Welf
Also Known As:	"Guelph", "Guelfe", "Hwelf", "Welf", "Welfrenchonik", "of Altdorf & Bavaria", "Altorf", "Count Welf", "of Allemania", "van Beiren"
Birthdate:	776
Birthplace:	Metz, Austrasia or, Altdorf, Uri, Switzerland
Death:	circa 825 (44-53) Schwaben, Frankish Empire (within present Germany) (Location: Schwaben, Frankish Empire)
Place of Burial:	Bavarian Swabia, Frankish Empire
Immediate Family:	Son of Rothard von Metz and Ermenane Husband of Hedwig, Abbess of Chelles Father of Conrad I "the Elder", count of Auxerre; Judith of Bavaria; Emma of Altdorf; Mathilda d'Andech von Altdorf and Raoul (Rodolphe) I, comte de Sens
Occupation:	Conde de Altdorf, Graf im Schwaben, Graf von Altdorf, Count of Altdorf, Count in Swabia, Count of Altorf et al, Count of Altdorf., Duke of Bavaria, Count in Alemannia, Count of Altdorf, Graf im Argen- u. Linzgau, Graf v. Auxerre, graaf van Altdorf

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Last Updated:	February 17, 2023

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Immediate Family

Hedwig, Abbess of Chelles

wife
Conrad I "the Elder", count of A...

son
Judith of Bavaria

daughter
Emma of Altdorf

daughter
Mathilda d'Andech von Altdorf

daughter
Raoul (Rodolphe) I, comte de Sens

son
Rothard von Metz

father
Ermenane

mother
Haildis von Argengau

stepmother

About Welf I, count in Swabia

-https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welf_I._

http://genealogics.org/getperson.php?personID=I00020392&tree=LEO

Parents:

Rothard/Chrothard (d. 9 December 771)
Haldis or Ermane (both were wives, but uncertainty exists on which was Welf's mother)

Birth: Unknown (Settipani proposed the parents, but did not provide a date or location of birth). Charles Cawley at FMG Medieval Lands Database states that he was born in the area of Metz, Austrasia and migrated into Bavaria, becoming Graf (Count) of Swabia (Schwaben).

Siblings: None known.

Spouse: Heilwig, Abbess of Chelles (title obtained presumably after his death)

Children:

1. Rudolf I (d. 15 October 866), Comte de Sens, husband of Hruodun (d. after 867)
2. Conrad "l'Ancien" (d. 22 March 862/866), Graf von Linzgau und Argengau, Comte de Paris, husband of Adelais de Tours
3. Judith (c805 - 19 April 843), Empress and Queen of the Franks
4. Emma / Hemma (d. 31 Jan 876), Queen of Bavaria and Carinthia

Basic information and justifications:

Marriage: Unknown (the only document that describes him and his family is apparently related to his daughter Judith's marriage with Emperor Louis I 'le Pieux")

Death: 824/825, location unknown but likely somewhere in Swabia/Schwaben. (FMG - presumably this is tied in with his daughter obtaining for his wife the position as Abbess of Chelles)

Burial: Unknown.

Occupation: Graf im Schwaben

Alternate names: Guelph, Hwelf, Guelf, Guelfe

Links

http://www.rpi.edu/~holmes/Hobbies/Genealogy/ps04/ps04_493.htm

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http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/SWABIAN%20NOBILITY.htm#WelfIdied824B

GRAFEN im LINZGAU, GRAFEN von ALTDORF (WELF)

Linzgau was situated north of Lake Constance, and east of Hegau, in southern Württemberg.

The Genealogia Welforum[960], the first genealogy of the Welf family, was compiled in the mid-1120s in upper Germany and a decade later in Lüneburg. A document comprising ten short paragraphs, it is uncertain whether the earlier parts of the family are accurately represented: in particular there is an apparent conflation of one generation (see below). This was followed in [1170] by the Historia Welforum, written by an anonymous Swabian cleric in the entourage of Duke Welf [VI]. This repeats the often stated Trojan origin of the Franks, with the migrants settling on the banks of the Rhine, and more specifically the descent of the Welf family from "filiam…senatoris Romani…Katilina"[961]. The name Welf was not applied to the whole dynasty until the 12th century, this unusual first name being an abbreviation of "Welfhard" or "Bernwelf" and signifying puppy[962]. Migrating into Swabia from the area of Metz, the family's territories were at first centred around the Argen and Schussen, districts north-east of Lake Constance. They expanded northwards along the Lech river, acquiring a second power-base in the Ammer and Augst districts on the border with Bavaria[963]. The reduction in the central authority of the dukes of Swabia within their duchy enabled the Welf family to increase its own power from the end-11th century, from which time they exercised the authority of dukes in their extensive territories without the ducal title.

WELF [I], son of ROTHARD Graf & his wife --- (-[824/25]). Settipani names Welf [I] as son of Rothard[964] but does not cite the primary source on which this is based. The Annalista Saxo names "de principibus Bawarorum qui fuit binomius, name et Eticho et Welfus dicebatur" who was father of Empress Judith[965]. From the area of Metz. Moved to Bavaria. Graf in Swabia.

m HEILWIG, daughter of ---. Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names "filiam Hwelfi ducis sui, qui erat de nobilissima progenie Bawariorum…Iudith…ex parte matris…Eigilwi nobilissimi generic Saxonici" as second wife of Emperor Ludwig[966]. She was installed as Abbess of Chelles, near Paris, through the influence of her daughter Empress Judith.

Welf [I] & his wife had four children:

1. RUDOLF [I] (-15 Oct 866). Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names (in order) "Chuonradum et Ruodolfum" as brothers of Empress Judith[967]. He was given the abbeys of Saint-Riquier and Jumièges, through the influence of his sister Empress Judith. The Chronique de Saint Riquier records that "Rodolphe…du sang imperial…oncle du glorieux roi Charles" succeeded abbé Louis as lay abbot of Saint-Riquier[968]. The Annales Alamannicorum record "Hruodolfus frater Iudith Augustæ" among those who swore allegiance in 864[969]. Comte de Sens. The Annales Bertiniani record the death in 866 of "Rodulfus Karoli regis avunculus"[970]. The Adonis Continuatio records the death in 866 of "avunculus quoque eius [Carolo, Ludovici filii"] Radulfus, consiliarius primusque palatii"[971]. Two contemporary Epitafia commemorate "nobilis…Rhuodulfus", the second recording his death "Idus octavo"[972]. m HRUODUN, daughter of --- (-after 867). The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified.
- COMTES de SENS.

