Alix of Vergy (d. after 1218)

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Alix of Vergy (d. after 1218)

Duchess of Burgundy. Name variations: Alice de Vergy; Alix of Burgundy. Died after 1218 in Burgundy, France; daughter of Count Hugues de Vergy; married Eudes III (d. 1218), duke of Burgundy, in 1199; children: one son.

Alix of Vergy was a member of the lesser nobility of France. In 1199, her father arranged a marriage for her with Eudes III, duke of Burgundy, a match designed to increase the prestige of the House of Vergy by aligning it with one of the most powerful feudal families of Western Europe. Although Alix was not much involved in the administration of the duchy during Eudes' life, upon his death in 1218 she became regent of Burgundy for their young son. Alix proved a competent regent, taking an active role in bettering the lives of her people. She passed laws to strengthen the Burgundian economy, aided the growth of towns by confirming charters protecting their right to some self-rule, and in addition preserved peace by forming an alliance with the powerful overlord of Champagne, Count Theobald. Alix remained an important part of Burgundian government even after her son came of age.

Laura York , Anza, California