Adela of Normandy

Adela of Normandy, also known as Saint Adela in the Catholic Church, was born around 1067 as the daughter of William the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders. She became the Countess of Blois, Chartres, and Meaux through her marriage to Stephen II of Blois. Adela was a well-educated woman, fluent in Latin, and was known for her high-spirited nature. Her marriage to Stephen created a powerful alliance between two influential families in Northern France.

During her husband's participation in the First Crusade, Adela acted as regent of Blois from 1096 to 1100 and again from 1101 to 1102. She continued to govern after Stephen's death in 1102, managing the estates and issuing charters. Adela was involved in religious and political matters, working with figures like Ivo of Chartres and St Anselm. She was active in settling disputes and promoting economic growth.

Adela's children included King Stephen of England, whose ascension led to the civil war known as The Anarchy. She retired to the monastery at Marcigny in 1120, where she became a nun and continued to communicate with her children and ecclesiastical leaders. Her son, Henry, became the Bishop of Winchester, and she lived to see her son Stephen take the English throne.

Adela died on 8 March 1137 at Marcigny at the age of 69 or 70. After her death, her son Stephen continued to rule as King of England.