Robert, also known as Rollo or Rolf or Hrolf, was a Norwegian viking who ravaged the Loire valley. They called him “Hrolf the Walker” because he was so big no horse could carry him. So he walked everywhere.
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Popa was the daughter of the Count of Bayeux. Rollo the Viking captured her in battle and married her – but was this bride-kidnapping or not? ?
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Philippa was a countess in her own right when she married William IX, Duke of Aquitaine. She married him because she wanted help getting Toulouse back from her cousin who should not have inherited it.
She is my 23rd great-grandmother.
While records are sparse, we know Hildegarde of Burgundy married her cousin William VIII, Duke of Aquitaine.
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Emma of Blois was Duchess consort of Aquitaine by marriage. She also ruled Aquitaine as regent for her son William V.
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Adele was originally called Gerloc but changed her name when she was christened. She is known for founding the monastery of Sainte-Trinité.
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Ranulf I was a Duke of Aquitaine. Little is known about him except that he died from battle wounds fighting Vikings.
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We know little of Ranulf II except that he was a Duke of Aquitaine.
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Ebalus Manzer indirectly inherited the title of Duke of Acquitaine from his mentor William the Pious. He was well-known for turning up late to battles against the Vikings.
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William III, known as Tête d’étoupe (‘tow head’) because of his fair hair, successfully fought French nobles who wanted to conquer Aquitaine.
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The Unexpected Traveller: Stuff you don’t find in guide books