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Adela of Normandy

Type Figure Region Blois Time c. 1067–1137 Also known as Adela of Normandy、Adela of Blois、阿德拉（布卢瓦）、Adela of England

Adela of Normandy (c. 1067–1137), daughter of William the Conqueror and mother of King Stephen, was countess of Blois and a powerful political patron.

Timeline

  1. 1121–1124Blois · Loir-et-CherAfter the White Ship disaster of 1120 drowned Henry I's heir William Adelin, Adela directed Blois family affairs from the convent of Marcigny, actively promoting her son Stephen's position at the English court and coordinating her children's lands to strengthen the family's place in the Norman-French political network.
  2. 1125–1128Marcigny · Saône-et-LoireFrom Marcigny Adela corresponded and sent envoys concerning English and Norman affairs, urging Stephen to stay close to Henry I's court; Stephen's oath in 1127 recognizing Matilda's succession rights and his grant of Mortain in 1128 were closely tied to his mother's maneuvering at Blois and Marcigny.
  3. 1128–1130Marcigny · Saône-et-LoireIn the late 1120s Adela corresponded frequently with Bernard of Clairvaux on monastic discipline, family affairs and church politics; as a devout patron she supported the expansion of the Cistercians while using Bernard's prestige to win support for the Blois family in ecclesiastical networks.

Sources