2. CONRAD "l'Ancien" (-22 Mar [862/66]). Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names (in order) "Chuonradum et Ruodolfum" as brothers of Empress Judith[973]. Graf von Linz- und Argengau. Dux. Nithard records that Conrad and his brother Rudolf were forcibly tonsured in [Apr 830] by their sister's stepson, Lothar, then in revolt against his father, and sent to Aquitaine "to be held by Pepin"[974]. Comte de Paris. The Miraculis Sancti Germani record that "Chuonradus princeps" was cured of an eye problem by the saint, and that he built the church of Saint-Germain at Auxerre in thanks[975]. An agreement between Charles II "le Chauve" King of the West Franks and his brother Ludwig II "der Deutsche" King of the East Franks dated Jun 860 names "nobilis ac fidelibus laicis…Chuonradus, Evrardus, Adalardus, Arnustus, Warnarius, Liutfridus, Hruodolfus, Erkingarius, Gislebertus, Ratbodus, Arnulfus, Hugo, item Chuonradus, Liutharius, Berengarius, Matfridus, Boso, Sigeri, Hartmannus, Liuthardus, Richuinus, Wigricus, Hunfridus, Bernoldus, Hatto, Adalbertus, Burchardus, Christianus, Leutulfus, Hessi, Herimannus, item Hruodulfus, Sigehardus"[976]. "Ludowicus…rex" confirmed an exchange between Grimald abbot of St Gallen and "quidam comis…Chuonratus" relating to property in Linzgau and Argengau, by charter dated 1 Apr 861[977]. A poem by Walahfridus Strabus records the epitaph of "Chonradum comitem"[978]. The necrology of Auxerre cathedral records the death 22 Mar of "Conradus comes"[979]. m ADELAIS [de Tours], daughter of HUGUES Comte [de Tours] & his wife Ava ---. The Miraculis Sancti Germani name "Adheleid" as wife of "Chuonradus princeps"[980]. A poem by Walahfridus Strabus records the epitaph of "Adelheidam"[981]. The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified. Some secondary works[982] assert that the second husband of Adelais was Robert "le Fort" [Capet]. If this is correct, Adelais must have been Comte Robert's second or third wife as his known children were already born by the time Adelais's husband Conrad died. The assertion appears based on the Chronicle of St Bénigne de Dijon which names "duo filii Rotberti Andegavorum comitis, frs Hugonis abbatis, senior Odo…Robertus alter"[983]. Settipani states that the passage is a 12th century interpolation and has little historical value, although he does suggest that it is likely that the wife of Comte Robert was a close relation of Adelais without providing the basis for this statement[984]. A family connection between Comte Robert and Conrad Comte de Paris is also suggested by the former being invested with the county of Auxerre in 865, after this county was confiscated from the latter (as recorded by Hincmar[985]), on the assumption that there was some basis of heredity behind the transmission of counties in France at that time (which is probable, but remains unproven). Comte Conrad & his wife had [five] children:

a) WELF (-before 876). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Linzgau 842/850. Graf im Alpgau 852/858. m ---. The name of Welf's wife is not known. Graf Welf & his wife had [two possible children]:

i) [CONRAD . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Linzgau.]
ii) [ETICHO (-after 911, bur Ammergau). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Ammergau.]

- see below.

b) CONRAD (-876). His parentage is deduced from Regino who names "Ruodolfus filius Chuonradi, nepos Huggonis abbatis"[986], the latter being recorded in the Miraculis Sancti Germani as "Hugo" one of the sons of "Chuonradus princeps", the patron of the church of Saint-Germain at Auxerre[987]. He helped save Charles II "le Chauve" King of the West Franks after the invasion of Ludwig II "der Deutsche" King of the East Franks. Comte d'Auxerre. He fell into disgrace in 861, and passed into the service of the sons of Emperor Lothar. He received from Emperor Louis the territories of Genève, Lausanne and Sion. Marquis de Transjurane in Dec 864 after he killed comte Hubert [Bosonide][988].

- KINGS of BURGUNDY.

c) HUGO (-Orléans 12 May 886, bur Saint-Germain d'Auxerre). The Annales Bertiniani name "Hugoni clerico, avunculi sui [=Karoli regis] Chonradi filio" when recording that he received the counties of Tours and Angers in 866[989]. Abbot of Saint-Germain d'Auxerre 853. The Miraculis Sancti Germani names "Hugo" as one of the sons of "Chuonradus princeps" who continued to patronise the church of Saint-Germain at Auxerre after their father's death[990]. Imperial missus in Auxerre in 853. Abbot of Saint-Riquier until 861. Abbot of Saint-Bertin 859/62. He was a supporter of King Lothar 861/865. He was elected Archbishop of Köln in 864. The Annales Xantenses record that "quidam tirannicus Hugo…filius predicti Cuonradi" (the previous paragraph naming "Cuonradi fratris quondam Iuthit reginæ") succeeded as archbishop of Köln[991]. Marquis de Neustrie, Comte de Tours et d'Angers 866. Comte d'Auxerre in [866], assuming that Hugues was appointed to succeed Robert "le Fort" in this as well as the latter's other counties, although the primary source which confirms this beyond doubt has not yet been identified. Abbot of Saint-Martin de Tours 866. Abbot of St Vaast, Arras [874]. Abbot of Saint-Aignan, Orléans before 876. Abbot of Saint-Julien d'Auxerre 877. Chaplain of the imperial chapel in [880]. "Hugo consobrinus eius [Conradi]" succeeded his cousin [as Abbot of Saint-Colombe de Sens] in 882, recording that he was "clericatus in Palatio"[992]. "Karolus…imperator augustus" confirmed a donation by "Hugo…propinquus noster" of property "villam Apiarias in pago Aurelianensi" to "episcopo Adalaldo archiepiscopo simulque Rainoni episcopo, fratri eiusdem" at the request of "Odo comes" by charter dated 27 Oct 886[993]. Regino records the death in 887 of "Hugo abba" at Orléans and his burial "apud Sanctum Germanum Autisiodoro"[994]. The necrology of Auxerre cathedral records the death 12 May of "Hugo abbas"[995].
d) RUDOLF . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified.
e) [JUDITH]. The identity of Udo's wife is not known with certainty. According to Jackman[996], she may have been the daughter of Konrad Graf im Linz- und Argengau, whom he speculates was named Judith. King Arnulf in a charter dated 19 May 891 names "Chonradi…comitis et nepotis nostri"[997]. The speculation is that the relationship may have been through Konrad's mother who, if identified as the daughter of Graf Konrad, was the niece of King Arnulf's paternal grandmother Queen Hemma. m UDO Graf im Lahngau, son of GEBHARD Graf im Niederlahngau [Konradiner] & his wife ---. 860/879.]

3. JUDITH ([805]-Tours 19 Apr 843, bur Tours Saint-Martin). Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names "filiam Hwelfi ducis sui, qui erat de nobilissima progenie Bawariorum…Iudith…ex parte matris…Eigilwi nobilissimi generic Saxonici" as second wife of Emperor Louis, specifying that she was "enim pulchra valde"[998]. The Vita Hludowici Imperatoris records the marriage of "Iudith filiam Welponis…comitis" and Emperor Louis I[999]. The Annales Xantenses record the marriage in Feb 819 of "Ludewicus imperator" and "Iudith"[1000]. Judith was influential with her husband, which increased the tensions with his sons by his first marriage. Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris records that "quondam duce Bernhardo, qui erat de stirpe regali" was accused of violating "Iudith reginam" but comments that this was all lies[1001]. Judith was exiled to the monastery of Sainte-Croix de Poitiers during the first rebellion of her stepsons in 830, was released in 831, but exiled again to Tortona in Italy in 833 from where she was brought back in Apr 834[1002]. The necrology of the abbey of Saint-Denis records the death "XIII Kal Mai" of "Judith regina"[1003]. The Annales Xantenses record the death in 843 of "Iudhit imperatrix mater Karoli" at Tours[1004]. m (Aix-la-Chapelle Feb 819) as his second wife, Emperor LOUIS I, son of Emperor CHARLES I "Charlemagne" King of the Franks & his second wife Hildegardis (Chasseneuil-du-Poitou {Vienne} [16 Apr/Sep] 778-island in the Rhine near Ingelheim 20 Jun 840, bur bur Metz, église abbatiale de Saint-Arnoul).

