WARE FAMILY HISTORY
Wanda Ware DeGidio
wwdegidio@gmail.com www.warefamilyhistory.com
Wanda Ware DeGidio
wwdegidio@gmail.com www.warefamilyhistory.com
WARE VIKING LINEAGE
Queen Emma of England, daughter of Richard I, Duke of Normandy and Gunnora d'Arques of Pays de Caux, was the mother of Princess Goda / Edith who married Drogo de Mantes, the ancestor of the Ware's. Wymarche's sister was Queen Emma of England and the mother of Princess Goda / Edith who married Drogo de Mantes, Gunhilda, Queen of the Germans, as well as the mother of Edward the Confessor, King of England. Edward the Confessor was the last Anglo-Saxon king who could trace his ancestry back to King Alfred the Great and King Cerdic of Wessex. Below is King Edward being held by Robert fitz Wimarch on the Bayeus Tapestry.
Emma's sister Wymarche, can be identified from the following: "Both the Vita Aedwardi Regis and William of Poitiers claim some importance for Robert, who according to the former was steward of the royal palace and a kinsman of King Edward, and to the latter was a rich and powerful man, of impeccable lineage, and a relative of Edward's kinsman William the Conqueror. His lineage linked him to the Norman ducal house (hence his relationship to both Edward and William) and he was identified through his mother. His mother was surely therefore a high-born Norman. The point is underlined by William of Poitiers's statement: Diues quidam... natione Normannus, Rodbertus fillius Guimarae nobilis mulieris. It is not unlikely that Robert is identifiable from charters of the abbey of Montivilliers, near Le Havre, Seine-Maritime, which had a strong connection with Norman ducal women. One of them features the nun Vuimardis / Wimardis widow of Ansfrid the steward , who gave Ectot to the house c.1046–66, attested by a Robert . She was doubtless the mother at whose request her son Robert de Moyaux (Calvados , cant. Lisieux-1) later gave to the house land that Ansfrid had held in the forest of Rouvray. Robert de Moyaux is otherwise known only as the father of a woman who became a nun of Saint-Leger de Preaux in the later eleventh century." Domesday People: Domesday book, 1999, p. 19.
Emma's sister Wymarche, can be identified from the following: "Both the Vita Aedwardi Regis and William of Poitiers claim some importance for Robert, who according to the former was steward of the royal palace and a kinsman of King Edward, and to the latter was a rich and powerful man, of impeccable lineage, and a relative of Edward's kinsman William the Conqueror. His lineage linked him to the Norman ducal house (hence his relationship to both Edward and William) and he was identified through his mother. His mother was surely therefore a high-born Norman. The point is underlined by William of Poitiers's statement: Diues quidam... natione Normannus, Rodbertus fillius Guimarae nobilis mulieris. It is not unlikely that Robert is identifiable from charters of the abbey of Montivilliers, near Le Havre, Seine-Maritime, which had a strong connection with Norman ducal women. One of them features the nun Vuimardis / Wimardis widow of Ansfrid the steward , who gave Ectot to the house c.1046–66, attested by a Robert . She was doubtless the mother at whose request her son Robert de Moyaux (Calvados , cant. Lisieux-1) later gave to the house land that Ansfrid had held in the forest of Rouvray. Robert de Moyaux is otherwise known only as the father of a woman who became a nun of Saint-Leger de Preaux in the later eleventh century." Domesday People: Domesday book, 1999, p. 19.
Ansfrid II was the son of Ansfrid I and Helloe de Beaulac, and Ansfrid I was the son of Hugh the Great and Gerlotte de Blois. At the time of Ansfrid's birth, Gerlotte was married to Hrólfr "Robert" Turstain Hrollaugsson. Gerlotte died during or soon after Ansfrid I's birth. Hugh the Great was a widower at this time and after her death he married Hedwig of Germany. He was without doubt the father of Ansfrid and played a major role in his life, even deciding who Ansfrid married. DNA testing of Anfrid's descendants show they are haplogroup G2a, and Hugh the Great's descendants are also haplogroup G2a, a rare haplogroup. Descendants of Hrólfr' and Rollo's descendant's are haplogroup is R1b. Gerlotte's father was the vassal (knight) of Hugh the Great. More on their DNA can be found on the Hall Family History Main Page. A Viking Genealogy Chart follows.
Early writers claim Emma, first wife of Richard, Duke of Normandy, died on 3/19/968, this is either a mistake or a deliberate effort to discredit their son Richard II, the fourth ruler of Normandy, who was born on 8/23/963. Gunnora and Richard I were married in 962, they met and became friends when she attended his wedding and was Emma's bridesmaid. "Gonnor, bridesmaid and first friend of Richard, Duke of Normandy, son of William Longsword, married that duke after the death of Emma, his first wife, daughter of Hugh the Great, Count of Paris" Historia Varia, By M. Lodovido Domenichi, p. 796, 1565. Gunnora was the sister of Avelina, wife of Osmond de Conteville who along with Bernard de Senlis, Ivo de Bellèsme, and Bernard the Dane (ancestor of families of Harcourt and Beaumont) joined forces to become the protectors of Richard during his youth after the death of his father.
Early writers claim Emma, first wife of Richard, Duke of Normandy, died on 3/19/968, this is either a mistake or a deliberate effort to discredit their son Richard II, the fourth ruler of Normandy, who was born on 8/23/963. Gunnora and Richard I were married in 962, they met and became friends when she attended his wedding and was Emma's bridesmaid. "Gonnor, bridesmaid and first friend of Richard, Duke of Normandy, son of William Longsword, married that duke after the death of Emma, his first wife, daughter of Hugh the Great, Count of Paris" Historia Varia, By M. Lodovido Domenichi, p. 796, 1565. Gunnora was the sister of Avelina, wife of Osmond de Conteville who along with Bernard de Senlis, Ivo de Bellèsme, and Bernard the Dane (ancestor of families of Harcourt and Beaumont) joined forces to become the protectors of Richard during his youth after the death of his father.
ROGNVALD "THE WISE" EYSTEINSSON, JARL OF MORE (c840-c890)
The Heimskringla Saga provides us with details about the children of Rognvald “The Wise” Eysteinsson, jarl (Earl) of More, son of Eystein “Glumra” Ivarson and Ascrida Ragnvaldsdottir. Sons with his first wife, the daughter of 2 slaves, were married under “more Danico” in the typical Danish custom of the time.
1. Hallad Rognvaldson, (c864-c920) was the 4th jarl of Orkney.
2. Hrollaug "Drogo" Thurstan Rognvaldson (c866-896), married Emina, (c862-896) daughter of Baldwin I, Count of Flanders and Judith (844-879). Judith was the daughter of King Charles II of France, and Ermentrude, Countess d'Orleans. Judith was previously married to 2 kings of Wessex, father and son, Aethelwulf and Theobald. After their death, she eloped with Baldwin I against her father's wishes, and with help of the Pope, she was forgiven and her father made Baldwin I count of Flanders.
3. Einar Rognvaldson (c868-), was the 5th earl of Orkney.
4. Thori Rognvaldson “the Silent” (c870-)
5. Ivar Rognvaldson (c872-) earl (jarl) of More
6. Hrólfr Rognvaldson “Rollo the Granger”, (c874 Orkney Islands, Scotland-c932 Normandy, France), married Poppa (c874-Aft 932) d/o Pepin de Senlis III (c856-922) Count of Senlis and Lord of Valois and Cunigunda of Rennes d/o Gurvand of Rennes and Adalind, (d/o King Erispoe, King of Brittany and Marmohec) and sister of Bernard of St. Liz (Senlis) Vermandois. His daughter Adele married William, Duke of Aquitaine.
The Heimskringla Saga tells us Rognvald Eysteinsson (meaning son of Eystein) gave Harald “Finehair" his byname after cutting his hair. Harold had vowed not to cut his hair until he became ruler of all Norway. The fact that Rognvald was given this honor speaks of the friendship between these two men.
Ragnvald sent his son Hallad to Orkney upon the death of his brother and nephew and King Harold bestowed him the title of 4th jarl of Orkney to Hallad who “took up residence on Mainland.” Orkneyinga Saga records that, following complaints by farmers about Viking raids, Hallad, “tiring of his rule, gave up the earldom and when back to Norway as a common landholder” which “made him a laughing stock.”
After hearing of Hallad’s return home, Rollo stepped forward and demanded the lordship. His father told him that although he was strong in mind and body, and well-trained in combat, that he was better suited to be the leader of a country.
Einar next made a request to become the 5th jarl of Orkney, and the Saga's tell us, "Ragnvald agreed and said it would please him well that he should not come back, for I little think that thy kin will get honor from thee, for the mother you have, slave-born on each side of her family, you are not likely to make much of a ruler of much else." To everyone's surprise, Einar became a strong ruler with a large following.
Rollo was upset that his father selected a son conceived out of wedlock to the succession in exclusion of him. He then assembled a ship and gathered a company of strong men to join him on the seas to pillage and raid, an honorable profession among the Northmen. Rollo and his men landed on the island of Vigen and plundered a Norwegian village belonging to his fellow countrymen in strict opposition of king Herold's law. Upon learning of Rollo's defiance, the king caused a court of justice to be held and banished Rollo from Norway. Rollo made his way to the coast of Scotland and found a large community of fellow Northmen who became allies. The Chronicles of England tell us that during the reign of Alfred, "Rollo and his gang: landed in Britain, "and started to harry the land." King Alfred was able to satisfy their demands, and was pleased when they pointed their ships in the direction of France. Reaching France in 911, Rollo besieged Paris and Chartres, and as a compromise with king Charles the Simple, they granted the fiefdom of Normandy in exchange for Rollo and his men defending the shores of the Seine river against all invaders.
The Viking Age in Caithness, Orkney, and the North Atlantic, By Colleen E. Batey, Judith Jesch, Christopher D. Morris, p. 245, states, "What happened to Halladr, the brother who gave up the earldom, we do not know." We first hear of Malahulc when Roger de Toeny is described by William of Jumièges (translated), of the Malahulc who had an uncle Rollo, he was accompanied by the French and Normans and gained strength. Charters and Records of Neales of Berkeley, Yate and Corsham, By John Alexander Neale, pp. 149-151, "Malahulc had 3 sons: 1. Richard of St. Sauveur, ancestor of the Viscounts of the Cotentin and of the Albinis, Earls of Arundel; 2. Hugh, Sire of Cavalcamp, ancestor of the families of Toeni and Conches; 3. Rodolph, Count of Bayeus, ancestor of the Earls of Chester, and the father of Bothon, Count of Bessin and Bayeux." John Alexander Neale refers to him as, "Malahulc, called Halduc de Tresny or Toesni, descendant of Thor, father of Richard St. Sauveur." According to Neale, Richard received a grant from Rollo of half the Isles of La Manche, and his brother Rodolph received the other half. By 933, Richard de St. Sauveur, Viscounte of the Cotentin is said to have holdings of nearly a third of Normandy.
