Tommaso (Thomas) I of Savoy, Count of Savoy,

Notes:

Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas,_Count_of_Savoy

He was Count of Savoy from 1189 to 1233. He is sometimes numbered "Thomas I" to distinguish him from his son of the same name, who governed Savoy but was not count.

Thomas was born in Aiguebelle, the son of Humbert III of Savoy and Beatrice of Viennois. His birth was seen as miraculous; his monkish father had despaired of having a male heir after three wives. He was named in honour of Saint Thomas Becket.

Thomas was still a minor when his father died on 4 March 1189, and a council of regency was established, composed of his mother Beatrice, his father's cousin Boniface I of Montferrat, and the Bishop of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.

Thomas possessed the martial abilities, energy, and brilliance that his father lacked, and Savoy enjoyed a golden age under his leadership. Despite his youth he began the push northwest into new territories.

Thomas worked throughout his career to expand the control and influence of the County of Savoy. One of the key tools that he used was his large number of children, who he worked to get into positions of influence in neighboring regions. In part, this was done by getting many of his sons into high church offices in surrounding territories, in a time when bishops had temporal as well as spiritual authority. In 1219 he worked to get his daughter Beatrice married to the fourteen-year-old Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Provence. This established a close relationship between the two adjoining counties which would help cement Savoy control over trade between Italy and France. Thomas also worked through diplomatic and economic means to expand his control. The county of Savoy long enjoyed control over critical passes through the Alps.

Thomas died at Moncalieri, Savoy.

In 1195 he ambushed the party of Count William I of Geneva, which was escorting the count's daughter, Margaret of Geneva, to France for her intended wedding to King Philip II of France. Thomas carried off Marguerite and married her himself, producing some eight sons and six daughters.

1. Amedeo, his immediate successor

2. Umberto, d. between March and November 1223

3. Tommaso, lord and then count in Piedmont and founder of a line that became the Savoy-Achaea

4. Aimone, d. 30 August 1237, Lord of Chablais

5. Guglielmo (William of Savoy), Bishop of Valence and Dean of Vienne

6. Amadeo of Savoy, Bishop of Maurienne

7. Pietro, who resided much in England, became Earl of Richmond, and ultimately in 1263 became the disputed count of Savoy

8. Filippo, archbishop of Lyon, who resigned, through marriage became Count Palatine of Burgundy and ultimately in 1268 became the disputed count of Savoy

9. Bonifacio who became archbishop of Canterbury

10. Beatrice of Savoy, d. 1265 or 1266, married in December 1219 to Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Provence (1209-1245) and was mother of four Queens-consort

11. Alasia of Savoy, abbess of the monastery of St Pierre in Lyon (d.1250)

12. Ágatha of Savoy, abbess of the monastery of St Pierre in Lyon (d.1245)

13. Margherita of Savoy, d. 1273, married in 1218 to Hartmann IV of Kyburg

14. Avita of Savoy (1215-92) who married Baldwin de Redvers, 7th Earl of Devon and Robert Aguillon (d.1286).


Buried:
Grave location and church photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=42986886

Tommaso married Marguerite (Margaret) of Geneva, Countess of Savoy. Marguerite was born ca 1179, Geneva, Switzerland; died 08 Apr 1257, Pierre-Chatel Departement de l'Isère Rhône-Alpes, France; was buried , Abbaye de Hautecombe Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille Departement de la Savoie Rhône-Alpes, France. [Group Sheet]

1. Amadeus IV of Savoy, Count of Savoy was born 1197, Montmélian, Savoie, Italy; died 24 Jun 1253, France; was buried , Abbaye de Hautecombe Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille Departement de la Savoie Rhône-Alpes, France.

Notes:

Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humbert_III,_Count_of_Savoy

Umberto III (1136, Avigliana, Piedmont-4 March 1188, Chambéry, Savoy), surnamed the Blessed, was Count of Savoy from 1148 to 1188. His parents were Amadeus III of Savoy and Mathilde d'Albon the daughter of Guigues III of Albon. He ceded rights and benefits to monasteries and played a decisive role in the organization of Hautecombe Abbey. It is said that he would rather have been monk than a sovereign. On the death of his third wife he retired to Hautecombe, but then changed his mind and, by his fourth wife finally had son, Thomas.

