Envoys from Henry V, the King of …

Years: 1114 - 1114

Envoys from Henry V, the King of the Romans, had visited Normandy in late 1108 or early 1109 to propose that Matilda marry their master, and Henry V had also written separately to Queen Matilda on the same matter.

The match is attractive to Henry: his daughter would be marrying into one of the most prestigious dynasties in Europe, reaffirming his own, slightly questionable, status and gaining him an ally in dealing with France.

In return, Henry V would receive a dowry of ten thousand marks, which he needed to fund an expedition to Rome for his coronation as the Holy Roman Emperor.

The final details of the deal had been negotiated in June 1109 at Westminster and, as a result of her changing status, Matilda that October had for the first time attended a royal council.

She had left England in February 1110 to make her way to Germany.

The couple had met at Liège before traveling to Utrecht where on April 10 they had become officially betrothed.

Matilda on July 25 ad been crowned Queen of the Romans in a ceremony at Mainz.

There was a considerable age gap between the couple, as Matilda was only eight years old while Henry was twenty-four.

After the betrothal she had been placed into the custody of Bruno, the Archbishop of Trier, who was tasked with educating her in German culture, manners and government, in Trier on the French border.

It is unclear if her retinue from England stayed with her, or whether they were sent home by her husband.

Matilda is ready in 1114 to be married to Henry, and their wedding is held at the city of Worms amid extravagant celebrations.

Matilda now enters public life in Germany, complete with her own household.

Related Events

Filter results