Vulgrin I
- Vulgrin, First Count of Angoulême and Périgord
- Early Life and Family
- - Alduin I, Count of Angoulême
- Death and Succession
- Additional Information
Vulgrin, First Count of Angoulême and Périgord
Vulgrin, the first hereditary Count of Angoulême and Périgord, was born into a noble Frankish family. His mother, Suzanne, belonged to the illustrious Gérardid dynasty, which had ties to the Carolingians.
Early Life and Family
Vulgrin's elder brother, Wulfgrin, served as Count of Angoulême and Périgord in 806. Another brother, Hildouin, held the prestigious position of Abbot of Saint-Denis from 814 to 840. Most notably, Vulgrin's eldest brother, Adalard, was the Count Palatine to King Charles II the Bald of West Francia.
Vulgrin married Regelinda, the daughter of Bernard of Septimania. Their union produced two sons and at least one daughter:
- Alduin I, Count of Angoulême
- William I, Count of Périgord- Sancha, who married Ademar, Count of Poitiers and Limoges
Reign and Legacy
Appointed as Count of Angoulême and Périgord in 866 following the death of Aemnon de Poitiers, Vulgrin confronted the escalating threat of Norman raids. To strengthen his domain, he built numerous castles and garrisoned them with loyal retainers.
Vulgrin's reign is shrouded in obscurity, with limited historical records available. However, his efforts to fortify his territories and protect them from Viking incursions played a significant role in the stability of the region.
Death and Succession
Vulgrin passed away on May 3, 886. Upon his death, his domains were divided between his two sons. Alduin I became the Count of Angoulême, continuing the Angoulême branch of the dynasty. William I assumed the title of Count of Périgord, establishing the Périgord branch.
Additional Information
Christian Settipani claims that Vulgrin had another daughter named Senegonda, who married Ramnulf, Viscount of Marillac. This additional familial connection further illustrates the prominence of Vulgrin's lineage and his influence in the complex political landscape of early medieval France.