He is an important figure in medieval society, as attested in the history of House of Savoy. His life was characterized by certain key features, including mysticism, borne of a vocation and tradition of the contemplative life, which came about in the events of his time as warrior and politician, which he undertook exclusively for dynastic reasons.

He inherited from his father, as well as from his grandfather, Umberto II, the dream of reconstituting the fragmented Kingdom of Burgundy, in stark opposition to the centralizing policy of the French royal family. In his efforts he was supported by Frederick I Barbarossa, and found himself induced to play a shrewd political subjugation of neighboring feudal lords or settled among his domains. Like his father, Umberto II, who died young when he was still a minor, Amadeus III entrusted the education of his son, Umberto III to St. Amedeus of Lausanne, former abbot of Hautecombe, and under his guidance the young Umberto made great progress in studies and spiritual formation, despising the apparent splendor of worldly things, and giving himself to prayer, meditation and penance. He always left the abbey with regret, every time the family and the Savoyard nobility called him back for occupy himself with political matters.

His father, Amadeus III, was a pilgrim in the Holy Land in 1122. In 1146 he participated in the Second Crusade, and died on the island of Cyprus in Nicosia on 1 April 1148, where he was buried, leaving the twelve-year old Umberto as heir. Although still at an early age, in 1151 Umberto was bethrothed to Faidiva, daughter of Alphonse Jourdain, Count of Toulouse. She would soon die without children. He later married Gertrude, daughter of Thierry, Count of Flanders and Sibylla of Anjou. This second marriage was annulled by reason of infertility.

In 1164, Umberto married Clementia of Zähringen, by whom he had two daughters: Alice and Sofia. She died in 1173, and he decided to retire to Hautecombe, but not for long. In 1177, the nobility in 1177 convinced him marry for the fourth time. As wife, he took Beatrice of Mâcon, daughter Géraud I of Mâcon and Maurette de Salins. At last he had a male heir, Thomas, to continue the dynasty. Beatrice also bore him a daughter who died at the age of seven.

Umberto's reign was long. It lasted forty years, and was characterized by struggles with the Holy Roman Emperor, various lords and count-bishops. This led to a gradual reduction of the possessions and authority of Umberto III on the Italian side, leaving him with the territories of the valleys of Susa and Aosta. In 1187, he was banished from the Holy Roman Empire by Henry VI, for supporting the emperor's opponents.

The death of Umberto III, March 4, 1189 in Chambéry, at the age of fifty-two, was mourned sincerely by all the people. He was the first prince of Savoy to be buried in Hautecombe Abbey, which has since become a burial place for the dynasty. The last King of Italy, Umberto II, and his wife, Marie José of Belgium, are buried here.

The spirituality of Umberto undoubtedly blossomed in an environment of ancient Christian traditions, favored especially by the example of his father, a pilgrim and crusader in the Holy Land, and of his tutor, St. Amadeus, Bishop of Lausanne. However, Umberto's life was full of contradictions: He was a lover of peace, but had frequent hostilities and wars. He was penitent, ascetic, contemplative, but was forced to take the reins of government, during which time he had a life of action, and found himself forced in marriage in order to have an heir. However, he let unmistakable signs of great moral balance, severity with himself and indulgence and love of neighbor. He was a benefactor to churches, monasteries, and charitable causes, the care of the poor. Throughout his life, he supported Hautecombe Abbey. In 1188 he founded the Monastery of Sant'Antonio di Ranverso.



Buried:
Grave location and abbey photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=89199245

Humberto married Beatrice of Vienne, Countess of Savoy. Beatrice was born 1160, Vienne, Rhône-Alpes, France; died 1230, Champagne-et-Fontaine, Aquitaine, France; was buried , Abbaye de Hautecombe Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille Departement de la Savoie Rhône-Alpes, France. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatrice_of_Viennois

Beatrice was born in 1160 in Vienne, France, the second child of Géraud I of Mâcon and Maurette de Salins. She was descended from the House of Mâcon and had seven siblings.

After the death of Humbert III, Count of Savoy's third wife, Clementia of Zähringen, in 1175, Humbert was inconsolable and refused to remarry; however, he had no male heir. His advisers persuaded him to wed Beatrice the following year. Beatrice gave birth to Thomas, Count of Savoy in 1178.

