Lambert II, Count of Leuven

Lambert II
Count of Leuven
Spouse(s) Oda of Verdun
Issue
Henry II, Count of Leuven
Régnier
Gerberge
Titles and styles
The Count of Leuven
Noble family House of Reginar
Father Lambert I, Count of Leuven
Mother Gerberga of Lower Lorraine
Died 19 June 1054
Tournai

Lambert II (died Tournai, June 19, 1054) was count of Leuven between 1033 and 1054. Lambert was the son of Lambert I of Leuven (d. 1015).

According the Vita Gudilae (recorded between 1048–1051) he followed his brother Henry I of Leuven. Lambert scorned both temporal and spiritual authorities and in 1054 even took up arms against Holy Roman Emperor Henry III. He was defeated and lost his life at Tournai.

During his reign Brussels began its growth. Lambert arranged to transfer the remains of Saint Gudule to the St. Michael church. This church, thereafter known as Saints-Michel-et-Gudule, developed to become St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral. Lambert also constructed a fortress on the Coudenberg hill.

Since Lambert II died in 1054, an imperial charter of September 1062 connecting a certain Lambert to the county Brussels, is probably referring to another person.

Family

Lambert of Leuven married Uda of Lorraine (also called Oda of Verdun), daughter of Gothelo I, Duke of Lorraine. Their children were: