Individual Details

Bertha of Holland

(1055 - 1093)

Daughter of Floris I, count of Holland and Gertrud of Saxony, Bertha was born in 1055. After her father died in 1061, her mother married Robert I 'the Friesian', Graaf van Vlaanderen. In 1072 her stepfather concluded a peace treaty with Philippe I, king of France. As part of its terms Bertha was married to Philippe that year. Nine years passed before Bertha produced the desired son and heir, Louis (the future King Louis VI). Reportedly her fertility was only restored thanks to the prayers of a hermit, Arnoul, who also named the child. Berthe and Philippe had three more sons, but only Louis and their first-born Constance would have progeny.

In 1092 Philippe repudiated Bertha, alleging that she was too fat. He confined her in great comfort in the fortress of Montreuil-sur-Mer, and married Bertrade de Montfort-l'Amaury, still married to Foulques IV 'Rechin', comte d'Anjou. Bertha died in 1093. Despite being excommunicated for a time, Philippe remained with Bertrade until his death in 1108.

Source: Leo van de Pas

Events

Birth1055
Marriage1072Philippe I KIng of France
Death1093

Families

SpousePhilippe I KIng of France (1052 - 1108)
ChildConstance de France (1078 - 1125)
ChildLouis VI King of France (1081 - 1137)
FatherCount Floris I of Holland (1017 - 1061)
MotherGertrud von Sachsen (1030 - 1113)