Origins of the Angevin dynasty

The fortunes of the house of Anjou were founded on the prowess of Ingelgar, a semi-legendary soldier of fortune who carved out an estate for himself in the Loire valley. His son, Fulk the Red, built effectively on his foundations and became the count of Anjou by 941. Under his grandson, Fulk the Good (941-960), the region enjoyed a time of tranquil prosperity. During the next 170 years Anjou was ruled by some extraordinary men: Geoffrey Greygown (960-987), whose prowess was the stuff of legend, and whose story begins this history of the Plantagenets; Fulk Nerra (987-1040), violent, charismatic and cruel, and a master of strategic castle-building; the more subtle Geoffrey Martel (1040-60) and, after nearly 50 years of disorder, Fulk V (1109-29), who became king of Jerusalem. Their lives and deeds are vividly -- if often apocryphally -- described in the Chronicle of the Counts of Anjou. This valuable history, the work of several writers including Thomas of Loches, a chaplain of Count Fulk V, was given it final form in the 1160s by John, a monk of Marmoutier Abbey. [Were the Angevins really a House of Devils?]

Fulk the Good had three sons. Geoffrey, the oldest, became count of Anjou, while the second, Guy, became bishop of Le Puy. Drogo, the youngest and Fulk's favorite - he had been conceived when Fulk was past middle age - was educated in literature and the liberal arts and, through the kindness of King Hugh Capet of France, he succeeded his brother as bishop of Le Puy.

960

Count Geoffrey was a skilful soldier in the French manner, stout-hearted and strong and most successful in battle.

At that time Huasten the Dane had been attacking the coast of France for three years, and now he joined his cousins, Edward and Hilduin, who were both counts of Flanders. He had with him a force of fifteen thousand Danes and Saxons, among whom was a warrior of extraordinary stature and courage, Ethelulf. Together the Danes and Swedes were ravaging French lands, plundering and burning towns and villages wherever they could. With the aid of the Flemings, they overran and laid waste with fire and sword all of that region of Flanders inhabited by the French, before deciding to advance to Paris and sow fear and terror there.

struggling to get up, with a threatening look in his fierce eyes, so he swiftly dismounted and drawing his sword, like a second David, he cut off his head. He immediately remounted and returned swiftly to the boat with the head and the horse of his enemy. After crossing the river, he gave the head to one of the millers to take to Paris, while he returned incognito to Château-Landon to rejoin his men.

The bearer of the head reached the city and, in the presence of the king, declared that although he did not know the identity of the knight he had no doubt that, if he saw him again, he would recognize him.

Geoffrey Greygown was succeeded by his son Count Maurice who was 'wise, virtuous and peace-loving and who ruled in peace more as a result of wisdom than of fighting battles'. On his death in 987 his lands went to his son Fulk Nerra who, although only about 17 years old, had already proved himself a valiant soldier.

987

Fulk Nerra, ever a friend to God-fearing souls and a young man of no mean spirit, bravely set out to defend his land from its many enemies, for wars always break out quickly against a new ruler. On the advice of that scoundrel Landry lord of Châteaudu, Odo II, count of Blois and of Champagne and Gelduin lord of Saumur tried to expel Fulk from Touraine, imagining that the counts of Amboise and Loches would help them. Landry pointed out to them that the time was ripe for Sulpice the treasurer of St Martin's abbey at Tours had lost his brother recently, and was ruling Amboise for the count single-handedly. Out stour-hearted hero did not delay in preparing the enemy's defeat nor flinch from exposing himself to danger. He gathered together the largest army he could and boldly invaded the land of his enemies, marching past Blois to reach Châteaudun.

The inhabitants of that place girded their city well with rings of soldiers and, protected by their arms, they made ready for battle in the manner of defenders of a camp.

At Amboise, the count besieged the stronghold of Landry. So ferociously did his men gather to storm that man's house that they struck desperation into the hearts of those resisting. Knowing that they could not hold out and that if captured they would be unable to avoid the punishment of death they deserved, the besieged began to negotiate through envoys to surrender the stronghold to the count in return for their lives. When this was considered, it seemed good to everyone that such a great peril should be removed without danger to the attackers. And so the besieged were spared, the stronghold utterly destroyed and Landry and his men expelled from their encampment.

