The Fall of Godfrid and Hugh of Alsace: The Conference at Spijk (885)

By 885, Emperor Charles the Fat finds himself increasingly threatened by Viking incursions and the ambitions of his own nobles. Among those he fears most are:

• Godfrid, the Viking ruler of Frisia, who had previously sworn allegiance to Charles but remained a dangerous and unpredictable figure.
• Hugh, Duke of Alsace, Lothair II’s illegitimate son, who posed a potential rival for power in Lotharingia.

To neutralize both threats, Charles arranges a conference at Spijk, near Lobith (modern-day Netherlands), where he lures Godfrid into a trap.

The Conference at Spijk (885) and the Fall of Godfrid

• Charles summons Godfrid under the pretense of negotiations, likely promising him new lands or recognition of his rule in Frisia.
• When Godfrid arrives at Spijk, he falls into the emperor’s ambush.
• The Viking leader is captured and executed, eliminating one of the most formidable Norse warlords in the region.

The Fate of Hugh of Alsace

• Hugh, who had allied himself with Godfrid, is also betrayed and captured at Spijk.
• As punishment, he is blinded and sent to the monastery of Prüm, removing him as a political threat in Lotharingia.

Impact of the 885 Betrayal

• Charles the Fat temporarily secures Frisia, weakening Viking influence in the region.
• The blinding of Hugh removes a powerful Carolingian rival, consolidating Charles’ control over Lotharingia.
• However, Charles’ tactics of deception and treachery further alienate the Frankish nobility, many of whom are already disillusioned with his rule.
• The Viking threat is not eradicated—even as Godfrid is killed, other Norse warbands continue their raids into Francia, culminating in the Siege of Paris later that year.

A Short-Lived Victory

Though Charles successfully eliminates two dangerous rivals, his failure to strengthen his empire means that his rule remains fragile. His passive handling of Viking invasions, particularly the Siege of Paris (885–886), will soon lead to his deposition in 887, marking the final collapse of a united Carolingian Empire.