The Heimskringla Saga provides us with details about the children of Rognvald “The Wise” Eysteinsson, jarl (Earl) of More, son of Eystein “Glumra” Ivarson and Ascrida Ragnvaldsdottir. Sons with his first wife, the daughter of 2 slaves, were married under “more Danico” in the typical Danish custom of the time.
1. Hallad Rognvaldson, (c864-c920) was the 4th jarl of Orkney.
2. Hrollaug "Drogo" Thurstan Rognvaldson (c866-896), married Emina, (c862-896) daughter of Baldwin I, Count of Flanders and Judith (844-879). Judith was the daughter of King Charles II of France, and Ermentrude, Countess d'Orleans. Judith was previously married to 2 kings of Wessex, father and son, Aethelwulf and Theobald. After their death, she eloped with Baldwin I against her father's wishes, and with help of the Pope, she was forgiven and her father made Baldwin I count of Flanders.
3. Einar Rognvaldson (c868-), was the 5th earl of Orkney.
4. Thori Rognvaldson “the Silent” (c870-)
5. Ivar Rognvaldson (c872-) earl (jarl) of More
6. Hrólfr Rognvaldson “Rollo the Granger”, (c874 Orkney Islands, Scotland-c932 Normandy, France), married Poppa (c874-Aft 932) d/o Pepin de Senlis III (c856-922) Count of Senlis and Lord of Valois and Cunigunda of Rennes d/o Gurvand of Rennes and Adalind, (d/o King Erispoe, King of Brittany and Marmohec) and sister of Bernard of St. Liz (Senlis) Vermandois. His daughter Adele married William, Duke of Aquitaine.
The Heimskringla Saga tells us Rognvald Eysteinsson (meaning son of Eystein) gave Harald “Finehair" his byname after cutting his hair. Harold had vowed not to cut his hair until he became ruler of all Norway. The fact that Rognvald was given this honor speaks of the friendship between these two men.
Ragnvald sent his son Hallad to Orkney upon the death of his brother and nephew and King Harold bestowed him the title of 4th jarl of Orkney to Hallad who “took up residence on Mainland.” Orkneyinga Saga records that, following complaints by farmers about Viking raids, Hallad, “tiring of his rule, gave up the earldom and when back to Norway as a common landholder” which “made him a laughing stock.”
After hearing of Hallad’s return home, Rollo stepped forward and demanded the lordship. His father told him that although he was strong in mind and body, and well-trained in combat, that he was better suited to be the leader of a country.
Einar next made a request to become the 5th jarl of Orkney, and the Saga's tell us, "Ragnvald agreed and said it would please him well that he should not come back, for I little think that thy kin will get honor from thee, for the mother you have, slave-born on each side of her family, you are not likely to make much of a ruler of much else." To everyone's surprise, Einar became a strong ruler with a large following.
Rollo was upset that his father selected a son conceived out of wedlock to the succession in exclusion of him. He then assembled a ship and gathered a company of strong men to join him on the seas to pillage and raid, an honorable profession among the Northmen. Rollo and his men landed on the island of Vigen and plundered a Norwegian village belonging to his fellow countrymen in strict opposition of king Herold's law. Upon learning of Rollo's defiance, the king caused a court of justice to be held and banished Rollo from Norway. Rollo made his way to the coast of Scotland and found a large community of fellow Northmen who became allies. The Chronicles of England tell us that during the reign of Alfred, "Rollo and his gang: landed in Britain, "and started to harry the land." King Alfred was able to satisfy their demands, and was pleased when they pointed their ships in the direction of France. Reaching France in 911, Rollo besieged Paris and Chartres, and as a compromise with king Charles the Simple, they granted the fiefdom of Normandy in exchange for Rollo and his men defending the shores of the Seine river against all invaders.
The Viking Age in Caithness, Orkney, and the North Atlantic, By Colleen E. Batey, Judith Jesch, Christopher D. Morris, p. 245, states, "What happened to Halladr, the brother who gave up the earldom, we do not know." We first hear of Malahulc when Roger de Toeny is described by William of Jumièges (translated), of the Malahulc who had an uncle Rollo, he was accompanied by the French and Normans and gained strength. Charters and Records of Neales of Berkeley, Yate and Corsham, By John Alexander Neale, pp. 149-151, "Malahulc had 3 sons: 1. Richard of St. Sauveur, ancestor of the Viscounts of the Cotentin and of the Albinis, Earls of Arundel; 2. Hugh, Sire of Cavalcamp, ancestor of the families of Toeni and Conches; 3. Rodolph, Count of Bayeus, ancestor of the Earls of Chester, and the father of Bothon, Count of Bessin and Bayeux." John Alexander Neale refers to him as, "Malahulc, called Halduc de Tresny or Toesni, descendant of Thor, father of Richard St. Sauveur." According to Neale, Richard received a grant from Rollo of half the Isles of La Manche, and his brother Rodolph received the other half. By 933, Richard de St. Sauveur, Viscounte of the Cotentin is said to have holdings of nearly a third of Normandy.
ROLLO THE VIKING (c874 Orkney Islands-c932 Normandy, France)
Hrólfr "Rollo" Rognvaldson “Rollo the Granger”, son of Rognvald Esteinsson, Earl of More, married Poppa (c890-Aft 932) d/o Pepin de Senlis II (c856-902) Count of Senlis and Lord of Valois and Lady of Rennes d/o Gurvand of Rennes and Princess / Lady, (d/o Erispoe, King of Brittany and Marmohec). Poppa was the sister of Bernard, Count of St. Liz (Senlis) and Valois and protector of her grandson Duke Richard I.
“Pepin, the third son of Pepin of Peronne, became count of Senlis and Valois, leaving a [son] Bernard, the Bernard de Senlis [and another] whose name is unknown, was the Poppet, the Bonne-Amie of Rollo." History of Normandy and England, By Sir Thomas Palgrave, 1851, Vol. 1, p. 365. Orderic Vitalis names Poppe, daughter of the Count of Senlis. Rollon then found in Bayeux Poppe, daughter of Berender ... its Censor claims this is entirely false, because Poppe is the daughter of the Count of Senlis according to Saint-Etienne who wrote the Chronicle of Caen ... and because Dudon himself confessed that Richard, grandson of Rollon, was the nephew of Bernard Comte de Senlis. Dissertations On The Movement of Brittany in Relation to the Right that the Dukes of Normandy Claimed, and on some other Historical Subjects. Claude du Moulinet, 1711, pp. 37/38.
In 906, King Charles III, 'le Simple' or Straightforward, (9/17/879–10/7/929), age 27, encountered Rollo, about age 30, the captain and leader of this group. Rollo and his men entered Neustria, and won the city of Rouen, while destroying the surrounding countries. On 8/26/911, Rollo besieged Paris and declared a victory near Chartres. Charles negotiated with Rollo, resulting in the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte which created the Duchy of Normandy. In return for the Vikings' loyalty, they were granted all the land between the river Epte and the sea, as well as Duchy of Brittany, which at the time was an independent country which West Francia had unsuccessfully tried to conquer. King Charles ceded what became Normandy to him in perpetuity and Rollo was baptized. The Longswords planctus, tells us that William was baptized a Christian with his father Rollo in 912, by Franco, Archbishop of Rouen. Also in the agreement was for Rollo to take as his wife Gisele, daughter of Charles. Rollo was likely not fully informed that his future wife was only four years old at the time. "Genealogists, who make her the daughter of Frederune, will be forced to admit that she was married at four years old." Tableaux genealogiques de la Maison Royale de France, By Philippe Labbé · 1654, p. 20.
King Charles married as his first wife in May 907 Frederuna, daughter of Dietrich, Count in the Hamaland. They had six daughters, Gisele, b. 908; Ermentrude, b. 910; Frederuna, b. 912; Adelaide, b. 914; Rotrude, b. 916; and Hildegarde, b. 918. Charles married for the second time in 919 to Eadgifu of Wessex. They had one son: Louis IV of France (9/10/920–9/10/954), who succeeded to the throne of West Francia in 936. Charles also had several children born out of wedlock: Arnulf, Drogo, Rorice († 976), Bishop of Laon and Alpais, who married Erlebold, count of Lommegau.
In a 918 French charter, Rollo is mentioned where Charles grants him the lands of an abbey "except for the part that we have given to the Northmen of the Seine, namely to Rollo and his companions." Flodoard mentions him three times, in 918, "After the war that Count Robert (Rollo) waged against the Northmen at Chartres, ... they agreed to take up the faith of Christ." In 924, "The Northmen entered peace with the Franks through the oaths of Counts Hugh and Herbert and also Archbishop Seulf, in the absence of King Ralph; but with Ralph's consent the lands of Maine and the Bessin were conceded to them in the peace-treaty." And lastly in 927, "the son of Rollo committed himself to Charles and confirmed friendship with Herbert."
Herbert II Count de Vermandois, for revenge of the Duke Robert, his brother-in-law, committed treason and put King Charles in prison in Peronne, where he died a martyr in the year nine hundred and twenty six. ... During the time that he was in prison, his son Louis IV returned to England with his mother Ogive [Eadgifu] and she later married Herbert III Vermandois, Edith married Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor and Eadhild married Hugh the Great. Also several daughters of Charles the Simple married Garnier, baron de Saint Vallery, Alix was the wife of Taillefer, baron Cambresis, & Gillette [Gisele] [age 4] married Rollo duke of Normandy. Les Antiquitez De La Gaule Belgicque, Royaulme de France, Richard de Wassebourg, 1549, p. xvii. It is highly unlikely that Rollo married a 4 year old child.
From Palgrave we discover that, “Pepin, the third son of Pepin of Peronne, became Count of Senlis and Valois, leaving a son .... Bernard, the Bernard-de-Senlis of the Norman chroniclers. A sister ... was the poppet, the bonne-amie [love interest] of Rollo, and mother of his son and successor, Guillaume-Longue-epee.” History of England, by Sir Thomas Palgrave, 1878, Vol. 1, p. 365. "That Bernard de Senlis was the uncle of her son Guillaume-Longue-Epee is proved by the respective declarations of Guillaume and of Bernard. Dudon, pp. 95 and 118. General relations of mediaeval Europe. The Carlovingian Empire, By Francis Turner Palgrave · 1851, p. 751. William son of Rollo and Poppa was born c912 and their daughter Gerloc was born c914. No other children have been identified.
Poppa was the daughter of Pepin II, lord de Senlis and Valois and Lady de Rennes. Pepin II, brother of Herbert I, was uncle to Herbert II who married Adele, daughter of King Robert of West Francia and King Robert married Beatrice, Herbert II’s sister. All of Herbert II's children were King Robert’s grandchildren and they were Hugh the Great’s cousins. Adele was Hugh’s half-sister by King Robert’s first marriage. Poppa by way of her father Pepin II, was the granddaughter of Pepin I, great granddaughter of Bernard, King of Italy and great great granddaughter of Charlemagne.
