Alice of Vergy

Alice of Vergy
Duchess consort of Burgundy
Born	1182
Died	1252
Spouse	Odo III, Duke of Burgundy
House	House of Vergy
Father	Hugues, Seigneur de Vergy
Mother	Gillette de Trainel

Alice (or Alix) de Vergy (1182–1252) was duchess consort of Burgundy as the second spouse of Odo III, Duke of Burgundy. She was the regent of Burgundy during the minority of her son 1218–28.

Alice was the daughter of Hugh, Lord of Vergy, by Gillette de Trainel. In 1199, she married Odo III, Duke of Burgundy. Their children were:

• Joan (1200–1223), married Raoul II of Lusignan (died 1250), Seigneur d'Issoudun and Count of Eu.
• Alice (1204–1266), married Robert I (died 1262), Count of Clermont et Dauphin of Auvergne
• Hugh IV (1213–1272), his successor in the Duchy
• Beatrice (born 1216), married Humbert III of Thoire (died 1279)

Biography

The marriage was arranged in 1196 as a part of the peace between her father and Odo, who had been engaged in a long lasting conflict, and took place in 1199. As a dowry, she was granted several of her father's land, while Odo granted her father undisputed ownership of his land. At the death of Odo III in 1218, he was succeeded by his son with Alice, Hugh IV. As Hugh V was five years old, Alice became the regent of Burgundy during his minority with the title "Ducissa mater ducis Bourgogne".

As regent, Alice worked to secure the inheritance of her son, and received the vassals oath of loyalty in the place of her son. In 1225, she managed to prevent a conflict with Dauphine. She acquired Beaune and Chalon through purchase. In 1227, she signed an alliance with Champagne against Nevers.

In 1228, her son was declared of legal majority, and Alice resigned her regency and left court and retired to her dower lands. In 1231, however, it is noted that she acted as the representative of her son in successfully solving the conflict between the Vicomte de Dijon and the abbey of Citeaux. She spent her long retirement as an appreciated benefactor of religious communities.

References