Beatrice of Lorraine (c. 1020–1076)
Beatrice of Lorraine (c. 1020–1076)
Marchioness and regent of Tuscany. Name variations: Beatrice of Tuscany; Beatrice of Canossa. Born in Upper Lorraine c. 1020; died 1076 in Tuscany, Italy; dau. of Frederick, duke of Upper Lorraine; niece of Conrad II; became 2nd wife of Count Boniface II of Canossa, Marquess of Tuscany, around 1040 (died 1052); m. Godfrey the Bearded, duke of Upper Lorraine, 1054 (died 1069); children: 3 from 1st marriage, including Matilda of Tuscany.
With 1st husband, supported Pope Gregory's authority over Henry III; when husband Boniface was assassinated (1052) and her only surviving child, 6-year-old Matilda, inherited father's titles and estates, became regent of Tuscany, ruling by herself for 2 years; married Godfrey the Bearded (1054), another supporter of the papacy; arrested along with daughter by Holy Roman emperor (1055), remained a prisoner in Germany for about a year, until Godfrey and Henry reached a settlement; took up reins of government again in Matilda's name, arranging a marriage for Matilda with Godfrey's son, Godfrey III the Hunchback; after Godfrey the Bearded died (1069), co-ruled Tuscany (with Matilda) for the remaining 6 years of her life.
See also Women in World History.