Conan III, also known as Conan of Cornouaille and Conan the Fat (Breton: Konan III a Vreizh, and Konan Kerne; c. 1093–1096 – September 17, 1148) was duke of Brittany, from 1112 to his death. He was the son of Alan IV, Duke of Brittany and Ermengarde of Anjou.[1]

Conan III allied himself with Stephen of England in the Anarchy, Stephen's war against the dispossessed Empress Matilda.[a][b]

Family

He married Maud, an illegitimate daughter of King Henry I of England before 1113.[2] Conan and Maud had three children that are known:

Succession

On his death-bed in 1148, Conan III disinherited Hoel from succession to the Duchy, stating that he was illegitimate and no son of his. By this surprise move Bertha became his heiress and successor. However, Hoel was to retain the County of Nantes.[4]

Footnotes

  1. ^ Stephen created Conan's son-in-law Alan 1st Earl of Richmond. Alan rode by the side of Stephen in the Battle of Lincoln.
  2. ^ The Earldom of Richmond was inherited by Alan's son, and Conan III's grandson Conan IV. It would remain in the Ducal house of Brittany for some time.
  3. ^ King Stephen of England created Alan 1st Earl of Richmond and 1st Earl of Cornwall

Notes

  1. ^ Everard 2004, p. 10.
  2. ^ Bryan 2016, p. 173.
  3. ^ a b Warren 1977, p. 75.
  4. ^ Everard 2004, p. 32.

Bibliography

See also

Conan III, Duke of Brittany House of CornouailleBorn: c.1053 Died: 17 September 1148 Regnal titles Preceded byAlan IV Duke of Brittany 1112–1148 Succeeded byBerthaOdo II Count of Nantes and Rennes 1112–1148 Succeeded byHoel III