Rollo and Poppa’s daughter Gerloc (later taking the Christian name Adele) married William III, son of Ebles the Mamzer, Count of Poitiers and later Count of Aquitaine and Emilienne. William III (913–4/3/963), was the "Count of the Duchy of Aquitaine" from 959 and Duke of Aquitaine from 962 to his death. He was also the Count of Poitou (as William I) from 935 and Count of Auvergne from 950. The primary sources for his reign are Ademar of Chabannes, Dudo of Saint-Quentin, and William of Jumièges. He was born in Poitiers. He claimed the Duchy of Aquitaine from his father's death, but the royal chancery did not recognize his ducal title until the year before his own death.
King Charles’ reign had been troubled from 920-922, after signing the Treaty of Bonn with king Henry the Fowler of East Francia on 11/7/921, he was in conflict with both Duke Gilbert of Lotharingia and Hugh the Great. Upon the death of Gilbert's father in 915/16, Charles refused to install Gilbert as margrave. Gilbert rebelled in 918. In June 922 Charles was forced to take refuge in Lotharingia and after his departure, the nobles of West Francia declared him deposed from the throne. Hugh the Great was under pressure due to the manner in which he was treating his wife Eadgifu. Eadgifu was the daughter of Edward the Elder, King of Wessex and England (son of Alfred the Great) and his second wife Aelfflaed. She was also the sister Eadgyth who was married to Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor and sister of Eadhild who was married to Hugh the Great.
Hugh’s father King Robert I, elected in 922, led an army of Frankish insurgents during the Battle of Soissons on 6/15/923 against an army of Lotharingians and Carolingian forces under the command of the deposed King Charles. Rollo came forward to support Charles II with his Norman warriors after Charles granted them the city of Rouen and areas along the Seine. Even though Robert’s army won the battle, it resulted in the death of King Robert. Charles beseeched his cousin Herbert II, Count of Vermandois for help, but instead Herbert II imprisoned him with the assistance of Hugh the Great.
Herbert II became the King Charles' puppet master and custodian, bringing him out only for official duties. One such duty was to make his five year old son, Hugh, the Archbishop of Rheims, which had a large inheritance in France and Germany. He next secured Laon for Eudes, but Raoul, having little left of his kingdom, refused and Herbert brought Charles from his prison, whereupon William Longsword, count of Rouen and ruler of Normandy, at once saluted him as king, this won the submission from Raoul, and Charles was sent back to his quarters at Peronne.
Hearing of Charles capture, Eadgifu fled to England with their son Louis IV, returning to France with Louis only upon his death and at Hugh the Great’s urging and shortly thereafter married Herbert III. Charles remained a prisoner at Peronne until his death on 10/7/929. After Robert, king of West Francia died on 6/15/923, the crown passed to his brother-in-law Ralph, Duke of Burgundy (923-936) and the newly elected king reversed Norman support from Charles by granting Rollo Bayeux and Maine.
SOURCES
“Pepin, the third son of Pepin of Peronne, became Count of Senlis and Valois, leaving a son ... Bernard, the Bernard de Senlis of the Norman chroniclers. A sister ... of Bernard de Senlis, whose name is unknown, was the poppet, the bonne-amie of Rollo, and mother of his son and successor, Guillaume-Longue-epee. The great families of Valois, Saint-Simon and Hamme, all come from Vermandois.” The History of Normandy and of England: General relations of mediaeval history, By Sir Francis Palgrave, p. 356.
“In a truss of forage the young Duke was carried to the stables, and, ere dawn, was safe in the tower of Couci, under the protection of his great-uncle, stout Bernard de Senlis”. The North American Review, 1858, Vol. 86, p. 316.
Bayeux besieged Rollo, and taken, them the little damsel known only by the fondling appellation of "Popa,” the poupée or poppet, whom he married ... and who gave him a daughter, Gerloc, and his son and successor Guillaume-Longue-épée. Poppet's … brother ... was Bernard-de-Senlis or Senlis-Vermandois. The History of Normandy and of England, Vol. 1. By Sir Francis Palgrave, p. 647.
Hrólfr "Rollo" Rognvaldson “Rollo the Granger”, son of Rognvald Esteinsson, Earl of More, married Poppa (c890-Aft 932) d/o Pepin de Senlis II (c856-902) Count of Senlis and Lord of Valois and Lady of Rennes d/o Gurvand of Rennes and Princess / Lady, (d/o Erispoe, King of Brittany and Marmohec). Poppa was the sister of Bernard, Count of St. Liz (Senlis) and Valois and protector of her grandson Duke Richard I.
“Pepin, the third son of Pepin of Peronne, became count of Senlis and Valois, leaving a [son] Bernard, the Bernard de Senlis [and another] whose name is unknown, was the Poppet, the Bonne-Amie of Rollo." History of Normandy and England, By Sir Thomas Palgrave, 1851, Vol. 1, p. 365. Orderic Vitalis names Poppe, daughter of the Count of Senlis. Rollon then found in Bayeux Poppe, daughter of Berender ... its Censor claims this is entirely false, because Poppe is the daughter of the Count of Senlis according to Saint-Etienne who wrote the Chronicle of Caen ... and because Dudon himself confessed that Richard, grandson of Rollon, was the nephew of Bernard Comte de Senlis. Dissertations On The Movement of Brittany in Relation to the Right that the Dukes of Normandy Claimed, and on some other Historical Subjects. Claude du Moulinet, 1711, pp. 37/38.
In 906, King Charles III, 'le Simple' or Straightforward, (9/17/879–10/7/929), age 27, encountered Rollo, about age 30, the captain and leader of this group. Rollo and his men entered Neustria, and won the city of Rouen, while destroying the surrounding countries. On 8/26/911, Rollo besieged Paris and declared a victory near Chartres. Charles negotiated with Rollo, resulting in the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte which created the Duchy of Normandy. In return for the Vikings' loyalty, they were granted all the land between the river Epte and the sea, as well as Duchy of Brittany, which at the time was an independent country which West Francia had unsuccessfully tried to conquer. King Charles ceded what became Normandy to him in perpetuity and Rollo was baptized. The Longswords planctus, tells us that William was baptized a Christian with his father Rollo in 912, by Franco, Archbishop of Rouen. Also in the agreement was for Rollo to take as his wife Gisele, daughter of Charles. Rollo was likely not fully informed that his future wife was only four years old at the time. "Genealogists, who make her the daughter of Frederune, will be forced to admit that she was married at four years old." Tableaux genealogiques de la Maison Royale de France, By Philippe Labbé · 1654, p. 20.
King Charles married as his first wife in May 907 Frederuna, daughter of Dietrich, Count in the Hamaland. They had six daughters, Gisele, b. 908; Ermentrude, b. 910; Frederuna, b. 912; Adelaide, b. 914; Rotrude, b. 916; and Hildegarde, b. 918. Charles married for the second time in 919 to Eadgifu of Wessex. They had one son: Louis IV of France (9/10/920–9/10/954), who succeeded to the throne of West Francia in 936. Charles also had several children born out of wedlock: Arnulf, Drogo, Rorice († 976), Bishop of Laon and Alpais, who married Erlebold, count of Lommegau.
In a 918 French charter, Rollo is mentioned where Charles grants him the lands of an abbey "except for the part that we have given to the Northmen of the Seine, namely to Rollo and his companions." Flodoard mentions him three times, in 918, "After the war that Count Robert (Rollo) waged against the Northmen at Chartres, ... they agreed to take up the faith of Christ." In 924, "The Northmen entered peace with the Franks through the oaths of Counts Hugh and Herbert and also Archbishop Seulf, in the absence of King Ralph; but with Ralph's consent the lands of Maine and the Bessin were conceded to them in the peace-treaty." And lastly in 927, "the son of Rollo committed himself to Charles and confirmed friendship with Herbert."
Herbert II Count de Vermandois, for revenge of the Duke Robert, his brother-in-law, committed treason and put King Charles in prison in Peronne, where he died a martyr in the year nine hundred and twenty six. ... During the time that he was in prison, his son Louis IV returned to England with his mother Ogive [Eadgifu] and she later married Herbert III Vermandois, Edith married Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor and Eadhild married Hugh the Great. Also several daughters of Charles the Simple married Garnier, baron de Saint Vallery, Alix was the wife of Taillefer, baron Cambresis, & Gillette [Gisele] [age 4] married Rollo duke of Normandy. Les Antiquitez De La Gaule Belgicque, Royaulme de France, Richard de Wassebourg, 1549, p. xvii. It is highly unlikely that Rollo married a 4 year old child.
From Palgrave we discover that, “Pepin, the third son of Pepin of Peronne, became Count of Senlis and Valois, leaving a son .... Bernard, the Bernard-de-Senlis of the Norman chroniclers. A sister ... was the poppet, the bonne-amie [love interest] of Rollo, and mother of his son and successor, Guillaume-Longue-epee.” History of England, by Sir Thomas Palgrave, 1878, Vol. 1, p. 365. "That Bernard de Senlis was the uncle of her son Guillaume-Longue-Epee is proved by the respective declarations of Guillaume and of Bernard. Dudon, pp. 95 and 118. General relations of mediaeval Europe. The Carlovingian Empire, By Francis Turner Palgrave · 1851, p. 751. William son of Rollo and Poppa was born c912 and their daughter Gerloc was born c914. No other children have been identified.
Poppa was the daughter of Pepin II, lord de Senlis and Valois and Lady de Rennes. Pepin II, brother of Herbert I, was uncle to Herbert II who married Adele, daughter of King Robert of West Francia and King Robert married Beatrice, Herbert II’s sister. All of Herbert II's children were King Robert’s grandchildren and they were Hugh the Great’s cousins. Adele was Hugh’s half-sister by King Robert’s first marriage. Poppa by way of her father Pepin II, was the granddaughter of Pepin I, great granddaughter of Bernard, King of Italy and great great granddaughter of Charlemagne.
Rollo and Poppa’s daughter Gerloc (later taking the Christian name Adele) married William III, son of Ebles the Mamzer, Count of Poitiers and later Count of Aquitaine and Emilienne. William III (913–4/3/963), was the "Count of the Duchy of Aquitaine" from 959 and Duke of Aquitaine from 962 to his death. He was also the Count of Poitou (as William I) from 935 and Count of Auvergne from 950. The primary sources for his reign are Ademar of Chabannes, Dudo of Saint-Quentin, and William of Jumièges. He was born in Poitiers. He claimed the Duchy of Aquitaine from his father's death, but the royal chancery did not recognize his ducal title until the year before his own death.
King Charles’ reign had been troubled from 920-922, after signing the Treaty of Bonn with king Henry the Fowler of East Francia on 11/7/921, he was in conflict with both Duke Gilbert of Lotharingia and Hugh the Great. Upon the death of Gilbert's father in 915/16, Charles refused to install Gilbert as margrave. Gilbert rebelled in 918. In June 922 Charles was forced to take refuge in Lotharingia and after his departure, the nobles of West Francia declared him deposed from the throne. Hugh the Great was under pressure due to the manner in which he was treating his wife Eadgifu. Eadgifu was the daughter of Edward the Elder, King of Wessex and England (son of Alfred the Great) and his second wife Aelfflaed. She was also the sister Eadgyth who was married to Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor and sister of Eadhild who was married to Hugh the Great.
Hugh’s father King Robert I, elected in 922, led an army of Frankish insurgents during the Battle of Soissons on 6/15/923 against an army of Lotharingians and Carolingian forces under the command of the deposed King Charles. Rollo came forward to support Charles II with his Norman warriors after Charles granted them the city of Rouen and areas along the Seine. Even though Robert’s army won the battle, it resulted in the death of King Robert. Charles beseeched his cousin Herbert II, Count of Vermandois for help, but instead Herbert II imprisoned him with the assistance of Hugh the Great.
Herbert II became the King Charles' puppet master and custodian, bringing him out only for official duties. One such duty was to make his five year old son, Hugh, the Archbishop of Rheims, which had a large inheritance in France and Germany. He next secured Laon for Eudes, but Raoul, having little left of his kingdom, refused and Herbert brought Charles from his prison, whereupon William Longsword, count of Rouen and ruler of Normandy, at once saluted him as king, this won the submission from Raoul, and Charles was sent back to his quarters at Peronne.
Hearing of Charles capture, Eadgifu fled to England with their son Louis IV, returning to France with Louis only upon his death and at Hugh the Great’s urging and shortly thereafter married Herbert III. Charles remained a prisoner at Peronne until his death on 10/7/929. After Robert, king of West Francia died on 6/15/923, the crown passed to his brother-in-law Ralph, Duke of Burgundy (923-936) and the newly elected king reversed Norman support from Charles by granting Rollo Bayeux and Maine.
SOURCES
“Pepin, the third son of Pepin of Peronne, became Count of Senlis and Valois, leaving a son ... Bernard, the Bernard de Senlis of the Norman chroniclers. A sister ... of Bernard de Senlis, whose name is unknown, was the poppet, the bonne-amie of Rollo, and mother of his son and successor, Guillaume-Longue-epee. The great families of Valois, Saint-Simon and Hamme, all come from Vermandois.” The History of Normandy and of England: General relations of mediaeval history, By Sir Francis Palgrave, p. 356.
“In a truss of forage the young Duke was carried to the stables, and, ere dawn, was safe in the tower of Couci, under the protection of his great-uncle, stout Bernard de Senlis”. The North American Review, 1858, Vol. 86, p. 316.
Bayeux besieged Rollo, and taken, them the little damsel known only by the fondling appellation of "Popa,” the poupée or poppet, whom he married ... and who gave him a daughter, Gerloc, and his son and successor Guillaume-Longue-épée. Poppet's … brother ... was Bernard-de-Senlis or Senlis-Vermandois. The History of Normandy and of England, Vol. 1. By Sir Francis Palgrave, p. 647.
WILLIAM LONGSWORD (c912 Bayeux, Calvados, Normandy-12/17/942 Picquigny, Amiens, Picardie, France)
Flodoard records William as being the second leader of the Normans. Hugh the Great (c893-6/16/956) took William under his wing as his cousin, adviser, counselor and friend. Dudo says William took power before his father died, although he describes an ailing Rollo bestowing his authority on his son and heir in the presence of a regular ducal council.
“Guillaume nicknamed Longue-espee, because he wore a sword longer than the others, natural son of Rollo" ... "& Poppee, was Duke of Normandy: & espousa Sporta daughter of Hubert Comte de Senlis” Histoire Universelle de Tovtes Nations, Et Specialement des Gavlois Ov Francois, By Jacques de Charron, 1621, p. 859. In 931 William Longsword, was offered the hand of Sprota in marriage by her father Herbert II, Count of Vermandois (c883-2/23/943). Marriage agreements were generally to the benefit both parties, so when Herbert I married Adele of France, daughter of the Merovingian, King Robert I of West Francia, Robert I was given permission to marry Beatrice, Herbert II’s daughter.
William soon escorted his pregnant wife Sprota to Fecamp in Normandy to protect his wife and child. While he was away from Fecamp, he received news by messenger that his wife had given birth to a son on 8/28/932. William sent word back for his son to be baptized and given the name of Richard.
The marriage of William and Sprota survived only a couple of years before she was once again living with her parents. Sometime between 933-934, Sprota ended her marriage to William. Her father Herbert II would have requested a nullification of the marital bonds from the church; as such, William would have been able to remarry and Sprota would not be allowed to remarry as long as William was still alive. Marriages declared null under the Catholic Church are considered as void ab initio, meaning that the marriage was invalid from the beginning. Canon 1137 Law specifically affirms the legitimacy of children born in both valid and putative marriages (objectively invalid, though at least one party celebrated in good faith).
William and Sprota were both baptized Christians as Herbert II’s children were descendants of Charlemagne and the Longsword's planctus, states he was baptized a Christian probably at the same time as his father, which Orderic Vitalis stated was in 912, by Franco, Archbishop of Rouen. One of the grounds for nullity of a marriage in the early Catholic church was, ‘force or grave fear imposed on a person’. According to, The Story of the Normans, By Sarah Orne Jewett, p. 80, 1899. "Espriota, young Richard's mother, thriftily resolved to provide herself with a protector, and married Sperling, a rich miller of Vaudreuil.” Sprota must have faced great danger being William’s wife and the mother of young Richard.
In 935, “Herbert of Vermandois, ... persuaded him [William] to cast off Espriota [Sprota], and marry his second daughter, Luitgard.” The History of the Granville Family, Roger Granville, 1895, p. 7. William agreed and married her sister Luitgarde with a dowry of lands in Longueville, Coudres and Illiers l’Eveque. An original Jumieges charter dated 1012 states that Longueville, given by 'comes Vuillemus Rotomagensis ciuitate' to his wife Leyarda, passes from her to her daughter (by her second husband) Emma, who gave it to Bourgueil; this abbey.
Although William accepted the offer and married Luitgarde, no children were born and after William’s death she quickly married Theobald, Count of Blois, they had five children together. William gladly accepted the dowry from Herbert, and it appears Herbert was extremely desirous of keeping William as his son-in-law by any means for protection from invading Northmen. At the same time William and Luitgarde were married, William's sister Gerloc / Adela married William, Count of Poitou, with the approval of Hugh the Great. Hugh was fulfilling a promise he made to Rollo to take care of his children. Rollo’s granddaughter Adelaide later married Hugh’s son Hugh Capet which would allow his son to be a potential heir to be the ruler of Normandy.
Herbert II was at the height of his power and an obvious candidate for the kingship when Ralph, king of West Francia died in 936. Instead, Hugh the Great urged magnates to accept Louis IV, a 16 year old boy, son of Charles the Simple and Eadgifu (his sister-in-law) as their King. The new king was not capable of controlling his Barons and after William’s brother-in-law, Herluin II, Count of Montreuil, was attacked by Flanders, Herluin appealed to William for help to regain the castle of Montreuil from Arnulf I of Flanders. William went to their assistance in 939, and by doing so he became involved in a war with Arnulf I. This soon became intertwined with the other conflicts troubling the reign of Louis IV.
Arnulf I, Count of Flanders retaliated by attacking Normandy, and he also captured the castle of Montreuil-sur-Mer expelling Herluin. Herluin and William joined forces to retake the castle, and losing the castle was a major setback in Arnulf's ambitions. William's part in it gained him a deadly enemy. The chronicle of Norman-Duke of Normandy states: "William of Normandy had Arnulf I Count of Flanders removed the castle of Montreuil." William was excommunicated for his actions in attacking and destroying several estates belonging to Arnulf. To make amends, William pledged his loyalty to King Louis IV in 940, and in return Louis confirmed lands that had been given to his father Rollo.
Historians claim William Longsword was killed by servants of Theobald of Blois and Arnulf of Flanders leading some to believe Luitgarde may have been involved in William’s death. Luitgarde married Theobald of Blois soon after William's death. “Thibault, knew Comte de Troye & de Champagne because of Luitgarde wife of Thibault le Tricheur Count of Tours, Blois & Chartres ... Glaber says that after he [Theobald] had killed Guillaume Duke of Normandy, he asked Hebert Comte de Vermandois for his daughter in marriage, seen by said William, whom he espoused, and had by her Eudes I. father of Eudes II” L'empire françois ou l'Histoire des conquestes des royaumes, Laurent Turquoy, 1651. In 941 a peace treaty was signed between the Bretons and Normans, brokered in Rouen by Louis IV which limited the Norman expansion into Breton lands.
The following year, on 12/17/942 at Picquigny on an island on the Somme, William Longsword was ambushed and killed by Arnulf's men after being summoned to a peace conference to settle their differences. Count Arnulf died 3/27/964, allegedly murdered by Herluim for the murder of William Longsword. Following William's death, Sprota married Asperling de Vaudreul and had Ralph, Count of Ivry and several daughters who married Norman magnates. Richard was sent to be raised in Bayeux under the guardianship of Bernard de Senlis and the protection of Hugh the Great.
Additional Sources:
Espriota was the daughter of Hubert, Count of Senlis”. Royal Ancestors of Magna Charta Barons: Including Ancestry of John, 1959, By Carr Pritchett Collins, p. 230.
“Asperling de Vaudreuil was probably born in France in the early tenth century. He married Sprota de Senlis. She was the daughter of Herbert, Count de Senlis. She had married, first, William I, Duke of Normandy. “ Aristocratic and royal ancestors of Jane Harry, 1991, By Leslie Ray Tucker, Vol. 1, p. 60.
”William I. second duke of Normandy, died 942; he married Sprota, daughter of Herbert, count of Senlis.” A survey of Staffordshire, containing the antiquities of that county, 1844, By Sampson Erdeswick, p. 73.
"Espriota or Sprota, the daughter of Herbert, Earl of Senlis" The History of the Granville Family: Traced Back to Rollo, First Duke of Normandy, 1895, By Roger Granville, p. 7.
“William I. married Sprota, daughter of Herbert, Count of Senlis, by whom he had a son and successor called Richard.” Collectanea Cliffordiana: In Three Parts, 1817, By Arthur Clifford, p. 123.
Flodoard records William as being the second leader of the Normans. Hugh the Great (c893-6/16/956) took William under his wing as his cousin, adviser, counselor and friend. Dudo says William took power before his father died, although he describes an ailing Rollo bestowing his authority on his son and heir in the presence of a regular ducal council.
“Guillaume nicknamed Longue-espee, because he wore a sword longer than the others, natural son of Rollo" ... "& Poppee, was Duke of Normandy: & espousa Sporta daughter of Hubert Comte de Senlis” Histoire Universelle de Tovtes Nations, Et Specialement des Gavlois Ov Francois, By Jacques de Charron, 1621, p. 859. In 931 William Longsword, was offered the hand of Sprota in marriage by her father Herbert II, Count of Vermandois (c883-2/23/943). Marriage agreements were generally to the benefit both parties, so when Herbert I married Adele of France, daughter of the Merovingian, King Robert I of West Francia, Robert I was given permission to marry Beatrice, Herbert II’s daughter.
