues [III] du Puiset, but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified. "Hugo Carnotensis vicedominus…et Agnes uxor eius" donated property by charter dated to [1100/04][644]. "Hugo vicecomes…et uxorem suam Agnetam, et filios Ebrardum atque Burchardum" donated property to Chartres Saint-Père by charter dated to [1101/29], with the consent of "comite Theobaldo"[645]. Hugues [III] & his wife had three children:

i) ERARD [IV] du Puiset (-1190 or after). "Hugo vicecomes…et uxorem suam Agnetam, et filios Ebrardum atque Burchardum" donated property to Chartres Saint-Père by charter dated to [1101/29], with the consent of "comite Theobaldo"[646]. Seigneur du Puiset. Vicomte de Chartres.

- see below.

ii) BOUCHARD du Puiset (-[1186]). "Hugo Puteacensis vicecomes" donated property to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité de Tiron by charter dated 1129 witnessed by "uxore eius Agnete et filiis…Evrardo, Bucardo filiorum vicecomitis"[647]. "Hugo vicecomes…et uxorem suam Agnetam, et filios Ebrardum atque Burchardum" donated property to Chartres Saint-Père by charter dated to [1101/29], with the consent of "comite Theobaldo"[648]. Archdeacon at Orléans 1128/86. Chancellor of the bishop of Chartres 1176/86. Bouchard had one illegitimate child by an unknown mistress:

(a) HENRI du Puiset . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. 1178.

iii) HUGUES du Puiset (-3 Mar 1195). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Bishop of Durham 1153. He was sold Northumberland in 1189 by Richard I King of England to finance his participation in the Third Crusade. Mistress (1): ADELISA de Percy, wife of RICHARD de Moreville, illegitimate daughter of WILLIAM [II] de Percy & his mistress ---. Bishop Hugues had [three] illegitimate children by Mistress (1):

(a) HENRI du Puiset (-in England [1210/11]). “Hugo…Dunelmensis episcopus” granted property to “filio nostro Henrico de Puteaco” by charter dated to [1189/95][649]. “Henricus de Putheaco” donated property to Sawley abbey, for the soul of “Adelidis de Perci matris meæ et Dionisiæ sponsæ meæ…Willielmi de Perci”, by undated charter[650]. “Willielmus de Percy, filius Rodbert de Perci” donated property to Nostell Priory by undated charter which names “Picotus avus meus”, witnessed by “Henrico de Pusat…”[651]. He joined the Fourth Crusade in 1201. The Testa de Nevill lists knights who held land in Durham, dated to [1208/10]: "Henricus de Putiaco" held "ereditario de…baronia in Dicton et in Osmunderleia feodum i militis"[652]. The Red Book of the Exchequer records "Henricus de Puteaco" holding one knight´s fee "de Wigtone" in Yorkshire in [1210/12][653]. m (1182) as her second husband, DENISE de Tilly, widow of HENRY de Newmarch [Neufmarché], daughter of OTES de Tilly & his wife Mabel FitzRaven (-after 1211). “Henricus de Putheaco” donated property to Sawley abbey, for the soul of “Adelidis de Perci matris meæ et Dionisiæ sponsæ meæ…Willielmi de Perci”, by undated charter[654]. Her parentage and first marriage are confirmed by a claim dated 1225, noted by Bracton, by her son "Adam de Novo Mercato" against "Willelmum comitem Warenne et priorem de Lewes" for "ecclesiam de Hethfeldia…advocacionem", the defendant claiming that "Mabilie de Tylle…avia ipsius Ade" gave the advocacy to him, while the plaintiff claimed that "Mabilia…[et] Odonis de Tylli viri sui" gave "manerium de Hethfeldia" to "Henrico de Novo Mercato patri suo in maritagium cum filia eorum", and recording that "Willelmus filius Raneue antecessor predicti Ade" had "filiam Mabiliam predictam" who had "filiam Dionisiam…mater Ade" and that "Willelmus…avus Dionisie" gave the land "in maritagium cum ipsa Mabilia Odoni viri suo" who gave it on the marriage of their daughter Denise[655].

(b) HUGUES du Puiset (-1194 or after). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Chancellor of the king of France 1179/1180.

