Family History 2.15

Bigelow History: Pre-1630

Count Ramon Berenguer IV of Provence

 

 

Ramon was the son of Alfonso II of Provence. His father died in 1209, and he was imprisoned in Aragon until he was old enough to escape and claim his inheritance as Count of Provence.

 

Contemporary reports make him one of the best rulers of that part of the world: peaceful, energetic and a patron of the arts.

 

One of the most remarkable things about him was that he had four daughters, all of whom married kings.

 

Our interest is in his daughter Eleanor, who married Henry Plantagenet, who became King of England as Henry III.

 

But it is worth reading Nancy Goldstone's book,. Four Queens: The Provençal Sisters Who Ruled Europe, published in 2007.