4. EMMA [Hemma] (-31 Jan 876, bur Regensburg St Emmeran). The Annales Xantenses record the marriage in 827 of "Ludewicus rex" and "sororem Iudith imperatricis" but does not name her[1005]. This appears to be the only source in which her origin is given. "Ludowicus…rex" made a donation to St Felix & Regula in Zurich naming "filia nostra Bertha…[et] coniugis nostræ Hemmæ" by charter dated 29 Oct 863[1006]. The Gesta Francorum records that "Hemma quoque regina" became paralysed in 874, died at Regensburg in 876 and was buried in the church of St Emmeran[1007]. The necrology of Regensburg St Emmeran records the death "II Kal Feb" of "Hemma regina hic sepulta"[1008]. The necrology of Augia Divis records the death "II Kal Feb" of "Hemma regina"[1009]. The necrology of Nonnberg records the death "2 Kal Jan" of "Hemma imperatrix sor na"[1010]. m (827) LOUIS King of Bavaria and Carinthia, son of Emperor LOUIS I "le Pieux" & his first wife Ermengardis [de Hesbaye] ([806]-Frankfurt-am-Main 28 Aug 876, bur Kloster Lorsch). He was installed in 843 as LUDWIG II "le Germanique" King of the East Franks.

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From Die Genealogie der Franken und Frankenreichs:

http://www.genealogie-mittelalter.de/welfen/welfen_aeltere_linie/we...

Welf

Graf im Frankenreich
-3.9. um 825
Sohn des Grafen Isebrand ?

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Lexikon des Mittelalters: Band VIII Spalte 2143

Welf

Vater der Kaiserin Judith, war Spitzenahn der WELFEN.

Die Vermählung seiner Tochter Judith mit Kaiser LUDWIG DEM FROMMEN 819 zeigt Welf in der karolingischen Reicharistokratie. Er gehörte einem sehr vornehmen bayerischen Geschlecht an, zu seinen Vorfahren zählte aber auch der fränkische Graf Ruthard um die Mitte des 8. Jahrhunderts. Welf war mit der edlen Sächsin Heilwig verheiratet, die später Äbtissin der berühmten westfränkischen Abtei Chelles wurde (+ nach 833). Ob Welf, wie nachmals sein Sohn Konrad, gräfliche Positionen in Alemannien nördlich des Bodensees ausübte, wo die WELFEN später ihr Herrschaftszentrum hatten, bleibt ungewiß. In der welfischen Tradition des 12. Jahrhunderts begegnet Welf auch unter dem Namen Eticho, der durch die Heirat seines Sohnes Konrad mit der ETICHONIN Adelheid in das Namensgut der Familie eingedrungen ist.

In English:

(later)

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Heine Alexander (Hg.): Seite 35

"Geschichte der Welfen"

3. Welf zeugte also einen Sohn namens Eticho und eine Tochter Judith. Die Judith führte Kaiser LUDWIG mit dem Beinamen DER FROMME, der Sohn KARLS DES GROSSEN als Gattin heim, nachdem seine Gemahlin Irmingard [1 Irmingard war am 3. Oktober 818 gestorben, LUDWIG vermählte sich im Februar 819 mit Judith in Aachen.] gestorben war, mit welcher er die Söhne LOTHAR, Pipin und Ludwig gezeugt hatte.

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Thegan: Seite 232

"Das Leben Kaiser Ludwigs. Quellen zur karolingischen Reichsgeschichte Band V"

26. Im folgenden Jahr aber heiratete er die Tochter seines Herzogs Hwelf, aus einem sehr vornehmen Geschlecht der Bawarier, Namens Judith, welche durch ihre Mutter Eigilwi einem vornehmen sächsischen Geschlecht angehörte, und macht sie zur Königin. Denn sie war schön. In demselben Jahre hielt er eine allgemeine Reichsversammlung in dem Königshof Ingelheim.

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Das Leben Kaiser Ludwigs vom sogenannten Astronomus: Seite 308

in: Quellen zur karolingischen Reichsgeschichte Band V

32. Um diese Zeit dachte er auf den Rat der Seinigen in eine neue Ehe zu treten; denn viele fürchteten, er möchte die Regierung des Reichs ganz niederlegen. Endlich tat er ihrem Willen Genüge und nahm, nachdem er die von allen Seiten her ihm vorgeführten Töchter der Vornehmen gemustert hatte, Judith, des edeln Grafen Welpo Tochter, zur Gemahlin.

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Die Reichsannalen mit Zusätzen aus den sogenannten Einhardsannalen: Seite 118

in: Quellen zur karolingischen Reichsgeschichte Band V

819

Nach Weihnachten wurde zu Aachen ein Reichstag gehalten, auf dem viel über den Zustand der Kirchen und Klöster verhandelt und beschlossen wurde; auch die Gesetze ergänzte man durch einige höchst notwendige Zusatzbestimmungen. Hierauf wählte sich der Kaiser, der zuvor die meisten Töchter der Vornehmen angesehen hatte, Judith, die Tochter des Grafen Welf, zur Gemahlin.

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Thiele, Andreas: Tafel 27

"Erzählende genealogische Stammtafeln zur europäischen Geschichte Band I, Teilband 1"

HEILWIG

+ nach 825 als Äbtissin von Chelles (bei Paris)
Tochter des Grafen Isanbart in Sachsen (Sohn des Grafen Warin) und der Thietrade, Tochter des KAROLINGERS Bernhard
oo WELF (WELFHARD) (+ um 825)

Welf gehörte zur fränkischen Reichsaristokratie, anders sind die Ehen seiner Töchter nicht zu erklären. Er war auf jeden Fall kein Schwabe oder Bayer und wurde in den Quellen sogar schon "Dux" genannt, auch war er Graf in Bayern und Schwaben, ohne dass genaue Herrschaftsbereiche und Besitzbereiche auszumachen waren. Seine Familie kam wohl erst durch seine Frau zu ihrem Besitz in Schwaben. Er war möglicherweise Graf im Zürichgau und Argengau/Schussenried und wurde nur 819 aus Anlaß der Hochzeit seiner Tochter namentlich genannt. Die wahrscheinlichen Schwiegereltern und Großeltern sind einzige greifbare Vorfahren, agnatisch nirgends faßbar.

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Schmid Karl: Seite 443

"Gebetsgedenken und adliges Selbstverständnis im Mittelalter" Denn auf Welf, den Vater der Kaiserin Judith, treffen die Aussagen über den freiheitsstolzen, den Kaiserhof und die Kaiserabhängigkeit meidenden Eticho in frappierender Weise zu. Ein einziges Mal nämlich nur, anläßlich der Vermählung seiner Tochter mit dem Kaiser, taucht er in den Quellen auf. Ansonsten schweigt sich die Überlieferung über den Vater der Kaiserin Judith aus, dem immerhin bei seiner Erwähnung die Titel dux und comes zuerkannt wurden und der als Gemahl einer vornehmen Sächsin wohl selbst ein angesehener Mann gewesen sein muß [Der Annahme, Welf sei als "älterer Mann" vor 825 gestorben, da seine "Witwe" Heilwig im Jahre 825 Äbtissin des Klosters Chelles geworden ist, steht entgegen, dass Welfs Kinder erst nach Judiths Vermählung 819 in Erscheinung getreten (Hemmas Heirat: 827, Konrads und Rudolfs erste Bezeugung: 829) und zudem verhältnismäßig spät gestorben sind (Konrad: 863, Rudolf: 866, Hemma: 876) und dass die Äbtissin Heilwig von Chelles zwar sancta Deo, aber nicht "Witwe" genannt wird. Ein "Rückzug" Welfs scheint angesichts der Quellenlage nicht ausgeschlossen.]. Man hat die Königsferne Welfs, die zumindest bis zum Jahr der Heirat Judiths (819) währte, mit dem Schicksal des welfischen Vorfahren Ruthard in Zusammenhang gebracht [Dass die Herkunftssage des Namen Welf auch mit Warins Sohn Isanbard in Verbindung gebracht worden ist, der ebenfalls die Ungnade KARLS DES GROSSEN auf sich gezogen habe, soll nicht unerwähnt bleiben.]. Dieser einflußreiche Sachwalter des fränkischen Königs, der in Alemannien ein eigenmächtiges Regiment zum großen Leidwesen vor allem des St. Galler Abtes Otmar geführt hatte, verlor unter KARL DEM GROSSEN die Gunst des Königs und verschwand von der politischen Bühne, auf der sein Nachfahre Welf in auffallender Entsprechung nicht in Erscheinung trat. Die vage Andeutung der Historia Welforum, der WELFEN-Name sei anfänglich verschmäht worden, könnte sehr wohl auf Ruthards Missetaten dem heiligen Otmar gegenüber und seine Ungnade beim König Bezug nehmen, auf ein Urteil, das möglicherweise auf seinen Nachfahren Welf übertragen worden ist und diesen erbittert hat. Jedenfalls darf dem gewiß nicht unbedeutenden, aber in Distanz zum Hof lebenden Welf jenes Verhalten zugetraut werden, das dem freiheitsstolzen Eticho zugeschrieben wird, der selbst dem Kaiser gegenüber auf Unabhängigkeit pochte.