(c) [MARGARET (-after [1195/1215]). “Margareta filia Hugonis de Puteac” granted property “in parochia Sancti Dionisii” to “Nicholao Leverun” by charter dated to [1195/1215][656]. No indication has yet been found that Margaret´s father may have been the Bishop of Durham, but this would not be chronologically impossible.]

3. HUGUES du Puiset (-[1118]). The donation of property to "sancti Petro" by "Hugo vicecomes" is recorded in a charter dated 1096, subscribed by "Adelidis uxor vicecomitis, filii eorum, Ebrardus, Hugo, Guiddo et filia Unberga"[657]. "…Hugo frater ipsius Ebrardi, Gilduinus quoque et Gualerannus fratres ipsorum…" are named in the charter dated 1095 under which "Ebrardus de Puteolo monachus noster" donated property with "nepotem suum…Ebrardum de Puteolo"[658]. "Hugo de Puteacio" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs for the souls of "patris mei domni Hugonis et Ebrardi fratris mei" with the consent of "fratrum meorum Waleranni et Rodulfi" by charter dated [1102/06][659]. "Patrui eius fratres patris eius…Hugo et Wido, Walerannus et Rodulfus" consented to the donation by "Hugo filius Ebrardi de Puteolo" to the abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs by charter dated 1109[660]. Guardian of his nephew Hugues III du Puiset 1097-1106. He arrived in the kingdom of Jerusalem after 1106 and acquired land in Jaffa. Jaffa was elevated to the status of a lordship in 1118 by Baudouin II King of Jerusalem, and he was installed as Lord of Jaffa. Jaffa was the second most important port of the kingdom and the usual place of arrival of pilgrims.

- LORDS of JAFFA.

4. GUY du Puiset (-1127 or after). The donation of property to "sancti Petro" by "Hugo vicecomes" is recorded in a charter dated 1096, subscribed by "Adelidis uxor vicecomitis, filii eorum, Ebrardus, Hugo, Guiddo et filia Unberga"[661]. "Patrui eius fratres patris eius…Hugo et Wido, Walerannus et Rodulfus" consented to the donation by "Hugo filius Ebrardi de Puteolo" to the abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs by charter dated 1109[662]. Canon at Chartres 1100/06. Seigneur de Méréville. Vicomte d'Etampes 1108/27. The Chronicon Mauriacensi records that "Guido etiam vicecomes Stampensium…magni Hugonis domini Puteoli…filius" donated property to Maurigny, undated[663]. m LETICIE d'Etampes, daughter of MARC Vicomte d'Etampes [Milly-en-Gâtinais] & his wife ---. The Chronicon Mauriacensi records that "Guido etiam vicecomes Stampensium…magni Hugonis domini Puteoli…filius" married "Marchi Stampensium vicecomitis filiam"[664]. The primary source which confirms her name has not yet been identified. Dame de Méréville.

- SEIGNEURS de MEREVILLE, de VILLEPREUX et de LA FERTE-ERNAUD[665].

5. HUMBERGE du Puiset . The donation of property to "sancti Petro" by "Hugo vicecomes" is recorded in a charter dated 1096, subscribed by "Adelidis uxor vicecomitis, filii eorum, Ebrardus, Hugo, Guiddo et filia Unberga"[666]. As her three brothers Gilduin, Waleran and Raoul are not named in this charter, it is likely that Humberge was older than them. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified. m GALON [II] Vicomte de Chaumont, son of EUDES [Odo] de Beaumont-sur-Oise Vicomte de Chaumont-en-Vexin & his wife --- (-after 1 Jul 1097).

6. GILDUIN du Puiset (-[1130/35]). "…Hugo frater ipsius Ebrardi, Gilduinus quoque et Gualerannus fratres ipsorum…" are named in the charter dated 1095 under which "Ebrardus de Puteolo monachus noster" donated property with "nepotem suum…Ebrardum de Puteolo"[667]. Monk at St Martin-des-Champs 1108. Prior at Lurey-le-Bourg 1126. Abbot of Notre-Dame-du-Val at Josaphat 1129/30.