William soon escorted his pregnant wife Sprota to Fecamp in Normandy to protect his wife and child. While he was away from Fecamp, he received news by messenger that his wife had given birth to a son on 8/28/932. William sent word back for his son to be baptized and given the name of Richard.
The marriage of William and Sprota survived only a couple of years before she was once again living with her parents. Sometime between 933-934, Sprota ended her marriage to William. Her father Herbert II would have requested a nullification of the marital bonds from the church; as such, William would have been able to remarry and Sprota would not be allowed to remarry as long as William was still alive. Marriages declared null under the Catholic Church are considered as void ab initio, meaning that the marriage was invalid from the beginning. Canon 1137 Law specifically affirms the legitimacy of children born in both valid and putative marriages (objectively invalid, though at least one party celebrated in good faith).
William and Sprota were both baptized Christians as Herbert II’s children were descendants of Charlemagne and the Longsword's planctus, states he was baptized a Christian probably at the same time as his father, which Orderic Vitalis stated was in 912, by Franco, Archbishop of Rouen. One of the grounds for nullity of a marriage in the early Catholic church was, ‘force or grave fear imposed on a person’. According to, The Story of the Normans, By Sarah Orne Jewett, p. 80, 1899. "Espriota, young Richard's mother, thriftily resolved to provide herself with a protector, and married Sperling, a rich miller of Vaudreuil.” Sprota must have faced great danger being William’s wife and the mother of young Richard.
In 935, “Herbert of Vermandois, ... persuaded him [William] to cast off Espriota [Sprota], and marry his second daughter, Luitgard.” The History of the Granville Family, Roger Granville, 1895, p. 7. William agreed and married her sister Luitgarde with a dowry of lands in Longueville, Coudres and Illiers l’Eveque. An original Jumieges charter dated 1012 states that Longueville, given by 'comes Vuillemus Rotomagensis ciuitate' to his wife Leyarda, passes from her to her daughter (by her second husband) Emma, who gave it to Bourgueil; this abbey.
Although William accepted the offer and married Luitgarde, no children were born and after William’s death she quickly married Theobald, Count of Blois, they had five children together. William gladly accepted the dowry from Herbert, and it appears Herbert was extremely desirous of keeping William as his son-in-law by any means for protection from invading Northmen. At the same time William and Luitgarde were married, William's sister Gerloc / Adela married William, Count of Poitou, with the approval of Hugh the Great. Hugh was fulfilling a promise he made to Rollo to take care of his children. Rollo’s granddaughter Adelaide later married Hugh’s son Hugh Capet which would allow his son to be a potential heir to be the ruler of Normandy.
Herbert II was at the height of his power and an obvious candidate for the kingship when Ralph, king of West Francia died in 936. Instead, Hugh the Great urged magnates to accept Louis IV, a 16 year old boy, son of Charles the Simple and Eadgifu (his sister-in-law) as their King. The new king was not capable of controlling his Barons and after William’s brother-in-law, Herluin II, Count of Montreuil, was attacked by Flanders, Herluin appealed to William for help to regain the castle of Montreuil from Arnulf I of Flanders. William went to their assistance in 939, and by doing so he became involved in a war with Arnulf I. This soon became intertwined with the other conflicts troubling the reign of Louis IV.
Arnulf I, Count of Flanders retaliated by attacking Normandy, and he also captured the castle of Montreuil-sur-Mer expelling Herluin. Herluin and William joined forces to retake the castle, and losing the castle was a major setback in Arnulf's ambitions. William's part in it gained him a deadly enemy. The chronicle of Norman-Duke of Normandy states: "William of Normandy had Arnulf I Count of Flanders removed the castle of Montreuil." William was excommunicated for his actions in attacking and destroying several estates belonging to Arnulf. To make amends, William pledged his loyalty to King Louis IV in 940, and in return Louis confirmed lands that had been given to his father Rollo.
Historians claim William Longsword was killed by servants of Theobald of Blois and Arnulf of Flanders leading some to believe Luitgarde may have been involved in William’s death. Luitgarde married Theobald of Blois soon after William's death. “Thibault, knew Comte de Troye & de Champagne because of Luitgarde wife of Thibault le Tricheur Count of Tours, Blois & Chartres ... Glaber says that after he [Theobald] had killed Guillaume Duke of Normandy, he asked Hebert Comte de Vermandois for his daughter in marriage, seen by said William, whom he espoused, and had by her Eudes I. father of Eudes II” L'empire françois ou l'Histoire des conquestes des royaumes, Laurent Turquoy, 1651. In 941 a peace treaty was signed between the Bretons and Normans, brokered in Rouen by Louis IV which limited the Norman expansion into Breton lands.
The following year, on 12/17/942 at Picquigny on an island on the Somme, William Longsword was ambushed and killed by Arnulf's men after being summoned to a peace conference to settle their differences. Count Arnulf died 3/27/964, allegedly murdered by Herluim for the murder of William Longsword. Following William's death, Sprota married Asperling de Vaudreul and had Ralph, Count of Ivry and several daughters who married Norman magnates. Richard was sent to be raised in Bayeux under the guardianship of Bernard de Senlis and the protection of Hugh the Great.
Additional Sources:
Espriota was the daughter of Hubert, Count of Senlis”. Royal Ancestors of Magna Charta Barons: Including Ancestry of John, 1959, By Carr Pritchett Collins, p. 230.
“Asperling de Vaudreuil was probably born in France in the early tenth century. He married Sprota de Senlis. She was the daughter of Herbert, Count de Senlis. She had married, first, William I, Duke of Normandy. “ Aristocratic and royal ancestors of Jane Harry, 1991, By Leslie Ray Tucker, Vol. 1, p. 60.
”William I. second duke of Normandy, died 942; he married Sprota, daughter of Herbert, count of Senlis.” A survey of Staffordshire, containing the antiquities of that county, 1844, By Sampson Erdeswick, p. 73.
"Espriota or Sprota, the daughter of Herbert, Earl of Senlis" The History of the Granville Family: Traced Back to Rollo, First Duke of Normandy, 1895, By Roger Granville, p. 7.
“William I. married Sprota, daughter of Herbert, Count of Senlis, by whom he had a son and successor called Richard.” Collectanea Cliffordiana: In Three Parts, 1817, By Arthur Clifford, p. 123.
RICHARD I THE FEARLESS (8/28/932 FECAMP, SEINE INFERIEURE, FRANCE-11/20/996)
Richard was likely a happy, carefree youth in Bayeux with his mother Sprota, his father William and grandparents Rollo and Poppa. After Richard's parents divorced in 935, he would have spent his time between Vermandois (between what is now Peronne and St. Quentin) and Fecamp. His early education would have consisted of learning the ways of the French and the Normans. He is known to have been bilingual, speaking a Scandinavian dialect as well as French. His mother Sprota and grandmother Poppa were Christians and both descending from Charlemagne. Charlemagne was the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire; king of France in the late eighth and early ninth centuries and a zealous defender of Christianity. Poppa was the daughter of Pepin III and Guerlinde, a daughter of Prince Gurvand of Rennes (Bernard de Senlis was Poppa’s brother), while Sprota was the daughter of Herbert II and Adele, daughter of King Robert I of West Francia (Hugh the Great was Adele’s half-brother and Sprota’s cousin). Sprota’s sister Luitgard was William second wife.
In 12/17/942, at age 10, when Arnulf I of Flanders sent William a message asking him to meet at Picquigny on an island on the Somme to settle their conflict over Montreuil were he was ambushed and assassinated by Arnulf’s men. With Richard's father no longer a threat, King Louis IV of France installed the young boy in his father's office. Under the influence of Arnulf I, Count of Flanders, the king took him into Frankish territory and placed him in the custody of the count of Ponthieu before the king reneged and seized the lands of the Duchy of Normandy. After the attack, Louis IV divided Normandy, creating Upper and Lower lands and gave the latter to Hugh the Great. The was attack was likely in retribution for the demise of King Louis’ father King Charles the Simple who was held captive by Richard I’s father, Richard’s grandfather Herbert II and Richard’s cousin Prince Hugh the Great from 923 until he died 10/7/929.
In 943 the Scandinavian Setric, landing in Normandy with a band of pirates, induced a number of Christian Northmen to apostatize; among them, one Turmod who sought to make a pagan of the young duke. Hugh the Great, Duke of France, and Louis IV, King of France, defeated these invaders and after their victory both sought to set up their own power in Normandy to the detriment of the young Richard whom Louis IV held in semi - captivity at Laon. After making Richard his prisoner Louis divided Normandy in two, creating Upper and Lower lands and gave the latter he gave to Hugh the Great.
In 945 Upon hearing about Richard’s imprisonment and the taking of Normandy, the King of Denmark, Harold ‘bluetooth’ arrived and soundly defeated of Louis IV, holding him prisoner for a time. While Richard was being held in Laon, he encountered friends of his grandfather Rollo named Bernard de Senlis, (brother of his grandmother Poppa), Ivo de Bellèsme, Osmond de Conteville and Bernard the Dane who also assisted in Richard's release, along with pagan forces led by Harold of Bayeux.
In 946/7, Louis, working with Arnulf, persuaded Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor to attack. Richard, Hugh the Great, Norman and Viking leaders and men sent by King Harold of Denmark joined forces. The combined armies of Otto, Arnulf, and Louis were driven from the gates of Rouen, fleeing to Amiens and being decisively defeated. Louis IV was captured and hostages were taken until Louis was forced to recognize Richard as Duke of Normandy. Afterward, a period of peace ensued, with Louis IV dying in 954 and 13 year old Lothair becoming king. The middle-aged Hugh appointed Richard as guardian of his 15-year-old son, Hugh Capet in 955.
Richard I, Duke of Normandy and his Danish wife Gunnora were the parents of all of their ten children. Many sources state several were born to a mistress, but they are actually referring to Gunnora as she and Richard married in 962 after his first wife Emma died in 960 of an unknown cause. French writers disliked the Normans and often referred to Gunnora as Richard's concubine, possibly to discredit Richard II and have reason to refer to him and their other children as bastards. "He married first Emma, daughter to Hugh le Grand, count of Paris, and father to Hugh Capet, by whom he had no issue; but by a Danish lady of great quality, whose name was Gunnora, whom he first kept as a concubine" ... Da. Gulielm. Gemiticenf. Thom. Walfingham (Translated from French, available on Google Books).
Richard I was betrothed to Hugh the Great's daughter when she was a child. "Gonnor, bridesmaid and first friend of Richard Duke of Normandy, son of William Long Sword, being then married to that Duke after the death of Emma, his first wife, daughter of Hugo the great Count of Paris" Historia Varia, By M. Lodovico Domenichi, p. 796, 1565 (Translated from Italian, available on Google Books). “After her death, Richard divided her personal effects between the monasteries and the poor”. Source: The Dukes of Normandy: From the Time of Rollo to the Expulsion of King John by Philip Augustus of France, Jonathan Duncan, (London: J. Rickerby, 1839), 48-9.