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Fleckenstein Josef: Seite 72,114

"Die Herkunft der Welfen"

Die neuere Forschung erblickt in dem Vater der Kaiserin Judith, dem Grafen Welf, mit Recht den ersten, quellenmäßig direkt und damit sicher bezeugten Angehörigen des berühmten Geschlechts der WELFEN.

Aber schon die erste und einzige sichere Bezeugung Welfs anläßlich der Heirat seiner Tochter und LUDWIGS DES FROMMEN läßt erkennen, dass Welf kein homo novus war: er entstammte einer progenius nobilissima, wird comes nobilissimus und dux genannt - Bezeichnungen, die als Attribute der karolingischen Reichsaristokratie gelten dürfen und die den Grafen Welf als ihr bereits zugehörig ausweisen.

Die Verknüpfung Ruthards mit den WELFEN erlaubt uns nur, in Welf, dem Vater der Kaiserin Judith, einen Nachkommen Ruthards zu sehen. Ob er sein Sohn, sein Enkel [818 war Welf bereits ein älterer Mann; vor 825 ist er gestorben. Das spricht allerdings dafür, dass er der Sohnes- und nicht der Enkel-Generation Ruthards angehört hat.], vielleicht auch nur sein Neffe gewesen ist, ist nicht bezeugt und muß daher offen bleiben.

Dass Ruthard die königliche Gunst verloren hatte, bestätigt sich konkret eben dadurch, dass er auch politisch zurückgetreten ist. Dann konnte aber auch Welf unter KARL DEM GROSSEN vermutlich von vornherein nicht stärker hervortreten, wenn er ein Nachkomme Ruthards war, auf den sich die Ungnade des Königs übertragen hatte. Und sein Erscheinen im Jahre 819 bedeutete dann vor allem die Rückgewinnung der königsnahen Stellung, die Ruthard für sich und sein Geschlecht verloren hatte. So spiegelt sich, wie es scheint, auch noch in der vorübergehenden Königsferne der Zusammenhang zwischen Ruthard und Welf.

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oo Heilwiga, Tochter des Grafen Isanbart (um 778- nach 833)

Kinder:

Judith (-19.4.843), 819 oo 2. LUDWIG I. DER FROMME (16.4.778-20.6.840)
Hemma (-31.1.876), 827 oo Ludwig II. der Deutsche (806-28.8.878)
Konrad I. Graf im Argen- und Linzgau (-16.2.863)
Rudolf Graf im Gau Ponthieu (-6.1.866)
Hrodroh

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Literatur:

Annalista Saxo: Reichschronik a. 1126 -

Ay, Karl-Ludwig/Maier, Lorenz/Jahn Joachim: Die Welfen. Landesgeschichtliche Aspekte ihrer Herrschaft. Universitätsverlag Konstanz GmbH 1998 Seite 9,25, 29,53,58-62,98,135 -

Borgolte Michael: Die Grafen Alemanniens in merowingischer und karolingischer Zeit. Eine Prosopographie. Jan Thorbecke Verlag Sigmaringen 1986 Seite 166,169,227, 288 -

Boshof Egon: Ludwig der Fromme. Primus Verlag Darmstadt 1996 Seite 152,153 -

Das Leben Kaiser Ludwigs vom sogenannten Astronomus. Quellen zur karolingischen Reichsgeschichte Band V Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft Darmstadt 1974 Seite 308 -

Die Reichsannalen mit Zusätzen aus den sogenannten Einhardsannalen. Quellen zur karolingischen Reichsgeschichte Band V Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft Darmstadt 1974 Seite 118 -

Dümmler Ernst: Geschichte des Ostfränkischen Reiches. Verlag von Duncker und Humblot Berlin 1865 Band I Seite 28 -

Fleckenstein Josef: Über die Herkunft der Welfen und ihre Anfänge in Süddeutschland.in: Studien und Vorarbeiten zur Geschichte des Großfränkischen und frühdeutschen Adels Eberhard Albert Verlag Freiburg im Breisgau 1957, Seite 71-136 -

Hechberger Werner: Staufer und Welfen 1125-1190. Zur Verwendung von Theorien in der Geschichtswissenschaft Böhlau Verlag-Köln-Weimar Wien 1996 Seite 118, 173-175,179 -

Heine Alexander (Hg.): Geschichte der Welfen. Phaidon Verlag GmbH Essen - Herm, Gerhard: Karl der Große. ECON Verlag GmbH, Düsseldorf, Wien, New York 1987 Seite 321 -

Jordan, Karl: Heinrich der Löwe, Deutscher Taschenbuch Verlag 1993 Seite 2,295 -

Konecny Silvia: Die Frauen des karolingischen Königshauses. Die politische Bedeutung der Ehe und die Stellung der Frau in der fränkischen Herrscherfamilie vom 7. bis zum 10. Jahrhundert. Dissertation der Universität Wien 1976 Seite 93 -

Rappmann Roland/Zettler Alfons: Die Reichenauer Mönchsgemeinschaft und ihr Totengedenken im frühen Mittelalter. Jan Thorbecke Verlag Sigmaringen 1998 Seite 429 -

Schmid Karl: Gebetsgedenken und adliges Selbstverständnis im Mittelalter. Ausgewählte Beiträge, Jan Thorbecke Verlag Sigmaringen 1983, Seite 424-453 -

Schneidmüller Bernd: Die Welfen. Herrschaft und Erinnerung. W. Kohlhammer GmbH Stuttgart Berlin Köln 2000 Seite 18,23-26,30,42,43,45-51,59, 71,114 -

Schnith Karl Rudolf: Mittelalterliche Herrscher in Lebensbildern. Von den Karolingern zu den Staufern. Verlag Styria Graz Wien Köln 1990 Seite 45,60 -

Stälin, Paul Friedrich: Geschichte Württembergs, Gotha 1882 Seite 250 -

Tellenbach Gerd: Exkurs Über die ältesten Welfen im West- und Ostfrankenreich. in: Studien und Vorarbeiten zur Geschichte des Großfränkischen und frühdeutschen Adels Eberhard Albert Verlag Freiburg im Breisgau 1957, Seite 335-340 -

Thegan: Das Leben Kaiser Ludwigs. Quellen zur karolingischen Reichsgeschichte Band V Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft Darmstadt 1974 Seite 232 -

Thiele, Andreas: Erzählende genealogische Stammtafeln zur europäischen Geschichte Band I, Teilband 1, R. G. Fischer Verlag Frankfurt/Main 1993 Tafel 27 -

From the Foundation for Medieval Genealogy page on Merovingian Nobility:

http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/FRANKSMaiordomi.htm#WelfIdied824A

ROTHARD [Chrothard] (-after 9 Dec 771).

