Bertha of Holland

Bertha of Holland (c.1055-1094) was the first wife and queen of Philippe I, King of France.

Related Topics:
1055 - 1094 - Philippe I, King of France

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She was the daughter of Floris I, Count of Holland, by his wife Gertrude of Saxony, the daughter of Bernard II, Duke of Saxony. After her father died in 1061, her mother remarried to Robert I, Count of Flanders, called Le Frisian. In 1072 her stepfather concluded a peace treaty with King Philippe, and part of the terms of the treaty Bertha was married to Philippe.

Related Topics:
Floris I, Count of Holland - Bernard II, Duke of Saxony - 1061 - Robert I, Count of Flanders - 1072

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Nine years passed before Bertha produced the desired son and heir, Louis. Reportedly, her fertility was only restored thanks to the prayers of a hermit, Arnoul, who also named the child. Together, Philippe and Bertha had two children:

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• Constance (1078-1125), wife of Bohemund I of Antioch
• Louis VI of France (1081-1137)

In 1092, Philippe repudiated Bertha, alleging that she was too fat. He confined her to the fortress of Montreuil-sur-Mer, and took up with Bertrade de Montfort, the countess of Anjou.

Related Topics:
1092 - Montreuil-sur-Mer - Bertrade de Montfort

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