7. GALERAN du Puiset (-in prison [1123/26]). "…Hugo frater ipsius Ebrardi, Gilduinus quoque et Gualerannus fratres ipsorum…" are named in the charter dated 1095 under which "Ebrardus de Puteolo monachus noster" donated property with "nepotem suum…Ebrardum de Puteolo"[668]. "Galerannus filius Hugonis de Puteolo" donated serfs which "mater eius Adaleidis" had to Notre-Dame de Longpont by charter dated 30 Sep [1100][669]. "Fratrum meorum Waleranni et Rodulfi" consented to the donation by "Hugo de Puteacio" to the abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs for the souls of "patris mei domni Hugonis et Ebrardi fratris mei" by charter dated [1102/06][670]. "Patrui eius fratres patris eius…Hugo et Wido, Walerannus et Rodulfus" consented to the donation by "Hugo filius Ebrardi de Puteolo" to the abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs by charter dated 1109[671]. Baudouin II Count of Edessa gave him Birejik in 1116 after capturing it from Abu'lgharib, whose daughter Waléran married[672]. Bar Hebræus records that in A.H. 515 (1121/22) "Balec fils de Behram et petit-fils d'Ortok" captured "Josselin et Keliam, fils de la tante maternelle de Josselin", refused to accept payment of a ransom, and imprisoned them "dans le château de Khartbert"[673]. "Gozellus comes Edessanus" confirmed a donation to the church of St. Marie, Josaphat, with the consent of "filii sui abbatis dicti monasterio Gilduino", of "terram Kyaria" by "dominus Galeran comitissæ de Corboil" by charter dated [Jan/Aug] 1126[674], although the garbled description of the donors makes their definite identification difficult. m ([1116]) --- of Birejk, daughter of ABELGHARIB Lord of Birejk. Runciman states that Waleran married the daughter of Abu'lgharib after capturing Birejik in 1116[675], but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified.

8. RAOUL du Puiset . "Fratrum meorum Waleranni et Rodulfi" consented to the donation by "Hugo de Puteacio" to the abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs for the souls of "patris mei domni Hugonis et Ebrardi fratris mei" by charter dated [1102/06][676]. "Patrui eius fratres patris eius…Hugo et Wido, Walerannus et Rodulfus" consented to the donation by "Hugo filius Ebrardi de Puteolo" to the abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs by charter dated 1109[677].

9. ODELINE du Puiset (-before 2 Nov 1107). Her parentage and marriage are confirmed by an undated charter under which “Ebrardus de Puteolo, filius Hugonis, cujus sororem Gallinus de Leugis duxit uxorem” donated trade freedoms “de Soors” to Coulombs[678]. "Gauslinus filius G. Divitis et uxor eius Odelina, Albertus filius H. vicedomini, Ada mater eius" donated "apud Rodanivillam medietatem æcclesiæ Sti Georgis" to Saint-Martin-des-Champs by charter dated to 1079[679]. "Goislenus de Leugis...et uxor eius...Odelina, materque eius Ada et filius eius Hugo" donated "tota terra Roenville" to Saint-Martin-des-Champs by charter to [1081/82][680]. m GAUCELIN [IV] Seigneur de Lèves, son of GAUCELIN [III] Seigneur de Lèves & his wife Ada --- (-before 2 Nov 1107).

ERARD [IV] du Puiset, son of HUGUES [III] Seigneur du Puiset, Vicomte de Chartres, Comte de Corbeil & his wife Agnes de Blois (-1190 or after). "Hugo Puteacensis vicecomes" donated property to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité de Tiron by charter dated 1129 witnessed by "uxore eius Agnete et filiis…Evrardo, Bucardo filiorum vicecomitis"[681]. "Hugo vicecomes…et uxorem suam Agnetam, et filios Ebrardum atque Burchardum" donated property to Chartres Saint-Père by charter dated to [1101/29], with the consent of "comite Theobaldo"[682]. Seigneur du Puiset. Vicomte de Chartres. "Ebrardi de Pusiaco" is recorded as present in a charter dated to [1190] under which "Reginaldus Gonele" donated property to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun, witnessed by "Maria uxor Ebrardi"[683].

m [firstly] HELOISE, daughter of ---. The primary source which confirms her origin and marriage has not yet been identified. 1148/50.