Settipani names Rothard as son of Hardrad[593] but does not cite the primary source on which this is based. Graf.
With estates in Alsace and Lorraine, he was a member of the high aristocracy under Pepin I King of the Franks and became one of the king's principle helpers in the incorporation of Alemannia into the Frankish realm[594].
"Pippinus rex Francorum" confirmed a donation to Fulrad Abbot of Saint-Denis by charter dated 1 Mar 752 which names "fidelibus nostris…Milone, Rotgario, Cheimgaudo, Crothardo, Gerichardo, Autgario et Wiberto comite palatii nostri"[595]. "Pippinus rex Francorum" confirmed rights to market customs duties of the abbey of Saint-Denis by charter dated 8 Jul 753 which names "fidelibus…Milone, Helmgaudo, Hildegario, [C]hrothardo, Drogone, Baugulfo, [G]islehario, Leuthfredo, Rauhone, Theuderico, Maganario, Nithado, Uualthario, Uulfario et Uuicberti comite palatii nostro"[596]. "Pippinus rex Francorum" confirmed a donation to the abbey of Saint-Denis by "Gerardum comitem" by charter dated 30 Oct 759 which names as present "Uuidone, Raulcone, Milone, Helmgaudo, Rothardo, Gislehario…et Uuicberto comite palatii nostro"[597]. "Pippinus rex Francorum" donated property to found Kloster Prüm by charter dated 13 Aug 762 which names "coniux mea Bertrada…genitor suus Heribertus" and was subscribed by (first column) "Droconi comitis, Warini comitis, Baugulfi comitis, Troanie comitis, Herloini comitis, Rachulfi comitis" and (second column) "Chrodardi comitis, Welenti comitis, Gerhardi comitis, Waltarii comitis, Gunberti comitis, Warini comitis"[598].
He is mentioned in 769 as Graf in Argen, north of Lake Constance[599]. “Ratardus filius Hardrardi quondam” donated property at “Mandris” to the abbey of Gorze, for the soul of “Haildis quondam coniugis mee”, except for part which was “dotis coniugis mee Ermenane”, by charter dated 9 Dec 771[600].

m firstly HAILDIS, daughter of ---. *“Ratardus filius Hardrardi quondam” donated property at “Mandris” to the abbey of Gorze, for the soul of “Haildis quondam coniugis mee”, except for part which was “dotis coniugis mee Ermenane”, by charter dated 9 Dec 771[601].

m secondly (before 9 Dec 771) ERMENANE, daughter of ---.

“Ratardus filius Hardrardi quondam” donated property at “Mandris” to the abbey of Gorze, for the soul of “Haildis quondam coniugis mee”, except for part which was “dotis coniugis mee Ermenane”, by charter dated 9 Dec 771[602].

Rothard & his [first/second] wife had one child:

i) WELF [I] (-[824/25]).

Settipani names Welf [I] as son of Rothard[603] but does not cite the primary source on which this is based. The Annalista Saxo names "de principibus Bawarorum qui fuit binomius, name et Eticho et Welfus dicebatur" who was father of Empress Judith[604].

Graf in Swabia.

References:

[593] Settipani (1993), p. 254 footnote 433.
[594] Jordan, K., trans. Falla, P. S. (1986) Henry the Lion: a Biography (Clarendon Press, Oxford), p. 1.
[595] DD Kar. 1, 1, p. 3.
[596] DD Kar. 1, 6, p. 9.
[597] DD Kar. 1, 12, p. 17.
[598] DD Kar. 1, 16, p. 21.
[599] Jordan, p. 2.
[600] D´Herbomez, A. (ed.) Cartulaire de l´abbaye de Gorze, Mettensia II (1898) (Paris) 14, p. 35.
[601] Gorze 14, p. 35.
[602] Gorze 14, p. 35.
[603] Settipani (1993), p. 254 footnote 433.
[604] Annalista Saxo 1126.

---

From the Foundation for Medieval Genealogy page on Swabian Nobility:

http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/SWABIAN%20NOBILITY.htm#WelfIdied824B

WELF [I], son of ROTHARD Graf & his wife --- (-[824/25]).

Settipani names Welf [I] as son of Rothard[824] but does not cite the primary source on which this is based.

The Annalista Saxo names "de principibus Bawarorum qui fuit binomius, name et Eticho et Welfus dicebatur" who was father of Empress Judith[825].

From the area of Metz. Moved to Bavaria.

Graf in Swabia.

m HEILWIG, daughter of ---.

Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names "filiam Hwelfi ducis sui, qui erat de nobilissima progenie Bawariorum…Iudith…ex parte matris…Eigilwi nobilissimi generic Saxonici" as second wife of Emperor Ludwig[826].
She was installed as Abbess of Chelles, near Paris, through the influence of her daughter Empress Judith.

Welf [I] & his wife had four children:

1. RUDOLF [I] (-15 Oct 866).

Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names (in order) "Chuonradum et Ruodolfum" as brothers of Empress Judith[827].
He was given the abbeys of Saint-Riquier and Jumièges, through the influence of his sister Empress Judith. The Chronique de Saint Riquier records that "Rodolphe…du sang imperial…oncle du glorieux roi Charles" succeeded abbé Louis as lay abbot of Saint-Riquier[828]. The Annales Alamannicorum record "Hruodolfus frater Iudith Augustæ" among those who swore allegiance in 864[829].
Comte de Sens.
The Annales Bertiniani record the death in 866 of "Rodulfus Karoli regis avunculus"[830]. The Adonis Continuatio records the death in 866 of "avunculus quoque eius [Carolo, Ludovici filii"] Radulfus, consiliarius primusque palatii"[831]. Two contemporary Epitafia commemorate "nobilis…Rhuodulfus", the second recording his death "Idus octavo"[832].
m HRUODUN, daughter of --- (-after 867). The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified.

2. CONRAD "l'Ancien" (-22 Mar [862/66]).

Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names (in order) "Chuonradum et Ruodolfum" as brothers of Empress Judith[833].
Graf von Linz- und Argengau.
Dux.
Nithard records that Conrad and his brother Rudolf were forcibly tonsured in [Apr 830] by their sister's stepson, Lothar, then in revolt against his father, and sent to Aquitaine "to be held by Pepin"[834].
Comte de Paris.
The Miraculis Sancti Germani record that "Chuonradus princeps" was cured of an eye problem by the saint, and that he built the church of Saint-Germain at Auxerre in thanks[835].
An agreement between Charles II "le Chauve" King of the West Franks and his brother Ludwig II "der Deutsche" King of the East Franks dated Jun 860 names "nobilis ac fidelibus laicis…Chuonradus, Evrardus, Adalardus, Arnustus, Warnarius, Liutfridus, Hruodolfus, Erkingarius, Gislebertus, Ratbodus, Arnulfus, Hugo, item Chuonradus, Liutharius, Berengarius, Matfridus, Boso, Sigeri, Hartmannus, Liuthardus, Richuinus, Wigricus, Hunfridus, Bernoldus, Hatto, Adalbertus, Burchardus, Christianus, Leutulfus, Hessi, Herimannus, item Hruodulfus, Sigehardus"[836]. "Ludowicus…rex" confirmed an exchange between Grimald abbot of St Gallen and "quidam comis…Chuonratus" relating to property in Linzgau and Argengau, by charter dated 1 Apr 861[837].
A poem by Walahfridus Strabus records the epitaph of "Chonradum comitem"[838]. The necrology of Auxerre cathedral records the death 22 Mar of "Conradus comes"[839].
m ADELAIS [de Tours], daughter of HUGUES Comte [de Tours] & his wife Ava ---. The Miraculis Sancti Germani name "Adheleid" as wife of "Chuonradus princeps"[840]. A poem by Walahfridus Strabus records the epitaph of "Adelheidam"[841]. The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified. Some secondary works[842] assert that the second husband of Adelais was Robert "le Fort" [Capet]. If this is correct, Adelais must have been Comte Robert's second wife as his known children were already born by the time Adelais's husband Conrad died. Settipani[843] states that the only basis for the assertion is a 12th century interpolation in the Chronicle of Saint-Bénigne de Dijon, which is of little historical value. Nevertheless, he suggests that it is likely that the wife of Comte Robert was a close relation of Adelais, although the basis for this is not known.
Comte Conrad & his wife had [five] children: Welf (d. before 876, Graf im Linzgau, Graf in Alpgau, father of Conrad Graf im Linzgau and Eticho Graf im Ammergau), Conrad (d. 876, Comte d'Auxerre 858-861, then Marquis de Transjurane), Hugo (d. 886, Archbishop of Köln, Marquis de Neustrie, Comte de Tours et d'Angers, Comte d'Auxerre), Rudolf, and possibly Judith (wife of Udo Graf im Lahngau).

