A photo of the Abbey of Fontevraud

Philippa of Toulouse

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.

A photo of the church of the Holy Trinity - Caen, France

Adele of Normandy

Adele was originally called Gerloc but changed her name when she was christened. She is known for founding the monastery of Sainte-Trinité.

The coat of arms of the House of Poitiers

William IV, Duke of Aquitaine

William IV, known as Fier-a-bras or ‘proud arm’ who waged many wars across France. He was the Duke of Acquitaine from 963 until he retired to a monastery in 990.

The coat of arms of the House of Poitiers

William V, Duke of Aquitaine

William V, known as the Great, was a Duke of Aquitaine. He memorably refused the crown of a united Italy after realising the political situation on the peninsula was a mess.