[m secondly MARIE, daughter of ---. "Maria uxor Ebrardi" witnessed a charter dated to [1190] under which "Reginaldus Gonele" donated property to Hôtel-Dieu, Châteaudun in the presence of "Ebrardi de Pusiaco"[684]. This is the only reference so far found to Erard having a wife named Marie, assuming that the document refers to Erard [IV] du Puiset which seems probable.]

Erard [IV] & his [first] wife had four children:

1. HUGUES [IV] du Puiset (-Ardech, England Nov 1189, bur Durham). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Seigneur du Puiset. Vicomte de Chartres. Comte de Bar-sur-Seine, de iure uxoris.

- COMTES de BAR-sur-SEINE.

2. HENRI du Puiset . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. 1139/90. "Hugo Castriduni vicecomes" sold "terram nemoris Vindocinensis…inter Romilliacum et Calviniacum" to Marmoutier, with the consent of "Johanna vicecomitissa uxor mea et Gaufredus filius noster", by charter dated to [1175/84], witnessed by "…Henricus de Puisat…"[685].

3. GALERAN du Puiset . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. 1148/50.

4. BOUCHARD du Puiset (-before 1196). 1189. Archdeacon of Orléans. Archdeacon at Durham. A charter of Eudes Bishop of Paris dated 1196 records a judgment to settle a dispute concerning the inheritance of "Buchardus Aurelianensis archidiaconus…consanguineus noster" and names "consanguineo nostro H[ugone] quondam episcopo Dunelm patruo suo" and "comes Barri et de Puteaco dominus, dicti Buchardi nepos"[686].

C. VIDAMES de CHARTRES

It is difficult to assess the precise area of responsibility of the vidame with respect to the bishopric of Chartres. The name of the vidame appears in subscriber lists of some, but not all, charters issued by the bishop, other ecclesiastical dignitaries, and lay persons including members of the comital family. The charters in question cover the whole range of activities which are typically recorded in charters during the medieval period, including donations, confirmations of donations, and settlements of disputes relating to rights. No pattern therefore emerges from which it can be deduced which types of transaction required the vidame’s assistance.

1. GIROARD [I] (-8 Jun ----). The necrology of Juziers priory records the death “8 Jun” of “Geroardus laicus, pater Alvei abbatis”[687]. m ---. The name of Giroard´s wife is not known. Giroard & his wife had two children:

a) GIROARD [II] (-4 Jul ----). Vidame de Chartres. "Giroardus vicedominus..." subscribed the charter dated to [930] under which "Aganus...episcopus Carnotensis æcclesiæ" listed the vines and lands of the abbey of Saint-Père-en-Vallée[688]. The necrology of Chartres Cathedral records the death “IV Non Jul” of “Geroardus frater Alvei”[689].

b) ALVEE (-before [954]). "...Alveus...presbiter et archiclavus..." subscribed the charter dated 1 Oct 940 under which "Teodericus..." donated vines to the abbey of Saint-Père-en-Vallée[690]. Abbé de Saint-Père en Vallée. A charter dated to [954] of "Ragenfredus...sanctæ sedi Carnotinæ...antistes" names "bonæ memoriæ...Alvei"[691].

c) GERTRAN (-28 Mar ----). The necrology of Chartres Cathedral records the death “V Kal Apr” of “Gertrannus frater Alvei abbatis”[692].

There is no evidence to indicate who held the vidamé de Chartres between Giroard [II] and Rainaud. Nor is it known whether the two were related.

1. RAINAUD [Ragenold] (-12 Apr [1035]). Vidame de Chartres. “...Ragenaldi vicedomini...” subscribed the charter dated 1028 under which Eudes [II] Comte de Chartres donated “burgum...Muretum” to Saint-Jean-en-Vallée[693]. The necrology of Chartres Cathedral records the death “II Id Apr” of “Raginaldus vicedominus”[694]. m ODA, daughter of --- (-22 Aug ----). "...Odæ uxoris Ragenoldi vicedomni..." subscribed the charter dated to before 1080 under which “Rodulfus...” donated “in villa...Ermenterias” to Saint-Père-en-Vallée[695]. The necrology of Chartres Cathedral records the death “XI Kal Sep” of “Oda, Alberti vicedomini mater” and her donation of “villam...Piredellium”[696]. Rainaud & his wife had two children:

a) ALBERT (-18 Jul before 1044). Vidame de Chartres. The necrology of Chartres Cathedral records the death “XV Kal Aug” of “Albertus vicedominus” and his donation of “villam...Piredellium”[697].

b) HILDOUIN (-16 Oct ----). The necrology of Chartres Cathedral records the death “XVII Kal Nov” of “Hilduinus, Ragenoldi vicedomini filius, subdiaconus et canonicus...Mariæ”[698].