3. JUDITH ([805]-Tours 19 Apr 843, bur Tours Saint-Martin).

Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names "filiam Hwelfi ducis sui, qui erat de nobilissima progenie Bawariorum…Iudith…ex parte matris…Eigilwi nobilissimi generic Saxonici" as second wife of Emperor Louis, specifying that she was "enim pulchra valde"[856]. The Vita Hludowici Imperatoris records the marriage of "Iudith filiam Welponis…comitis" and Emperor Louis I[857].
The Annales Xantenses record the marriage in Feb 819 of "Ludewicus imperator" and "Iudith"[858]. Judith was influential with her husband, which increased the tensions with his sons by his first marriage.
Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris records that "quondam duce Bernhardo, qui erat de stirpe regali" was accused of violating "Iudith reginam" but comments that this was all lies[859].
Judith was exiled to the monastery of Sainte-Croix de Poitiers during the first rebellion of her stepsons in 830, was released in 831, but exiled again to Tortona in Italy in 833 from where she was brought back in Apr 834[860].
The necrology of the abbey of Saint-Denis records the death "XIII Kal Mai" of "Judith regina"[861]. The Annales Xantenses record the death in 843 of "Iudhit imperatrix mater Karoli" at Tours[862].
m (Aix-la-Chapelle Feb 819) as his second wife, Emperor LOUIS I, son of Emperor CHARLES I "Charlemagne" King of the Franks & his second wife Hildegardis (Chasseneuil-du-Poitou {Vienne} [16 Apr/Sep] 778-island in the Rhine near Ingelheim 20 Jun 840, bur bur Metz, église abbatiale de Saint-Arnoul).

4. EMMA [Hemma] (-31 Jan 876, bur Regensburg St Emmeran).

The Annales Xantenses record the marriage in 827 of "Ludewicus rex" and "sororem Iudith imperatricis" but does not name her[863]. This appears to be the only source in which her origin is given. "Ludowicus…rex" made a donation to St Felix & Regula in Zurich naming "filia nostra Bertha…[et] coniugis nostræ Hemmæ" by charter dated 29 Oct 863[864].
The Gesta Francorum records that "Hemma quoque regina" became paralysed in 874, died at Regensburg in 876 and was buried in the church of St Emmeran[865]. The necrology of Regensburg St Emmeran records the death "II Kal Feb" of "Hemma regina hic sepulta"[866]. The necrology of Augia Divis records the death "II Kal Feb" of "Hemma regina"[867]. The necrology of Nonnberg records the death "2 Kal Jan" of "Hemma imperatrix sor na"[868].
m (827) LOUIS King of Bavaria and Carinthia, son of Emperor LOUIS I "le Pieux" & his first wife Ermengardis [de Hesbaye] ([806]-Frankfurt-am-Main 28 Aug 876, bur Kloster Lorsch). He was installed in 843 as LUDWIG II "le Germanique" King of the East Franks.

References:

[824] Settipani (1993), p. 254 footnote 433.
[825] Annalista Saxo 1126.
[826] Thegani Vita Hludowici Imperatoris 26, MGH SS II, p. 596.
[827] Thegani Vita Hludowici Imperatoris 36, MGH SS II, p. 597.
[828] Chronique de l'abbaye de Saint-Riquier, III.IX, p. 122.
[829] Annales Alamannicorum continuation Sangallensis prima 864, MGH SS I, p. 50, alternative text quoted in footnote 1.
[830] Annales Bertiniani III 866.
[831] Adonis Continuatio Prima, Auctore Anonymo 866, MGH SS II, p. 324.
[832] Carmina Centulensia CXLI and CXLII, MGH Poetæ latini ævi Carolini III, pp. 352 and 353.
[833] Thegani Vita Hludowici Imperatoris 36, MGH SS II, p. 597.
[834] Nithard I.3, p. 131.
[835] Ex Heirici Miraculis S. Germani 3, MGH SS XIII, p. 401.
[836] Adnuntatio domni Karoli, MGH LL 1, p. 469.
[837] D LD 103, p. 149.
[838] Walahfridi Strabi Carmen, MGH Poetæ Latini ævi Carolini II, p. 387.
[839] L'abbé Lebeuf (1855) Mémoires concernant l'histoire civile et ecclésiastique d'Auxerre et de son ancient diocese (Auxerre) (“Histoire d´Auxerre”), IV, p. 11.
[840] Ex Heirici Miraculis S. Germani 2, MGH SS XIII, p. 401, footnote 1 citing v. Dümmler Ostfr. Reich I, p. 422, as stating her origin.
[841] Walahfridi Strabi Carmen, MGH Poetæ Latini ævi Carolini II, p. 391.
[842] Including ES II 10.
[843] Settipani, C. and Kerrebrouck, P. van (1993) La préhistoire des Capétiens 481-987, 1ère partie, Mérovingiens, Carolingiens et Robertiens (Villeneuve d'Ascq), p. 400.
[856] Thegani Vita Hludowici Imperatoris 26, MGH SS II, p. 596.
[857] Vita Hludowici Imperatoris 32, MGH SS II, p. 624.
[858] Annales Xantenses 819, MGH SS II, p. 224.
[859] Thegani Vita Hludowici Imperatoris 36, MGH SS II, p. 597.
[860] Settipani (1993), pp. 254-5.
[861] Obituaires de Sens Tome I.1, Abbaye de Saint-Denis, p. 315.
[862] Annales Xantenses 843, MGH SS II, p. 227.
[863] Annales Xantenses 827, MGH SS II, p. 224.
[864] D LD 110, p. 158.
[865] Gesta quorundam regum Francorum 874 and 876, MGH SS I, pp. 388 and 389.
[866] Necrologium Monasterii S Emmerammi Ratisbonensis, Regensburg Necrologies, p. 301.
[867] Necrologium Augiæ Divitis, Konstanz Necrologies, p. 272.
[868] Monumenta Necrologica Monasterii S Erentrudis Nonnbergensis, Salzburg Necrologies, p. 61.

From the English Wikipedia page on Welf, father of Judith:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welf_(father_of_Judith)

Welf or Hwelf also known as Welf I, was the son of the 9th century Frankish count Rothard of Metz. He is the oldest known member of the Elder House of Welf.