After this, the count crossed the Loire and stayed at a dwelling he had reinforced, known as Caramantum in years gone by, though now called Moraud; then to Semblançay, where he had also strengthened the defences, and through the land of his vassal and friend, Hugh of Alluyes, who was lord of Château-la-Vallière and of Saint-Christophe. He entered Vallée and descended freely to Angers, despite the wishes of the people of Tours. Indeed, he took control of Mirebeau, Loudon, Chinon (which had been held by Odo), Saumur and Montsoreau, from which he frequently fought the men of I'lle-Bouchard, before he returned to Loches through the territory of Guennon, lord of Nouâtre.

Fulk Nerra was led under escort to Jerusalem. At first, however, he was not allowed to go through the city gate where pilgrims were being forced to pay an entrance fee. But by paying for himself and for the other Christians delayed at the forbidden gate, he was able to go in with all of them. But then doors barred them from the Lord's tomb.

Once it was know that he was a high-born man, the guards said he could have access to the tomb only, they added deceitfully, by urinating upon it and the holy cross. Fulk being a wise man, assented, albeit unwillingly. He obtained a ram's bladder, cleansed it of impurities, filled it with the best wine and placed in a convincing place between his thighs. Then, after removing his shoes, he approached the Lord's tomb, poured the wine over it and was thus allowed to enter freely with all his companions. In the tomb he prayed, shedding many tears, and soon felt divine power when the hard stone became soft. After this, he tore himself away from the tomb, which he had smothered with kisses, and departed enraged because mocking and ignorant infidels had accompanied him. But giving generous alms to the needy, he earned a piece of the holy cross from the Syrians guarding the tomb.

Fulk united as many as he could at Vallée and followed a shrewd plan, because he could not and dared not fight. He crossed the Loire and, riding fast all night, entered defenceless Saumur at daybreak where he immediately seized the whole town up to the citadel.

There was no hope for the men in the citadel, no place of refuge, only the shame of surrender. They knew that the Angevins were a ferocious and warlike race and they would not forsake their undertaking until their prayers were answered; they knew that their attackers would be devoid of all mercy. So they came to terms with the count, according to the law of surrender. 'Lucky one,' they said,'you order that we should cede the citadel and had it over to you; protect us from those murderers and allow us to live to serve you.' The count listened and permitted them freedom with dignity, honouring them with great riches. He is said to have done this in order to bind the freed men to himself and to entice others to surrender. When the citadel had been handed over to his followers he ordered them to guard it dilgently.

[Black Monks]

The count gave to Lisois, his steward, the niece of the treasurer as a wife, and provided him with the citadel of Amboise, together with all its possessions, Verneuil-sur-Indre, Moré and vine-bearing Champagne. Establishing the man thus, the count commended him to his son Martel. And so the land was quiet and peaceful until Fulk died, not long afterwards.

1040

After his father's death, Geoffrey Martel took possession of the count's fief. Martel, bolder than all the rest of his family, used to accomplish his designs with swift vigour. The people of Anjou incited the wrath of their lord Martel against both Theobold III, count of Blois and William, count of Poitou.

Martel frequently used force against many. When he was told, 'Men speak badly of you,' he would retort, 'They do what they are wont to do, not what I deserve, they do not know how to speak well.' So he stationed many troops at Amboise under the command of Lisois snd they demolished whatever stood between Montbason and Chinon.

Trumpets resound together with shouts of 'Forward'. With all possible speed, they plunge themselves into the enemy ranks on every front and scatter those in their way, finding their opponents not feeble but, on the contratry, resisting with all their strength. Martel's men are almost destroyed by the overpowering multitude and their foremost two ranks are quite devoured. Many men fall to the ground, many are wounded. The Angevins nevertheless check the onslaught of their foes and, attacking them in turn, bravely force them to give ground.

