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Alain IIICount of Rennes and Duke of Brittany from 20 November 1008
Date of Birth: 01.01.0997
Country:  Operator |
Content:
- Alain III, Duke of Brittany
- Regency and Early Reign
- Guardianship and Intervention in Normandy
- Assassination and Legacy
Alain III, Duke of Brittany
Alain III, born in 997, became the Duke of Brittany and Count of Rennes on November 20, 1008, at the age of 10. He inherited the titles from his father, Geoffrey I.
Regency and Early Reign
After Geoffrey I's death, Alain's mother, Hawise of Normandy, served as regent, appointing Gautier II, Bishop of Nantes, Judicael, Bishop of Vannes, and Jungoney, Archbishop of Dol, as her advisors. Upon reaching adulthood, Alain III engaged in wars against Fulk III, Count of Anjou, and later against Robert II the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy.
Guardianship and Intervention in Normandy
After reconciling with Alain, Robert II entrusted him with the guardianship of his heir, William, during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1034. In 1035, Alain granted the County of Penthièvre to his younger brother, Odo. When Robert II died on his return journey, Alain intervened in Normandy to protect the rights of the young Duke William against a rebellious faction of Norman nobles.
Assassination and Legacy
On October 1, 1040, Alain III was assassinated by poisoning in Vimoutiers, Normandy. He was buried in the monastic church of Holy Trinity in Fécamp. His marriage to Bertha of Blois, daughter of Odo II, Count of Blois, produced two children: Conan II, who succeeded him as Duke of Brittany in 1040, and Hawise, who married Hoel V, Count of Nantes. Alain III also had an illegitimate son, Geoffrey, who became Count of Rennes in 1066.