Welf is mentioned only once: on the occasion of the wedding of his daughter Judith with Emperor Louis the Pious in 819.[1]

Marriage and issue

Welf married Hedwig, Duchess of Bavaria, daughter of the Saxon count Isanbart; Hedwig was abbess of Chelles. They had the following:

1. Judith, Roman Empress and Frankish Queen, died 843;
2. Rudolf, died 866;
3. Conrad, Count of Paris, ancestor of the Welf kings of Burgundy;
4. Hemma, Frankish Queen, died 876.

Sources

Pierre Riche, The Carolingians, A family who Forged Europe (translated by Michael Idomir Allen; University of Philadelphia Press, 1993), pp. 52, 149, T5

Notes

1. ^ http://www.friesian.com/germany.htm#hanover

References

FMG on Welf, the Margrave of Swabia http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/SWABIAN%20NOBILITY.htm#WelfIdied824B

---

From the English Wikipedia page on the Elder House of Welf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elder_House_of_Welf

The Elder House of Welf was a dynasty of European rulers in the 9th through 11th centuries to 1055. It consisted of two groups, a Burgundian group and a Swabian group. It is disputed whether the two groups formed one dynasty or whether they shared the same name by coincidence only.

Burgundian group

The older of the two groups was the Burgundian group. Its oldest known member was Welf, the first Count of Altdorf. He was mentioned in 819 as father of Judith (not to be confused with Welf I of the Swabian group). The younger sons of the first count of Altdorf, Conrad and Rudolf accompanied their sister to the court of her husband, Louis the Pious, where their ambitious spirit maintained their hereditary rank, and where they shared the happy, as well as the adverse fortunes of that sister. When Judith was surprised and confined by her stepsons, her brothers were shaven as priests; but even in this degraded state, they claimed and obtained permission to stand beside the throne, as priests of the blood-royal.

Conrad had two sons: Conrad II, who succeeded him; and Hugh, from his church preferment, styled the Abbot. He is traditionally given a third son, Welf I of the Swabian group.

Conrad II succeeded his father in the dignity of Count of Paris, and recovered the estates of his grand-uncle Otkarius, in the province of Burgundy. He left an only son Rudolph, who assumed the royal crown, at the abbacy of St Maurice en Valais, in 888, and whose independence being confirmed by two victories over Arnulf, the emperor, was at last acknowledged, in a general diet of the German empire. His son, Rudolph II succeeded to this new-formed state, which included the French or western part of Switzerland, Franche Comté, Savoy, Dauphiné, Provence, and the country between the Rhine and the Alps, and was known as the kingdom of Burgundy. He twice attempted the conquest of Italy, and for a period of three years, governed in that kingdom.

His son and successor, Conrad III, reigned upwards of fifty-six years, from 937 to 993, and enjoyed the friendship and support of the Saxon emperors. Otto I married his sister Adelaide, and she was the mother of Otto II, and the grandmother of Otto III. Conrad was succeeded by his son Rudolph III, surnamed the Lossy, who dying in 1032 without issue, the sovereignty of the kingdom of Burgundy devolved as a fief or legacy to his nephew Conrad of Swabia, who was elected emperor in 1024. With Rudolph, this branch became extinct in the male fine.

The last member of the Burgundian group was King Rudolph III of Burgundy, who died childless in 1032.

Swabian group

The oldest known member of the Swabian group was Welf I, a count in Swabia who was first mentioned in 842. According to legend, Welf I was a son of Conrad, son of Welf, the ancestor of the Burgundian group. This relationship is considered probable because both Conrad and Welf I were counts of Linzgau and Alpgau. The relationship between Welf I and all later members of the Swabian group (Welf, Duke of Carinthia, and his relatives, who were counts of Altdorf) is, again, known only through legend.

The Elder House of Welf became extinct when Welf, Duke of Carinthia, died childless in 1055. The property of the House of Welf was inherited by the elder branch of the House of Este that came to be known as the younger House of Welf, or House of Welf-Este.

Notable members of the Burgundian group

Welf, Count of Altdorf
Judith, daughter of Welf, Empress
Rudolph I, King of Burgundy
Rudolph II, King of Burgundy
Conrad I, King of Burgundy
Gisela of Burgundy
Adelaide of Italy
Rudolph III, King of Burgundy

Notable members of the Swabian group

Welf I
Saint Conrad of Constance
Welf, Duke of Carinthia (Welf III)

References

Sir Andrew Halliday Annals of the House of Hannover, v.1, London, 1826. at Google Books

From Daryl Lundy's Peerage page on Guelph I Herzog von Bayern (Forrás / Source):

http://www.thepeerage.com/p886.htm#i8854

Guelph I Herzog von Bayern (1)

M, #8854, d. before 876

Last Edited=20 Aug 2005

Guelph I Herzog von Bayern was the son of Conrad, Comte d'Auxerre and Adelheid d'Alsace. He married Hedwig (?). (2)

He died before 876.

Guelph I Herzog von Bayern gained the title of Herzog von Bayern. (1) He gained the title of Graf von Altdorf.

Children of Guelph I Herzog von Bayern

1. Edico I Graf von Altdorf+
2. Conrad Graf von Linzgau

Child of Guelph I Herzog von Bayern and Hedwig (?)

1. Judith von Bayern+ b. c 800, d. 19 Apr 843 (1)

From the German Wikipedia page on Welf I:

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welf_I.

Welf I. († 3. September eines unbekannten Jahres) ist der belegbare Urahn der Dynastie der Welfen und ist im Jahr 819 als Graf belegt. Er war mit der Sächsin Heilwig verheiratet, die um 826 (also wohl nach seinem Tod) als Äbtissin von Chelles genannt wird.

Sein Aufstieg begann mit den beiden Ehen, die er für seine beiden Töchter mit Mitgliedern der Familie der Karolinger schloss: Judith, die ältere, heiratete Kaiser Ludwig den Frommen, Hemma, die jüngere, dessen Sohn Ludwig den Deutschen.

Welf und Heilwig hatten (mindestens) vier Kinder:

Judith, † 9. April 843; ∞ Februar 819 Kaiser Ludwig der Fromme, † 20. Juni 840 (Karolinger)
Rudolf I., † 6. Januar 866, 829 bezeugt, 849 Abt von Jumièges, 856 Abt von Saint-Riquier, 866 Graf von Ponthieu, begraben in Saint-Riquier, ∞ Hruodun (Roduna), † nach 867
Konrad I. († 21. September nach 862), 830 „dux nobilissimus“, 839 – nach 849 Graf im Argengau, 839 Graf im Alpgau, 844 Graf im Linzgau, 849 Graf von Paris, nach 860 Graf von Auxerre, ∞ Adelheid 841-866 bezeugt, Tochter von Hugo Graf von Tours (Etichonen) und Bava (sie heiratete in zweiter Ehe Anfang 864 Robert den Starken (le Fort), Graf von Tours und Paris (Kapetinger, Robertiner), † 15. September 866
Hemma (* 808; † 31. Januar 876)[1], ∞ 827 Ludwig der Deutsche, 843 König der Ostfranken

Einzelnachweise [Bearbeiten]

1. ↑ [1]

Unattributed assertion:

Guelph III (Welf I), Count of Andech and Bavaria

From http://www.rpi.edu/~holmes/Hobbies/Genealogy/ps04/ps04_493.htm

{W.H.Turton, "The Plantagenet Ancestry" (Balt.:Gen. Pub. Co., 1968), p. 23 & 181, titles him Guelph III, Count of Andech, and has him son of Guelph, 745-800.}

He was Count of Altdorf (Altorff), Duke of Bavaria and Count in Alemannia

Count of Schwaben and Bavaria

He may have spelled his name "Welf".