As early as October 962, Richard married Gunnora de Crepon (c946-5/1031) in a Christian ceremony in Normandy, France and their first child Richard II was born on 8/23/963. Richard and Gunnor de Crepon of Pays de Caux (c946-5/1031) were married in the Christian church. Wace, and other Norman chroniclers refer to Gunnora as a Christian lady of high birth and breeding. "Chronique de Normandie" says, the lady Gunnora made great presents to the churches, particularly Notre Dame de Rouen, to which she presented the most beautiful embroidery, worked by herself and her maidens. She also caused precious cloths to be worked with silks, containing the history and the pictures of the Virgin Mary, and the saints, to ornament the church of Notre Dame d Rouen. After Richard’s death, Gunnora, functioned as countess of Normandy, as well adviser to him while he was alive and to their son Richard II.
Dudo of St. Quentin tells us the family name of de Crepon was of noble Danish blood. French Wikipedia states: "Roricon de Crepon was the father of Herbastus de Crepon who was the father of Gunnor de Crepon m. Richard I of Normandy." Fracademic.com, states "The Norman Crepon family originally from Calvados, comes from different Scandinavian lineages which belong to the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish nobility.” Herfast / Arfast / Arnfastr, is an old Norse name and is inscribed in Runes stating it "commemorates Holmfastr and Arnfastr, father and son, who died by fire." Myths of the Pagan North: The Gods of the Norsemen, Christopher Abram · 2011, p. 35. Quickfire is a method of burning the occupants of a family inside their home in the middle of the night by blocking the exits with fire.
Osbern, son of Arfast, abbot os S. Evroult, 1061, described by Ordericus as learned, eloquent, and with a lively genius for the arts of sculpture, architecture, copying MSS., &c. He planned and began the new church of S. Evroult, but died 27 May 1066. Another source on this family writes: “Osbern de Crespon, was the son of Herfast, the brother of the Conqueror's great-grandmother, Gunnor, wife of Richard the first, Duke of Normandy, surnamed Sans-Peur (Herfast and she being children of a knight whose name has not come down to posterity, but who was one of the Northmen who accompanied Rollo)" Source: Annals of Chepstow Castle: Or, Six Centuries of the Lords of Striguil from the Conquest to the Revolution, By John Fitchett Marsh, Sir John Maclean, 1883, p. 1.
Bernard de Senlis (St. Liz) was the brother of Poppa and thus Richard's great uncle. Bernard and Rollo are known to have been companions before Rollo's death, and afterward Barnard became an unwavering protector of both Rollo's son William and grandson Richard. In 946, Richard, undoubtedly with the urging of his great uncle, agreed to "commend" himself to Hugh, Count of Paris. He then allied himself with the Norman and Viking leaders, drove Louis IV out of Rouen, and took back Normandy by 947. In 962 Theobald I, Count of Blois attacked Rouen, Richard’s stronghold, but his army was defeated by the Normans and he retreated never having crossed the Seine. Lothair king of the West Franks stepped in to prevent any further wars between the two. Afterwards, and until his death in 996, Richard concentrated on Normandy itself, and participated less in Frankish politics and petty wars. In lieu of building up the Norman Empire by expansion, he stabilized the realm, and united his followers into a cohesive and formidable principality.
It is also said that Gunnora was from a rival Viking group in the Cotentin wherein he formed another strategic alliance and she lived in an area that remains to be one of the few strongholds of the Cauchois dialect of the Norman language outside the Cotentin. This left an enduring legacy in the Cauchois dialect and in the ethnic makeup of the Cauchois Normans in Pays de Caux. It is reasonable to assume Gunnora's family was well-known to Richard I prior to his initial meeting with her as mentioned by Robert of Torigni. Her sisters formed the core group that provided loyal followers to him and his successors. Later their daughters provided valuable marriage alliances with powerful neighboring counts as well as to the king of England. Gunnora's siblings were: 1) Avelina (c962-) who married Osmond fitz-Ansfrid I (c962-) Viscomte de Vernon, de Conteville, de Bolbec; 2) Herfast / Arfast de Crepon who married an unknown spouse; 3) Duvelina who married Turold Pont Audemer, and lastly; 4) Seinfreda (c948-) who disappears from history after the fabricated story of how Richard met Gunnora in the woods while hunting and was so overcome by her beauty he married her immediately.
Richard strengthened his relationship with the church, restoring their lands and insured the great monasteries flourished. His reign was marked by an extended period of peace and tranquility. Duke Richard died on 12/29/996 at the age of 64 at Fecamp of natural causes and Duchess Gunnora died of natural causes in 1031 in Normandy, France. Guillaume of Jumièges records that Richard married "Gunnor ex nobilissima Danorum prosapia ortam" translated: The stock of a lady of the highest rank of the Danes Gunnor.
Between 1026-1028 a Charter of 'Gonnor', then relict of Duke Richard, was delivered to Mont Saint Michel … Britavilla and Domjean which her husband count Richard, of blessed memory, had given her, with more, in dower; chiefly for the good of his soul, her own soul and of her sons count Richard, archbishop Robert, and others, who give their consent .... she bestows on the abbey, lands, cultivated or not, churches, mills, meadows, and all appurtenances, and with all the rents and dues ... to hold free of claim … [Signed] Robert archbishop; Manger; Robert; Hugh Bishop of Constance; Hugh Bishop of Bayeux; Hugh Sais bishops; Roger Bishop; Norgot Bishop; Heldebert Abbot; William the Abbot; Uspac Abbot; William Laci; [Seal] Robert count; Godfrey; William; Ralph; Tursten; Tescelin sheriff; Herluin; Anschetil sheriff; William, son of Tursten; Hugh Lay; Gerard; Osmund clerks; Geoffrey; Herfast; Neil; Wimund; Anschitill; Milo; Raynald; Odo; Ranulf.
The painting of Richard's children is a version of the one completed in the 11th century. This one includes all of Richard's 10 children. In the original the only children shown were Richard II, Robert, Mauger, William, Emma, Hawise and Maud. Dudo IV, 125, pg. 163-164. Dudo informs us that Gunnora is documented to be the mother of five sons and three daughters with her husband Richard the Fearless (others have since been documented). Guillaume de Jumièges names six children: Richard II, Robert, and Mauger, Emma, Hawise and Maud, giving their marriages, and names sons Geoffrey and William and two daughters. Gunnora is often referred to as his mistress without providing her name. Gunnora's charter, following Richard's death, specifically mentions her sons Richard and Robert and the document was witnessed by William (Willelmi), Mauger (Maalgerii), and Geoffrey (Godefridi) without specifically naming them as her sons. No other mistress has been named or documented.
The foundation charter of the nunnery of Montivilliers was signed at Fecamp on 13 Jan 1035 by Robert, duke of Normandy who died 3 Jul 1035. This charter features the nun "Wimardis", widow of Ansfrid the steward who gave Ectot [possibly Saint-Germain-d'Ectot, in Calvados] to this religious house, as later attested by their son Robert. Robert de Moyaux [in Calvados] (at the request of his mother Wimardis) gave to this religious house land that Ansfrid had held in the forest of Rouvray. Guimara Wimarche was a widow at the time she entered the monastery, therefore her husband, Ansfrid, died prior to that date. The Benedictine nuns had Beatrice, the aunt of the Duke [Robert], for abbess. Normandy: Its Charm, Its curiosities, Its Antiquities, Its History, Its Topography, By, Sisley Huddleston, 1929, p.129. In other documents pertaining to this nunnery we find signatures of Duke Robert, Wymarch and her husband Ansfrid and their son Robert fitz Wymarc as well as Beatrix.
From various source documents, we know Robert fitz Wymarc was a cousin (sonsanguineus) of duke William and close enough to Edward, son of Emma de Normandy, to be s pictured on the Bayeux Tapestry holding Edward the Confessor at the time of his death. Papia is identified by Orderic Vitalis who describes her as the daughter of "Ricardi iunioris ducis Normannorum", and Robert of Torigny names Godfrey and William as sons of Richard, duke of Normandy.
William of Jumieges tells us that, "Mauger was the son of Richard I and Gunnor, a relationship that finds confirmation in the witness list of a charter surviving in original form and dated 1012," and he also writes "Maud was daughter to Richard I., Duke of Normandy, wife of Odo, Earl of Blois and Chartres". Hawise, upon her husband Goeffrey's death took the role of Regent and her brother Richard II, Duke of Normandy became Guardian of Brittany. Richard I was honor bound and took up a new role as guardian for Emma's brother Hugh Capet.
Richard I of Normandy and Gunnora of Pays de Caux were the parents of ten children:
1. Richard II, Duke of Normandy, (8/23/963-8/28/1026/27), m. Judith of Brittany (c963-8/28/1027)
2. Robert of Normandy, (ca. 965-1037), Archbishop of Rouen, Count of Evreux, as the second son, he was raise by his father to the archiepiscopal see of Rouen (989-1037) to which he was devoted, he wed Herleva [daughter of Sprota and Asperling de Vaudreuil]. He converted Olaus, a Northman King, to Christianity; and founded the Church of Rouen.
3. Godfrey, Count of Eu (ca. 967-c1015) named son of duke "Richard the elder" by Orderic Vitalis, who specifies that his father gave Brionne "with the whole county" to him as Comte de" Eu after 996. Robert of Torigny names him as "unus Godefridus alter … Willermus" as sons of Richard, Duke of Normandy. Geoffrey married about 961 to Heloise, daughter of Sigfrid, Count of Guines and Elstrude de Flanders. Elstrude was the daughter of Arnulf I of Flanders and Adele de Vermandois and granddaughter of Baldwin II, Count of Flanders and Aelfthryth, daughter of king Alfred of England.
4. Mauger of Normandy, (ca. 969-) Earl of Corbeil m. Germaine de Corbeil - "Malinger or Mauger, the third son of Richard the Fearless, third Duke of Normandy, and direct ancestor of the Granville family, obtained the Earldom of Corbeil by his first marriage in the year 1012 with Germaine de Corbeil" - The History of the Granville Family, 1859, p. 15. .
5. Maud of Normandy, (ca. 971-) m. Odo II of Blois (c970-11/15/1037)
6. Wymarch (ca. 973-) m. Ansfrid II (c966-1054) Robert FitzWimarc de Moyaux, her son, is pictured on the Bayeux Tapestry holding Edward the Confessor at his death.
7. Hawise of Normandy, (ca. 977-2/21/1034) m. Geoffrey I, Duke of Brittany (c975-c1028), she took the role of Regent and her brother Richard II, Duke of Normandy became Guardian of Brittany, upon Geoffrey's death.
