King Louis VI of France

Louis VI, known as 'the Fat' or 'the Fighter', was born on 1 December 1081 in Paris to Philip I of France and Bertha of Holland. He was knighted in 1098 by Guy I of Ponthieu and began his association with the government of the kingdom by 1103. Louis married Lucienne de Rochefort in 1104, but the marriage was annulled in 1107, and he later married Adelaide of Maurienne in 1115, with whom he had eight children.

Louis VI ascended the throne on 29 July 1108, following his father's reign. His coronation took place on 3 August 1108 in Orléans after being prevented from reaching Rheims. He spent much of his reign fighting 'robber barons' and worked to centralize royal power, often using force to bring lawless knights to justice.

Throughout his reign, Louis VI engaged in conflicts with Henry I of England over Normandy, which lasted intermittently for twenty years. He was eventually forced to concede Gisors to Henry after the Battle of Bremule in 1119. Louis also intervened in the succession crisis in Flanders, initially securing the election of William Clito as Count, though this was later overturned.

Louis VI conducted numerous military campaigns against rebellious nobles, including Hugh of Le Puiset and William VI of Auvergne. His efforts to impose royal authority were supported by his advisor, Abbot Suger, who documented his reign in the Vita Ludovici Grossi Regis.

In 1124, Louis successfully rallied the French barons to oppose an invasion by Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor. He carried the banner of St. Denis, which helped unite the French nobility against external threats.

In his final years, Louis arranged the marriage of his heir, the future Louis VII, to Eleanor of Aquitaine, thereby expanding the Capetian domains. This strategic alliance was made shortly before his death, adding territory to the French crown.

Louis VI died of dysentery on 1 August 1137 at the age of 55 and was buried in the Basilica of St Denis in Paris. He was succeeded by his son, Louis VII.