Beatrice died in 1230 in Champagne-et-Fontaine, Aquitaine, France.

Buried:
Grave location:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=106897858

Notes:

Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amadeus_III,_Count_of_Savoy

He was was Count of Savoy and Maurienne from 1103 until his death. He was also known as a Crusader.

He was born in Carignano, Piedmont, the son of Humbert II of Savoy and Gisela of Burgundy, the daughter of William I of Burgundy. He succeeded as count of Savoy upon the death of his father. Amadeus had a tendency to exaggerate his titles, and also claimed to be Duke of Lombardy, Duke of Burgundy, Duke of Chablais, and vicar of the Holy Roman Empire, the latter of which had been given to his father by Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor.

He helped restore the Abbey of St. Maurice of Agaune, in which the former kings of Burgundy had been crowned, and of which he himself was abbot until 1147. He also founded the Abbey of St. Sulpicius in Bugey, Tamié Abbey in the Bauges, and Hautecombe Abbey on the Lac du Bourget.

In 1128, Amadeus extended his realm, known as the "Old Chablais", by adding to it the region extending from the Arve to the Dranse d'Abondance, which came to be called the "New Chablais" with its capital at Saint-Maurice. Despite his marriage to Mahaut, he still fought against his brother-in-law Guy, who was killed at the Battle of Montmélian. Following this, King Louis VI of France, married to Amadeus' sister Adélaide de Maurienne, attempted to confiscate Savoy. Amadeus was saved by the intercession of Peter the Hermit, and by his promise to participate in Louis' planned crusade.

In 1147, he accompanied his nephew Louis VII of France and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine on the Second Crusade. He financed his expedition with help from a loan from the Abbey of St. Maurice. In his retinue were many barons from Savoy. Amadeus travelled south through Italy and marched east to meet Louis at Constantinople in late 1147. After crossing into Anatolia, Amadeus, who was leading the vanguard, became separated from Louis near Laodicea, and Louis' forces were almost entirely destroyed.

Marching on to Adalia, Louis, Amadeus, and other barons decided to continue to Antioch by ship. On the journey, Amadeus fell ill on Cyprus, and died at Nicosia in April 1148. He was buried in the Church of St. Croix in Nicosia. In Savoy, his son Humbert III succeeded him, under the regency of bishop Amadeus of Lausanne.

With his first wife Adelaide, he had Adelaide/Alice married Humbert III of Beaujeu.

In 1123 he married Mahaut (or Mafalda, or Matilda) of Albon,daughter of Guigues III of Albon, they had:

1. Mafalda (Mahaut) (1125?1158), married king Afonso I of Portugal

2. Agnes of Savoy (1125?1172), married William I, Count of Geneva

3. Humbert III (1135?1188)

4. John of Savoy

5. Peter of Savoy

6. William of Savoy

7. Margaret of Savoy (died 1157), founded and joined nunnery Bons in Bugey

8. Isabella of Savoy

9. Juliana of Savoy (died 1194), abbess of St. André-le-Haut

Buried:
Grave location, historical portrait, and biography:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=88073842

Amadeus married Mahaut of Albon, Countess of Savoy. Mahaut (daughter of Guigues III of Albon, Count of Albon and Matilda) was born 1112; died 1148. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahaut_of_Albon

She was a Countess Consort of Savoy; married in 1134 to Amadeus III, Count of Savoy.

Children:

1. Elisa of Savoy (1120-?) married Humberto of Beaujeu

2. Mafalda (Mahaut), (1125-1158), married king Afonso I of Portugal

3. Agnes of Savoy (1125-1172), married William I, Count of Geneva

4. Humbert III (1136-1188)

5. John of Savoy

6. Peter of Savoy

7. William of Savoy

8. Margaret of Savoy (died 1157)

9. Isabella of Savoy

10. Juliana of Savoy (died 1194), abbess of St. André-le-Haut

Notes:

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humbert_II,_Count_of_Savoy

Nicknamed the Fat, he was he son of Amadeus II of Savoy.
The County and later Duchy of Savoy was a territory is shared between the modern countries of France, Italy, and Switzerland. The House of Savoy became the longest surviving royal house in Europe. It ruled the County of Savoy from 1003 to 1416 and then the Duchy of Savoy from 1416 to 1860.