8. Emma of Normandy, (ca. 979-3/6/1052) m. Ethelred II and his son Canute, Kings of England.
9. Beatrix (ca. 981-1/18/1035) m. Ebles Turenne - The Miracles of Sainte-Foy attribute a miracle to "Lady Beatrice his [Lord Ebalus] wife…soon to lose him through divorce" involving her freeing pilgrims from captivity near Turenne. She returned to Normandy after her divorce and was appointed Abbess of Montivilliers [1035] m. (before 1001, divorced) as his first wife, Ebles Vicomte de Turenne, son of Archambaud "Jambe-Pourrie" Vicomte de Comborn & his wife Sulpicie de Turenne (-after 1021). A charter shows that Duke Robert of Normandy established in 1035 the Abbey of Montivilliers.
10. William, Count of Eu (ca. 983-), Robert of Torigny writes "unus Godefridus alter … Willermus" as sons of Richard, Duke of Normandy m. Lasceline de Turqueville.
Queen Emma of England, daughter of Richard I, Duke of Normandy and Gunnora, was the mother of Princess Goda who married Drogo de Mantes, the ancestor of the Ware's. Richard I, Duke of Normandy and his Danish wife Gunnora were the parents of all of their ten children. Many sources state several were born to a mistress, but they are actually referring to Gunnora as she and Richard did not marry until after the death of his first wife Emma, daughter of Hugh the Great. Richard I was betrothed to Hugh the Great's daughter when she was a child, but he never had any children with her and obviously never intended to consummate the marriage. This was undoubtedly a marriage to gain support and protection from Hugh the Great.
Harold de Gael de Waer (Ware) married Maud le Goz, d'Avranches, daughter of Richard, count of Avranches, and they descend through Ansfrid II and Wymarch, daughter of Richard de Normandy. Ansfrid II was the son of Ansfrid I and Helloe de Beaulac and Ansfrid I was the son of Hugh the Great and Gerlotte de Blois. At the time of Ansfrid's birth, Gerlotte was married to Hrólfr Turstain / Thurstan Hrollaugsson. She died during or soon after his birth. Hugh the Great was a widower at this time and after her death he married Hedwig of Germany. He was without doubt the father of Ansfrid I and played a major role in his life, even deciding who he married. DNA testing of their descendants show that Hugh the Great and Ansfrid are both of the rare haplogroup G2a. Gerlotte's father was the vassal (knight) of Hugh the Great, allowing her to be in a position to spend a great deal of time in his company while her husband was away during various battles.
Richard I and Gunnor were parents of: Wymarche (c977-c1040) married Ansfrid II, son of Ansfrid I and Helloe de Beaulac (c966-c1035). Refer to the chart, Ancestors of Helloe De Beaulac and for more detailed information on Ansfrid II, visit www.hallfamilyname.com.
Wymarche and Ansfrid II were parents of: Thurstan Halduc, le Goz, FitzAnsfrid, de le Haye, Count of Hiemois and Gov. of Falaise (c990-1041) married Judith Montanolier.
Thurstan Halduc and Judith Montanolier were parents of: Richard, Count of Avranches, le Goz (1023-1074) married Emma, daughter of Herluin de Conteville and Herleve de Falaise. Herleve was the mother of William the Conqueror. Source: Collectanea Archaelogica: Shropshire, 1860, p. 283.
Richard le Goz and Emma de Conteville were parents of: Maud le Goz d'Avranches (c1055-) m. Harold de Gael de Waer, de Ware, Lord of Ewyas. See chart, Descendants of Richard I, Duke of Normandy for more detailed information.
Richard was likely a happy, carefree youth in Bayeux with his mother Sprota, his father William and grandparents Rollo and Poppa. After Richard's parents divorced in 935, he would have spent his time between Vermandois (between what is now Peronne and St. Quentin) and Fecamp. His early education would have consisted of learning the ways of the French and the Normans. He is known to have been bilingual, speaking a Scandinavian dialect as well as French. His mother Sprota and grandmother Poppa were Christians and both descending from Charlemagne. Charlemagne was the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire; king of France in the late eighth and early ninth centuries and a zealous defender of Christianity. Poppa was the daughter of Pepin III and Guerlinde, a daughter of Prince Gurvand of Rennes (Bernard de Senlis was Poppa’s brother), while Sprota was the daughter of Herbert II and Adele, daughter of King Robert I of West Francia (Hugh the Great was Adele’s half-brother and Sprota’s cousin). Sprota’s sister Luitgard was William second wife.
In 12/17/942, at age 10, when Arnulf I of Flanders sent William a message asking him to meet at Picquigny on an island on the Somme to settle their conflict over Montreuil were he was ambushed and assassinated by Arnulf’s men. With Richard's father no longer a threat, King Louis IV of France installed the young boy in his father's office. Under the influence of Arnulf I, Count of Flanders, the king took him into Frankish territory and placed him in the custody of the count of Ponthieu before the king reneged and seized the lands of the Duchy of Normandy. After the attack, Louis IV divided Normandy, creating Upper and Lower lands and gave the latter to Hugh the Great. The was attack was likely in retribution for the demise of King Louis’ father King Charles the Simple who was held captive by Richard I’s father, Richard’s grandfather Herbert II and Richard’s cousin Prince Hugh the Great from 923 until he died 10/7/929.
In 943 the Scandinavian Setric, landing in Normandy with a band of pirates, induced a number of Christian Northmen to apostatize; among them, one Turmod who sought to make a pagan of the young duke. Hugh the Great, Duke of France, and Louis IV, King of France, defeated these invaders and after their victory both sought to set up their own power in Normandy to the detriment of the young Richard whom Louis IV held in semi - captivity at Laon. After making Richard his prisoner Louis divided Normandy in two, creating Upper and Lower lands and gave the latter he gave to Hugh the Great.
In 945 Upon hearing about Richard’s imprisonment and the taking of Normandy, the King of Denmark, Harold ‘bluetooth’ arrived and soundly defeated of Louis IV, holding him prisoner for a time. While Richard was being held in Laon, he encountered friends of his grandfather Rollo named Bernard de Senlis, (brother of his grandmother Poppa), Ivo de Bellèsme, Osmond de Conteville and Bernard the Dane who also assisted in Richard's release, along with pagan forces led by Harold of Bayeux.
In 946/7, Louis, working with Arnulf, persuaded Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor to attack. Richard, Hugh the Great, Norman and Viking leaders and men sent by King Harold of Denmark joined forces. The combined armies of Otto, Arnulf, and Louis were driven from the gates of Rouen, fleeing to Amiens and being decisively defeated. Louis IV was captured and hostages were taken until Louis was forced to recognize Richard as Duke of Normandy. Afterward, a period of peace ensued, with Louis IV dying in 954 and 13 year old Lothair becoming king. The middle-aged Hugh appointed Richard as guardian of his 15-year-old son, Hugh Capet in 955.
Richard I, Duke of Normandy and his Danish wife Gunnora were the parents of all of their ten children. Many sources state several were born to a mistress, but they are actually referring to Gunnora as she and Richard married in 962 after his first wife Emma died in 960 of an unknown cause. French writers disliked the Normans and often referred to Gunnora as Richard's concubine, possibly to discredit Richard II and have reason to refer to him and their other children as bastards. "He married first Emma, daughter to Hugh le Grand, count of Paris, and father to Hugh Capet, by whom he had no issue; but by a Danish lady of great quality, whose name was Gunnora, whom he first kept as a concubine" ... Da. Gulielm. Gemiticenf. Thom. Walfingham (Translated from French, available on Google Books).
Richard I was betrothed to Hugh the Great's daughter when she was a child. "Gonnor, bridesmaid and first friend of Richard Duke of Normandy, son of William Long Sword, being then married to that Duke after the death of Emma, his first wife, daughter of Hugo the great Count of Paris" Historia Varia, By M. Lodovico Domenichi, p. 796, 1565 (Translated from Italian, available on Google Books). “After her death, Richard divided her personal effects between the monasteries and the poor”. Source: The Dukes of Normandy: From the Time of Rollo to the Expulsion of King John by Philip Augustus of France, Jonathan Duncan, (London: J. Rickerby, 1839), 48-9.
As early as October 962, Richard married Gunnora de Crepon (c946-5/1031) in a Christian ceremony in Normandy, France and their first child Richard II was born on 8/23/963. Richard and Gunnor de Crepon of Pays de Caux (c946-5/1031) were married in the Christian church. Wace, and other Norman chroniclers refer to Gunnora as a Christian lady of high birth and breeding. "Chronique de Normandie" says, the lady Gunnora made great presents to the churches, particularly Notre Dame de Rouen, to which she presented the most beautiful embroidery, worked by herself and her maidens. She also caused precious cloths to be worked with silks, containing the history and the pictures of the Virgin Mary, and the saints, to ornament the church of Notre Dame d Rouen. After Richard’s death, Gunnora, functioned as countess of Normandy, as well adviser to him while he was alive and to their son Richard II.
Dudo of St. Quentin tells us the family name of de Crepon was of noble Danish blood. French Wikipedia states: "Roricon de Crepon was the father of Herbastus de Crepon who was the father of Gunnor de Crepon m. Richard I of Normandy." Fracademic.com, states "The Norman Crepon family originally from Calvados, comes from different Scandinavian lineages which belong to the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish nobility.” Herfast / Arfast / Arnfastr, is an old Norse name and is inscribed in Runes stating it "commemorates Holmfastr and Arnfastr, father and son, who died by fire." Myths of the Pagan North: The Gods of the Norsemen, Christopher Abram · 2011, p. 35. Quickfire is a method of burning the occupants of a family inside their home in the middle of the night by blocking the exits with fire.
Osbern, son of Arfast, abbot os S. Evroult, 1061, described by Ordericus as learned, eloquent, and with a lively genius for the arts of sculpture, architecture, copying MSS., &c. He planned and began the new church of S. Evroult, but died 27 May 1066. Another source on this family writes: “Osbern de Crespon, was the son of Herfast, the brother of the Conqueror's great-grandmother, Gunnor, wife of Richard the first, Duke of Normandy, surnamed Sans-Peur (Herfast and she being children of a knight whose name has not come down to posterity, but who was one of the Northmen who accompanied Rollo)" Source: Annals of Chepstow Castle: Or, Six Centuries of the Lords of Striguil from the Conquest to the Revolution, By John Fitchett Marsh, Sir John Maclean, 1883, p. 1.
Bernard de Senlis (St. Liz) was the brother of Poppa and thus Richard's great uncle. Bernard and Rollo are known to have been companions before Rollo's death, and afterward Barnard became an unwavering protector of both Rollo's son William and grandson Richard. In 946, Richard, undoubtedly with the urging of his great uncle, agreed to "commend" himself to Hugh, Count of Paris. He then allied himself with the Norman and Viking leaders, drove Louis IV out of Rouen, and took back Normandy by 947. In 962 Theobald I, Count of Blois attacked Rouen, Richard’s stronghold, but his army was defeated by the Normans and he retreated never having crossed the Seine. Lothair king of the West Franks stepped in to prevent any further wars between the two. Afterwards, and until his death in 996, Richard concentrated on Normandy itself, and participated less in Frankish politics and petty wars. In lieu of building up the Norman Empire by expansion, he stabilized the realm, and united his followers into a cohesive and formidable principality.
