The coat of arms of the House of Poitiers

Ranulf II’s mistress

We know little about Ranulf II’s mistress, the mother of Ebalus Manzer. The lack of documentation is because she was a mistress and monks were the main record keepers of the day.

Count Berengar of Bayeux

Count Berengar was killed in battle by marauding Vikings. He didn’t live long enough to see his daughter marry the Viking invader Rollo I, which is a mixed blessing.

A photo of Rouen Cathedral - Rouen, France

Rollo the Viking (Robert I of Normandy)

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.

A photo of a statue of Poppa of Bayeux - Bayeux, France

Popa of Bayeux

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? ?

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.