Alan IV of Brittany Fergant 1 2
- Marriage (1): Constance of England in 1086 in Caen, Normandy
- Marriage (2): Ermengard of Anjou in 1093
- Marriage (3): Unknown
- Died: 13 Oct 1119
General Notes:
He was known as Alain Fergant, which in Breton means "Alan the Younger".
Alan IV had to face an invasion of William I of England and was forced to abandon his duchy in 1086. Peace was made in the same year and Alan married Princess Constance of England, William's daughter. This marriage was forced upon Alan and he is presumed responsible for Constance's death by poisoning in 1090 -- William of Malmesbury says she was killed because she was too conservative for the Breton court. Alan married again in 1093 with Ermengarde of Anjou, a formidable woman who became the real ruler of Brittany. By her he had a son Geoffrey, a daughter Havise (married to count Baldwin VII of Flanders) and his heir Conan. In 1098 Alan went on Crusade, leaving Ermengarde as his regent, and returned in 1101. Alan IV was not a popular duke and was forced to abdicate in 1112. He retired to the monastery of Redon and died there in 1119.
His illegitimate son was Brien FitzCount.
Noted events in his life were:
• Acceded: Duke of Brittany, 1084.
• Deposed: 1112.
• He was a Count of Nantes and Count of Rennes.
Alan married Constance of England, daughter of William I the Conqueror of England and Matilda of Flanders, in 1086 in Caen, Normandy. (Constance of England was born in 1061, died on 13 Aug 1090 in Bretagne, France and was buried in Church of St. Melans, Rhedon, Bretagne, France.) The cause of her death was poisoned by her servants.
Alan next married Ermengard of Anjou, daughter of Fulk IV the Rude of Anjou and Hildegard de Baugency, in 1093. (Ermengard of Anjou was born in 1068 in Angers and died on 1 Jun 1147.)
Marriage Notes:
They had a son Geoffrey, a daughter Havise (married to count Baldwin VII of Flanders) and Alan's heir Conan. 2
Alan next married.
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