He was married to Gisela of Burgundy, daughter of William I, Count of Burgundy, and had 7 children:

Amadeus III of Savoy

William, Bishop of Liège

Adelaide, (d. 1154), married to Louis VI of France

Agnes, (d. 1127), married to Archimbald VI, lord of Bourbon

Umberto

Reginald

Guy, abbey of Namur

Umberto married Gisela of Burgundy, Marchioness of Montferrat. Gisela (daughter of William I Count of Burgundy, the Great and Stephanie) was born 1075, County of Burgundy; died May 1135, Montferrat, Italy. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gisela_of_Burgundy,_Marchioness_of_Montferrat

Daughter of William I, Count of Burgundy, she was the wife of Humbert II, Count of Savoy and later of Rainier I of Montferrat.

With Humbert II of Savoy her children included:

Amadeus III of Savoy

William, Bishop of Liège

Adelaide of Maurienne (d. 1154), wife of King Louis VI of France

Agnes, (d. 1127), wife of Arcimboldo VI, lord of Bourbon

Humbert

Reginald

Guy, Abbot of Namur

------------

GenealogieOnline. Coret Genealogie. http://www.genealogieonline.nl/en
Name: Gisela Burgundy
Gender: f (Female)
Birth Date: 1075
Death Date: 1133
Death Age: 58
Father: William I Burgundy
Mother: Stephanie Nn
Spouse: Humbert II Savoy
Renier I Montferrat
Children: Adelaide Maurienne
Agnes Maurienne
William V Montferrat
Amadeus Savoy

Notes:

Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guigues_III_of_Albon

He was was a Count of Albon from 1079, when the County of Vienne, located in southeastern France near Lyon, was divided between him and Humbert I of Savoy, who received Maurienne.

He was the son of Guigues II d'Albon and Petronel of Turin. His ancestors were lords of the castle of Albon and counts in the Grésivaudan and Briançonnais.

Guigues's reign was marked by continual strife with Hugh of Châteauneuf, Bishop of Grenoble, over the suzerainty of certain church lands in the Grésivaudan. Hugh accused the count of usurping the lands with the help of the Bishop Mallem and invented fantastic stories to back up his claim to the disputed estates. Finally an accord was signed between Guigues and the bishop in 1099. Guigues returned the ecclesiastic land, while Hugh recognised the authority of the count in the vicinity of Grenoble.

In 1095, Guigues contracted an exemplary marriage with the high-born Matilda, long thought to be the daughter of Edgar the Aetheling, but now thought more likely to have been a daughter of Roger I of Sicily, the Great Count, and his third wife, Adelaide del Vasto. Some historians allege on the basis of possible birth dates, that her mother must have been Roger's second wife, Eremburga of Mortain.

In 1129, Guigues benefited further from the division of the Viennois between himself and Amadeus III of Savoy. Four years later, he died, leaving as his heir Guigues IV "dauphin" (died 28 June 1142) and a second son, Humbert, Archbishop of Vienne (died 26 June 1147). He had third son Guigues "the elder" who was living in 1105 and died young. He had three daughters:

Garsenda, married William III of Forcalquier
Beatrice (born c. 1100), married Josserand de Die (c. 1095-c. 1147)

Guigues married Matilda. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guigues_III_of_Albon


In 1095, Guigues contracted an exemplary marriage with the high-born Matilda, long thought to be the daughter of Edgar the Aetheling, but now thought more likely to have been a daughter of Roger I of Sicily, the Great Count, and his third wife, Adelaide del Vasto. Some historians allege on the basis of possible birth dates, that her mother must have been Roger's second wife, Eremburga of Mortain.

She had the following children with Guigues:

1. Guigues IV "dauphin" (died 28 June 1142)

2. Humbert, Archbishop of Vienne (died 26 June 1147).

3. Guigues "the elder" who was living in 1105 and died young. ]

4. Garsenda, married William III of Forcalquier

5. Matilda, married Amadeus III of Savoy in 1135

6. Beatrice (born c. 1100), married Josserand de Die (c. 1095-c. 1147)