Thomas, Lord of Coucy

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"Barry of six, vair and gules", the coat-of-arms of Coucy

Thomas de Marle, born 1078, died 1130, the son of Enguerrand I and his repudiated wife, Adele de Marle, became the second of the Lords of Coucy.

He is described as a "raging wolf" (abbot Suger of St. Denis) and fought against his father he hated. Nevertheless, they both participated in the first crusade. Legend has it that as they in a party of six and without armor were surprised by a band of Muslim warriors, they shredded their cloak trimmed with squirrel fur (vair) into six pieces for banners and slew the attackers. This event is commemorated in their coat-of-arms that shows "barry of six, vair and gules".

In 1116 he succeeded his father as Lord of Coucy. He was violent and lawless and caused trouble for the Church (he was excommunicated at one time), the king, and the towns. In the end, he made donations to the Church and died in bed in 1130. His rule was succeeded by his son Enguerrand II.