It is also said that Gunnora was from a rival Viking group in the Cotentin wherein he formed another strategic alliance and she lived in an area that remains to be one of the few strongholds of the Cauchois dialect of the Norman language outside the Cotentin. This left an enduring legacy in the Cauchois dialect and in the ethnic makeup of the Cauchois Normans in Pays de Caux. It is reasonable to assume Gunnora's family was well-known to Richard I prior to his initial meeting with her as mentioned by Robert of Torigni. Her sisters formed the core group that provided loyal followers to him and his successors. Later their daughters provided valuable marriage alliances with powerful neighboring counts as well as to the king of England. Gunnora's siblings were: 1) Avelina (c962-) who married Osmond fitz-Ansfrid I (c962-) Viscomte de Vernon, de Conteville, de Bolbec; 2) Herfast / Arfast de Crepon who married an unknown spouse; 3) Duvelina who married Turold Pont Audemer, and lastly; 4) Seinfreda (c948-) who disappears from history after the fabricated story of how Richard met Gunnora in the woods while hunting and was so overcome by her beauty he married her immediately.
Richard strengthened his relationship with the church, restoring their lands and insured the great monasteries flourished. His reign was marked by an extended period of peace and tranquility. Duke Richard died on 12/29/996 at the age of 64 at Fecamp of natural causes and Duchess Gunnora died of natural causes in 1031 in Normandy, France. Guillaume of Jumièges records that Richard married "Gunnor ex nobilissima Danorum prosapia ortam" translated: The stock of a lady of the highest rank of the Danes Gunnor.
Between 1026-1028 a Charter of 'Gonnor', then relict of Duke Richard, was delivered to Mont Saint Michel … Britavilla and Domjean which her husband count Richard, of blessed memory, had given her, with more, in dower; chiefly for the good of his soul, her own soul and of her sons count Richard, archbishop Robert, and others, who give their consent .... she bestows on the abbey, lands, cultivated or not, churches, mills, meadows, and all appurtenances, and with all the rents and dues ... to hold free of claim … [Signed] Robert archbishop; Manger; Robert; Hugh Bishop of Constance; Hugh Bishop of Bayeux; Hugh Sais bishops; Roger Bishop; Norgot Bishop; Heldebert Abbot; William the Abbot; Uspac Abbot; William Laci; [Seal] Robert count; Godfrey; William; Ralph; Tursten; Tescelin sheriff; Herluin; Anschetil sheriff; William, son of Tursten; Hugh Lay; Gerard; Osmund clerks; Geoffrey; Herfast; Neil; Wimund; Anschitill; Milo; Raynald; Odo; Ranulf.
The painting of Richard's children is a version of the one completed in the 11th century. This one includes all of Richard's 10 children. In the original the only children shown were Richard II, Robert, Mauger, William, Emma, Hawise and Maud. Dudo IV, 125, pg. 163-164. Dudo informs us that Gunnora is documented to be the mother of five sons and three daughters with her husband Richard the Fearless (others have since been documented). Guillaume de Jumièges names six children: Richard II, Robert, and Mauger, Emma, Hawise and Maud, giving their marriages, and names sons Geoffrey and William and two daughters. Gunnora is often referred to as his mistress without providing her name. Gunnora's charter, following Richard's death, specifically mentions her sons Richard and Robert and the document was witnessed by William (Willelmi), Mauger (Maalgerii), and Geoffrey (Godefridi) without specifically naming them as her sons. No other mistress has been named or documented.
The foundation charter of the nunnery of Montivilliers was signed at Fecamp on 13 Jan 1035 by Robert, duke of Normandy who died 3 Jul 1035. This charter features the nun "Wimardis", widow of Ansfrid the steward who gave Ectot [possibly Saint-Germain-d'Ectot, in Calvados] to this religious house, as later attested by their son Robert. Robert de Moyaux [in Calvados] (at the request of his mother Wimardis) gave to this religious house land that Ansfrid had held in the forest of Rouvray. Guimara Wimarche was a widow at the time she entered the monastery, therefore her husband, Ansfrid, died prior to that date. The Benedictine nuns had Beatrice, the aunt of the Duke [Robert], for abbess. Normandy: Its Charm, Its curiosities, Its Antiquities, Its History, Its Topography, By, Sisley Huddleston, 1929, p.129. In other documents pertaining to this nunnery we find signatures of Duke Robert, Wymarch and her husband Ansfrid and their son Robert fitz Wymarc as well as Beatrix.
From various source documents, we know Robert fitz Wymarc was a cousin (sonsanguineus) of duke William and close enough to Edward, son of Emma de Normandy, to be s pictured on the Bayeux Tapestry holding Edward the Confessor at the time of his death. Papia is identified by Orderic Vitalis who describes her as the daughter of "Ricardi iunioris ducis Normannorum", and Robert of Torigny names Godfrey and William as sons of Richard, duke of Normandy.
William of Jumieges tells us that, "Mauger was the son of Richard I and Gunnor, a relationship that finds confirmation in the witness list of a charter surviving in original form and dated 1012," and he also writes "Maud was daughter to Richard I., Duke of Normandy, wife of Odo, Earl of Blois and Chartres". Hawise, upon her husband Goeffrey's death took the role of Regent and her brother Richard II, Duke of Normandy became Guardian of Brittany. Richard I was honor bound and took up a new role as guardian for Emma's brother Hugh Capet.
Richard I of Normandy and Gunnora of Pays de Caux were the parents of ten children:
1. Richard II, Duke of Normandy, (8/23/963-8/28/1026/27), m. Judith of Brittany (c963-8/28/1027)
2. Robert of Normandy, (ca. 965-1037), Archbishop of Rouen, Count of Evreux, as the second son, he was raise by his father to the archiepiscopal see of Rouen (989-1037) to which he was devoted, he wed Herleva [daughter of Sprota and Asperling de Vaudreuil]. He converted Olaus, a Northman King, to Christianity; and founded the Church of Rouen.
3. Godfrey, Count of Eu (ca. 967-c1015) named son of duke "Richard the elder" by Orderic Vitalis, who specifies that his father gave Brionne "with the whole county" to him as Comte de" Eu after 996. Robert of Torigny names him as "unus Godefridus alter … Willermus" as sons of Richard, Duke of Normandy. Geoffrey married about 961 to Heloise, daughter of Sigfrid, Count of Guines and Elstrude de Flanders. Elstrude was the daughter of Arnulf I of Flanders and Adele de Vermandois and granddaughter of Baldwin II, Count of Flanders and Aelfthryth, daughter of king Alfred of England.
4. Mauger of Normandy, (ca. 969-) Earl of Corbeil m. Germaine de Corbeil - "Malinger or Mauger, the third son of Richard the Fearless, third Duke of Normandy, and direct ancestor of the Granville family, obtained the Earldom of Corbeil by his first marriage in the year 1012 with Germaine de Corbeil" - The History of the Granville Family, 1859, p. 15. .
5. Maud of Normandy, (ca. 971-) m. Odo II of Blois (c970-11/15/1037)
6. Wymarch (ca. 973-) m. Ansfrid II (c966-1054) Robert FitzWimarc de Moyaux, her son, is pictured on the Bayeux Tapestry holding Edward the Confessor at his death.
7. Hawise of Normandy, (ca. 977-2/21/1034) m. Geoffrey I, Duke of Brittany (c975-c1028), she took the role of Regent and her brother Richard II, Duke of Normandy became Guardian of Brittany, upon Geoffrey's death.
8. Emma of Normandy, (ca. 979-3/6/1052) m. Ethelred II and his son Canute, Kings of England.
9. Beatrix (ca. 981-1/18/1035) m. Ebles Turenne - The Miracles of Sainte-Foy attribute a miracle to "Lady Beatrice his [Lord Ebalus] wife…soon to lose him through divorce" involving her freeing pilgrims from captivity near Turenne. She returned to Normandy after her divorce and was appointed Abbess of Montivilliers [1035] m. (before 1001, divorced) as his first wife, Ebles Vicomte de Turenne, son of Archambaud "Jambe-Pourrie" Vicomte de Comborn & his wife Sulpicie de Turenne (-after 1021). A charter shows that Duke Robert of Normandy established in 1035 the Abbey of Montivilliers.
10. William, Count of Eu (ca. 983-), Robert of Torigny writes "unus Godefridus alter … Willermus" as sons of Richard, Duke of Normandy m. Lasceline de Turqueville.
Queen Emma of England, daughter of Richard I, Duke of Normandy and Gunnora, was the mother of Princess Goda who married Drogo de Mantes, the ancestor of the Ware's. Richard I, Duke of Normandy and his Danish wife Gunnora were the parents of all of their ten children. Many sources state several were born to a mistress, but they are actually referring to Gunnora as she and Richard did not marry until after the death of his first wife Emma, daughter of Hugh the Great. Richard I was betrothed to Hugh the Great's daughter when she was a child, but he never had any children with her and obviously never intended to consummate the marriage. This was undoubtedly a marriage to gain support and protection from Hugh the Great.
Harold de Gael de Waer (Ware) married Maud le Goz, d'Avranches, daughter of Richard, count of Avranches, and they descend through Ansfrid II and Wymarch, daughter of Richard de Normandy. Ansfrid II was the son of Ansfrid I and Helloe de Beaulac and Ansfrid I was the son of Hugh the Great and Gerlotte de Blois. At the time of Ansfrid's birth, Gerlotte was married to Hrólfr Turstain / Thurstan Hrollaugsson. She died during or soon after his birth. Hugh the Great was a widower at this time and after her death he married Hedwig of Germany. He was without doubt the father of Ansfrid I and played a major role in his life, even deciding who he married. DNA testing of their descendants show that Hugh the Great and Ansfrid are both of the rare haplogroup G2a. Gerlotte's father was the vassal (knight) of Hugh the Great, allowing her to be in a position to spend a great deal of time in his company while her husband was away during various battles.
Richard I and Gunnor were parents of: Wymarche (c977-c1040) married Ansfrid II, son of Ansfrid I and Helloe de Beaulac (c966-c1035). Refer to the chart, Ancestors of Helloe De Beaulac and for more detailed information on Ansfrid II, visit www.hallfamilyname.com.
Wymarche and Ansfrid II were parents of: Thurstan Halduc, le Goz, FitzAnsfrid, de le Haye, Count of Hiemois and Gov. of Falaise (c990-1041) married Judith Montanolier.
Thurstan Halduc and Judith Montanolier were parents of: Richard, Count of Avranches, le Goz (1023-1074) married Emma, daughter of Herluin de Conteville and Herleve de Falaise. Herleve was the mother of William the Conqueror. Source: Collectanea Archaelogica: Shropshire, 1860, p. 283.
Richard le Goz and Emma de Conteville were parents of: Maud le Goz d'Avranches (c1055-) m. Harold de Gael de Waer, de Ware, Lord of Ewyas. See chart, Descendants of Richard I, Duke of Normandy for more detailed information.