Merlet and Clerval suggest that Hugues [I] was the brother of Vidame Albert, although emphasise that no proof of this hypothesis exists[699]. According to the genealogical table inserted by Lépinois and Merlet in their introduction to the cartulary of Notre-Dame de Chartres, Hugues was the son of "Nivelon" brother of Vidame Albert, but no sources are cited[700]. It appears that this supposed connection is completely speculative, based on the charter dated 1033, under which Geoffroy II “Martel” Comte d´Anjou bought “molendinum...prope ecclesiam Sancti-Martini” from “Erfredo Ruffo...milite Burchardis senioris de Charismot”, which was subscribed by "...Nivelo de Carnoto...”[701]. It is possible that the subscriber was the same person as Nivelon [I] Seigneur de Fréteval, from which appears to have arisen the tradition that the seigneurs de Fréteval and the vidame de Chartres were descended from the same family. No primary source evidence has been found which indicates that this might be correct.

1. HUGUES [I] (-24 Apr [1070/77]). Vidame de Chartres. "…Hugonis vicedomini de Carnoto…" witnessed a charter dated to [1042/44] under which "Guanilo thesaurarius Sancti Martini" donated property to Marmoutier[702]. "Emelina de Castro Duno..." donated "medietatem ecclesiæ Sancti Leobini de Moreis" to Marmoutier, with the consent of “Hugo...vicedominus Carnotensi de quo eandem ecclesiam predicta Emelina tenebat”, by charter dated to [1042/51], witnessed by “Adila femina Hugonis, Guirrius filius eiusdem Hugonis, Hugo frater eius, Albertus frater eius...”[703]. "Ivo de Curba villa" dedicated "ecclesiæ Sanctorum Martyrum Gervasii et Protasii Cheonis" by charter dated to [1048/61], witnessed by “...Gaszo de Castello, Hugo vicedominus...”[704]. “Hugo vicedominus et filius eius Albertus, Gauslinus de Leugis et filius eius Gauslinus...” subscribed the undated charter, dated to [1070], under which an unnamed provost swore allegiance to Chartres Notre-Dame, naming “ministerii Ingelranni”[705]. The necrology of Chartres Cathedral records the death “VIII Kal Mai” of “Hugo vicedominus”[706]. The necrology of Saint-Père-en-Vallée records the death “VIII Kal Mai” of "Hugo vicedominus Carnotensium”[707]. The necrology of Saint-Jean-en-Vallée records the death “VIII Kal Mai” of "Ugo vicedominus” and his donation of “decimam culture de Muncellis S. Stephano et decimam vinearum juxta eius ecclesiam”[708]. m ADELA, daughter of ---. "Emelina de Castro Duno..." donated "medietatem ecclesiæ Sancti Leobini de Moreis" to Marmoutier, with the consent of “Hugo...vicedominus Carnotensi de quo eandem ecclesiam predicta Emelina tenebat”, by charter dated to [1042/51], witnessed by “Adila femina Hugonis, Guirrius filius eiusdem Hugonis, Hugo frater eius, Albertus frater eius...”[709]. Hugues [I] & his wife had three children:

a) GUERRY (-10 Jan [1090]). "Emelina de Castro Duno..." donated "medietatem ecclesiæ Sancti Leobini de Moreis" to Marmoutier, with the consent of “Hugo...vicedominus Carnotensi de quo eandem ecclesiam predicta Emelina tenebat”, by charter dated to [1042/51], witnessed by “Adila femina Hugonis, Guirrius filius eiusdem Hugonis, Hugo frater eius, Albertus frater eius...”[710]. Vidame de Chartres. "Albertus...Hugonis...Carnotensis vicedomini filius" donated “æcclesia sancti Leobini...in Braio castro super fluvium Osannæ” to Saint-Père, with the consent of “mei...fratris...Guerr