Bertrada of Laon
Bertrada of Laon, also known as Bertrada the Younger or sometimes referred to by the moniker Bertha Broadfoot, was a notable figure in the Frankish kingdom, primarily known for her roles as the wife of Pepin the Short and the mother of Charlemagne. Born between 710 and 727 in Laon, located in present-day Aisne, France, Bertrada came from a lineage of influential Frankish nobility.
Family Background and Marriage
Bertrada was the daughter of Charibert of Laon, a Frankish nobleman, and, it is believed, her maternal connection through Charibert's mother was to Bertrada of Prüm, the co-founder of Prüm Abbey. This connection provided Bertrada with a formidable ancestral background, linking her to the influential Hugobertides family.
Her marriage to Pepin the Short, the son of Charles Martel, the powerful Frankish "Mayor of the Palace", was likely arranged for strategic purposes, uniting two powerful families. The marriage took place around 740 or 741, significantly bolstering the political alliances within the Frankish territories.
Role as Queen and Mother
As the Queen of the Franks, Bertrada played a crucial role in the consolidation of the Carolingian dynasty. Her marriage to Pepin the Short produced several children, including Charlemagne, Carloman I, and Gisela, among others. Charlemagne would go on to become one of the most significant figures of the Western world, ruling as Emperor and unifying much of Western Europe.
Nickname: Bertha Broadfoot
Bertrada's nickname, "Bertha Broadfoot," is an aspect of historical curiosity. The epithet is derived from the Old French trouvère Adenes Le Roi’s poem "Li rouman de Berte aus grands piés," written in the 13th century. It has been speculated that she may have had physical conditions such as bunions or possibly a clubfoot, though historical accounts remain largely anecdotal.
Legacy
Bertrada of Laon's legacy is primarily tied to her offspring and the roles they played in shaping medieval history. Her son Charlemagne's reign marked a significant turning point for Europe, influencing the spread of Christianity and the cultural revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance.