Lambert II, Count of Louvain

Lambert II (died Tournai, 19 June 1054) was count of Leuven between 1033 and 1054. Lambert was the son of Lambert I of Louvain and Gerberga, daughter of Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine.[1]

Lambert II
Count of Louvain
Died19 June 1054
Tournai
Noble familyHouse of Reginar
Spouse(s)Oda of Verdun
IssueHenry II, Count of Louvain
Régnier
Gerberge
FatherLambert I, Count of Louvain
MotherGerberga of Lower Lorraine

According to the Vita Gudilae (recorded between 1048–1051) he followed his brother Henry I of Louvain as Count of Leuven. Lambert scorned both temporal and spiritual authorities and in 1054 even took up arms against Holy Roman Emperor Henry III. He was defeated and lost his life at Tournai.

During his reign Brussels began its growth. Lambert arranged to transfer the remains of Saint Gudula to the St. Michael's church. This church, thereafter known as the Saints Michael and Gudula Church, later became the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral. Lambert also constructed a fortress on the Coudenberg hill.

Lambert II died in 1054.

Family

edit

Lambert of Louvain married Uda of Lorraine (also called Oda of Verdun), daughter of Gothelo I, Duke of Lorraine.[2] Their children were:

References

edit
  1. ^ Bachrach, Bachrach & Leese 2018, p. xvi.
  2. ^ Tanner 2004, p. 300.
  3. ^ Tanner 2004, p. 307.
  4. ^ Robinson 2015, p. 116.

Sources

edit
  • Bachrach, Bernard S.; Bachrach, David S.; Leese, Michael, eds. (2018). Deeds of the Bishops of Cambrai, Translation and Commentary. Routledge.
  • Tanner, Heather (2004). Families, Friends and Allies: Boulogne and Politics in Northern France and England, c.879-1160. Brill.
  • Robinson, I.S., ed. (2015). The annals of Lampert of Hersfeld. Manchester University Press.