Ducal Brittany, 1066–1166
Judith Everard
Brittany, as a political unit, was creation of the Carolingian empire, but during tenth and first half eleventh centuries, former regnum experienced fragmentation. Although individuals vied for title ‘dux Britannie’, in fact none exercised authority over whole Armorican peninsula its hinterland. By mid-eleventh century, divided into six main units; county Rennes, lordships Penthievre Leon, Cornouaille, Broerec (or Vannetais) Nantes (see map 1). At this point, process fragmentation halted by series marriages which united comital families Cornouaille to form single ducal dynasty. Duke Hoel I (1066–84) his descendants now had potential consolidate authority, winning back exercise public from those who usurped it. This chapter will present brief survey conditions Brittany 100 years 1066 advent Henry II perspective authority. Around 1066, position dukes analogous that contemporary kings France, among equals, having prestige no internal rival title, real outside their own domains. In terms three different categories territory may be identified.
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