Adela of Louvain

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Adela of Louvain (c.1100–51), queen of Henry I. Henry's second wife, Adela married him after the death of his only legitimate son in the White Ship disaster. The marriage's chief—and unfulfilled—purpose was to provide Henry with a male heir. When it had manifestly failed to do so, Henry persuaded his chief subjects to agree to the succession of his daughter, the Empress Matilda, in January 1127. After Henry's death, Adela married William d'Aubigny, earl of Arundel, for whom she produced an heir.

David Richard Bates

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