Martel who had taken up position with his sword towards the back of his troops, hastened to where he perceived the enemy to most hampered by its own numbers. Changing his appearance from that of a count to that of an ordinary knight, he prised some horsemen from their seits with his spear and clove others in their saddles with his sword. He rallied his men, encouraging those who were hard pressed. Having lifted their spirits, he rushed forward against the adversary.

The men of Amboise followed, treading on the fugitives, overcoming their prey and beating them down, until they caught up with Count Theobald in a wood called Braye, near the hall of Hastuin and captured him and five hundred knights. For it was not possible to ride in Braye Wood. Having dragged the count out of the wood they returned to Martel. It was thus, with God's help, that the enemy was repulsed and fled ignominously to scattered parts, while the Angevins returned and spent the year peacefully, untroubled by the turbulence of war.

[Castles of Anjou]

1042

Since the wretch Theobald III was in chains and Geoffrey Martel would accept neither gold nor silver as a ransom for him, the prisoner, who feared for his life and cared more for his person than he did his possessions, ceded Touraine to Martel, to be held in perpetuity in return for his deliverance. The year was 1042.

Poitevins from all over the country were slowly gathering, as countless as the stars, and spreading out their innumerable forces in ranks from side to side, carrying chains with which they thought they would bind their opponents. Their companies were occupying agreed positions some distance away from Chef-Boutonne, as they had been instructed. They imagined that the Angevins would immediately take flight, never considering that they might do the same because they had already won. They derived confidence from their countless masses, from the spirit of animosity in the breast of their horde and from their leader's command never to flee.

Both sides were now ready for battle. Having drawn up at a little place where they could inspect each other more closely, the ranks clashed with equal force. The Poitevins were urged by anger and fear, the Angevins by the hope of winning the county of Saintonge. Every man cries aloud and the heavens themselves resound with the confused clamour. The unbearable din resounds, be it of clashing arms, splitting helmets or breaking swords. The sobs and howls of the dying and wounded are heard on all sides.

Martel and the Angevins bravely assaulted the adversary, yelling and daringly thrusting swords into their midst. The throng of knights from Touraine, following their lord, scattered many and cut down the banner of William himself.

After this, Martel bore down on Saitonge as quickly as he could. Those in the city came to meet him and handed over the place with open gates. There, his men rested joyfully and took control of the surrounding county which Martel was to hold for the rest of his life, once he made his peace with the count of Poitou. Having recovered from the wounds inflicted in battle, the latter had received homage from Martel upon the advice of his monks and bishops and conceded the county, which was now quiet. There was indescribable delight in Anjou and Touraine on account of this, and the victors reposed long in peaceful pleasure everywhere, thanking God with all their hearts.

In those days, Duke William of Normandy was greatly harasssing Herbert, count of Le Mans. Since Martel was Herbert's ally and protector, Duke William, who later became king of the English, suffered much at Martel's hands.

1066

Geoffrey the Bearded, a vigorous soldier, allied himself with the men of Maine. With his help Elias of La Flèche recovered Le Mans which William, king of the English, had appropriated for himself. Cunning Fulk began to fight against his brother Geoffrey, throwing the whole country into turmoil. The barons then started to fight each other all over the region, siding now with Geoffrey and now with Fulk. Treachery was rife.

In the year of our Lord 1066, there was betrayal at Angers. When Anjou and Touraine had almost been destroyed, Fulk Rechin cunningly captured his brother, put him in chains and took control of the county as though it were his own.

The count of Poitou, who was called William after his father, was the most skilful soldier, scheming and industrious. While the brothers were quarrelling as described, he assaulted, captured and occupied the county of Saintonge.

Elias, ruler of Maine, and his fellow barons fiercely attacked

Often, when acting in such a way, Fulk would make accusations of treachery against his own offspring, unjust though these were. 'For evil customs have this particular power to defile the innocence of the many with the crimes of the few, whereas a small band of good men in not able to mitigate the crimes of the masses by sharing its virtues. But who is not angered when he sees the sincerity of goodness impugned by the accusations of a few evil men?'

For many have been 'Slow to do good and swift to speak against evil, busy with plotting, weak in love, strong in faction and steadfast in preserving their enmities.' I mention these men becauses theirs is the story I tell.

Fulk took several wives: there was the daughter of Lancelin of Beaugency, whose own daughter became the countess of Brittany who led the life of a nun after her husband died at Jerusalem. After Lancelin's daughter died, Fulk took Ermengardine, daughter of Archenbaud the Strong of Bourbon, who bore Geoffrey Martel II, an admirable man, notable for his justice, who cultivated everything that is good and was the terror of all his enemies.

Releasing his uncle from his chains, Martel II allowed him to travel freely through his towns and cities, although always under guard. But Geoffrey's mind had become confused in prison and his powers of reasoning were somewhat diminished. He did not live long after this.

In 1095 the Council of Clermont was called by Pope Urban II and the preaching of the First Crusade began.

Martel II gave his sister Elisabeth, born of the union of his mother and William of Jaligny, in marriage to Hugh of Chaumont. With her hand, he granted the whole of Amboise. To Martel himself, Elias count of Maine betrothed his only daughter, although she was not yet of age for marriage, and he surrendered Le Mans with all that belonged to it.

Martel was frequently in conflict with King William Rufus and ravaged and set fire to many towns in Normandy. Meanwhile the king tarried in England and Count Robert, the king's brother, remained in the army in Jerusalem with many pilgrims, for King Rufus held Normandy in pledge.

1106

In the year of our Lord 1106, there was a period of forty days when an ever-growing comet appeared every evening and filled the world with amazement.

The lecherous King Philip came to Tours and, having conversed with Fulk's wife, decided to make her his queen. That evil woman abandoned the count the next night and followed the king, who had stationed his knights at Mindray near the bridge over the Beuvron, and he led her to Orléans. Thus the voluptuous king filled his house with marital crimes committed under ban of excommunication and begat two sons by the woman, Philip and Florus.

Although I found these things written in hidden volumes, I have not been at pains to conceal them. For the honour of our lords the counts of Anjou, I collected in writing what I perceived to be their deeds and those things which are designed for the instruction of their successors, praying that our work will be of assistance to the present generation when imitating their greatest ancestors.

It is true that 'the father will not bear the iniquity of the son nor the son of the father'.

Fulk besieged Preuilly but did not take it, though he did gain control of Eschivard, a castle under the same lord with whom he then made peace. He bought Montbazon from John, the lord of that town. But when John forced his way back into that place after accepting part of the money, Fulk laid siege to it very courageously and made him return it. By handing over the money still promised, Fulk also obtained control of the castle. He blockaded Montreuil-Bellay, but once he had captured it and installed his own guards in the citadel, he was moved by pity to return the rest to the lord of the castle.

Henry I, king of the English, attacked Fulk many times because he hated the man. By giving money to the barons of Anjou and Maine, he frequently created great discord among them and did serious harm to Fulk.

The loss of William, King Henry's son, in 1120, was to have momentous consequences as his only surviving legitimate child was his daughter Matilda.

1110

In the year of our Lord 1110, Fulk V has a son Geoffrey by his wife the daughter of Count Elias. The boy grew into an outstanding soldier and espoused Matilda, daughter of Henry I, king ot the English and widow of the German emperor Henry V. By the same wife, Fulk had another son called Elias.

1128

While Fulk was ruling Anjou, Touraine and the county of Maine in prosperity, King Baldwin II of Jerusalem sent envoys who were to consult prudent men and then to persuade a suitable man to wed his daughter and accept the kingdom of Jerusalem. On the advice of Louis VI of France, the bishops and many distinguished men, they chose Fulk V of Anjou, who had lost his wife.

[Fulk V, king of Jerusalem]

While Geoffrey, son of Fulk V king of Jerusalem, was quietly governing his Angevin territories, his brother Elias, at the prompting of wicked men, frequently attacked him, demanding the county of Maine. Geoffrey captured him and held him prisoner of Tours for a long time, but after the young man was freed, he died from a serious illness which he had caught in prison.

Powerful brothers have always fallen, disunited through too much greed, refusing to hold their possessions in common when they quarrel between themselves and then, when their forces clash, they perish.