Source: Pedigrees of ... Descendants of Charlemagne, p 132; Royal.zip

(Compuserve); Ahnentafel for Edward III of England; Buell001.zip

SOUR O'shea/Charlemagne qvc

Count of Altdorf

He was the founder of the Welf (or Guelph) dynasty. They were Franks who settled in northern Italy at the time of Charlemagne. Members of this dynasty still exist, with Enrst August, husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, being the current head.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welf_(father_of_Judith)

Pierre Riche, The Carolingians, A family who Forged Europe (translated by Michael Idomir Allen; University of Philadelphia Press, 1993), pp. 52, 149, T5

Greve av Altdorf \ Guelph ISENHART II

Han dog år 800. Han var också känd som Welf .

Reference: http://tooley.org/tng/getperson.php?personID=I4877&tree=set-guess

Ben M. Angel's summary:

Relationships:

Parents:

Rothard/Chrothard (d. 9 December 771) Haldis or Ermane (both were wives, but uncertainty exists on which was Welf's mother) Siblings: None known.

Spouse: Heilwig, Abbess of Chelles (title obtained presumably after his death)

Children:

1. Rudolf I (d. 15 October 866), Comte de Sens, husband of Hruodun (d. after 867) 2. Conrad "l'Ancien" (d. 22 March 862/866), Graf von Linzgau und Argengau, Comte de Paris, husband of Adelais de Tours 3. Judith (c805 - 19 April 843), Empress and Queen of the Franks 4. Emma/Hemma (d. 31 Jan 876), Queen of Bavaria and Carinthia Basic information and justifications:

Birth: Unknown (Settipani proposed the parents, but did not provide a date or location of birth)

Marriage: Unknown (the only document that describes him and his family is apparently related to his daughter's marriage with Emperor Louis I 'le Pieux")

Death: 824/825, location unknown but likely somewhere in Swabia/Schwaben. (FMG - presumably this is tied in with his daughter obtaining for his wife the position as Abbess of Chelles)

Burial: Unknown.

Occupation: Graf im Schwaben

Alternate names: Guelph, Hwelf, Guelf, Guelfe

Links

http://www.rpi.edu/~holmes/Hobbies/Genealogy/ps04/ps04_493.htm

http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/SWABIAN%20NOBILITY.htm#WelfIdied824B

GRAFEN im LINZGAU, GRAFEN von ALTDORF (WELF)

Linzgau was situated north of Lake Constance, and east of Hegau, in southern Württemberg. The Genealogia Welforum[960], the first genealogy of the Welf family, was compiled in the mid-1120s in upper Germany and a decade later in Lüneburg. A document comprising ten short paragraphs, it is uncertain whether the earlier parts of the family are accurately represented: in particular there is an apparent conflation of one generation (see below). This was followed in [1170] by the Historia Welforum, written by an anonymous Swabian cleric in the entourage of Duke Welf [VI]. This repeats the often stated Trojan origin of the Franks, with the migrants settling on the banks of the Rhine, and more specifically the descent of the Welf family from "filiam…senatoris Romani…Katilina"[961]. The name Welf was not applied to the whole dynasty until the 12th century, this unusual first name being an abbreviation of "Welfhard" or "Bernwelf" and signifying puppy[962]. Migrating into Swabia from the area of Metz, the family's territories were at first centred around the Argen and Schussen, districts north-east of Lake Constance. They expanded northwards along the Lech river, acquiring a second power-base in the Ammer and Augst districts on the border with Bavaria[963]. The reduction in the central authority of the dukes of Swabia within their duchy enabled the Welf family to increase its own power from the end-11th century, from which time they exercised the authority of dukes in their extensive territories without the ducal title.

WELF [I], son of ROTHARD Graf & his wife --- (-[824/25]). Settipani names Welf [I] as son of Rothard[964] but does not cite the primary source on which this is based. The Annalista Saxo names "de principibus Bawarorum qui fuit binomius, name et Eticho et Welfus dicebatur" who was father of Empress Judith[965]. From the area of Metz. Moved to Bavaria. Graf in Swabia.

m HEILWIG, daughter of ---. Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names "filiam Hwelfi ducis sui, qui erat de nobilissima progenie Bawariorum…Iudith…ex parte matris…Eigilwi nobilissimi generic Saxonici" as second wife of Emperor Ludwig[966]. She was installed as Abbess of Chelles, near Paris, through the influence of her daughter Empress Judith.

Welf [I] & his wife had four children:

1. RUDOLF [I] (-15 Oct 866). Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names (in order) "Chuonradum et Ruodolfum" as brothers of Empress Judith[967]. He was given the abbeys of Saint-Riquier and Jumièges, through the influence of his sister Empress Judith. The Chronique de Saint Riquier records that "Rodolphe…du sang imperial…oncle du glorieux roi Charles" succeeded abbé Louis as lay abbot of Saint-Riquier[968]. The Annales Alamannicorum record "Hruodolfus frater Iudith Augustæ" among those who swore allegiance in 864[969]. Comte de Sens. The Annales Bertiniani record the death in 866 of "Rodulfus Karoli regis avunculus"[970]. The Adonis Continuatio records the death in 866 of "avunculus quoque eius [Carolo, Ludovici filii"] Radulfus, consiliarius primusque palatii"[971]. Two contemporary Epitafia commemorate "nobilis…Rhuodulfus", the second recording his death "Idus octavo"[972]. m HRUODUN, daughter of --- (-after 867). The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified. - COMTES de SENS.

2. CONRAD "l'Ancien" (-22 Mar [862/66]). Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names (in order) "Chuonradum et Ruodolfum" as brothers of Empress Judith[973]. Graf von Linz- und Argengau. Dux. Nithard records that Conrad and his brother Rudolf were forcibly tonsured in [Apr 830] by their sister's stepson, Lothar, then in revolt against his father, and sent to Aquitaine "to be held by Pepin"[974]. Comte de Paris. The Miraculis Sancti Germani record that "Chuonradus princeps" was cured of an eye problem by the saint, and that he built the church of Saint-Germain at Auxerre in thanks[975]. An agreement between Charles II "le Chauve" King of the West Franks and his brother Ludwig II "der Deutsche" King of the East Franks dated Jun 860 names "nobilis ac fidelibus laicis…Chuonradus, Evrardus, Adalardus, Arnustus, Warnarius, Liutfridus, Hruodolfus, Erkingarius, Gislebertus, Ratbodus, Arnulfus, Hugo, item Chuonradus, Liutharius, Berengarius, Matfridus, Boso, Sigeri, Hartmannus, Liuthardus, Richuinus, Wigricus, Hunfridus, Bernoldus, Hatto, Adalbertus, Burchardus, Christianus, Leutulfus, Hessi, Herimannus, item Hruodulfus, Sigehardus"[976]. "Ludowicus…rex" confirmed an exchange between Grimald abbot of St Gallen and "quidam comis…Chuonratus" relating to property in Linzgau and Argengau, by charter dated 1 Apr 861[977]. A poem by Walahfridus Strabus records the epitaph of "Chonradum comitem"[978]. The necrology of Auxerre cathedral records the death 22 Mar of "Conradus comes"[979]. m ADELAIS [de Tours], daughter of HUGUES Comte [de Tours] & his wife Ava ---. The Miraculis Sancti Germani name "Adheleid" as wife of "Chuonradus princeps"[980]. A poem by Walahfridus Strabus records the epitaph of "Adelheidam"[981]. The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified. Some secondary works[982] assert that the second husband of Adelais was Robert "le Fort" [Capet]. If this is correct, Adelais must have been Comte Robert's second or third wife as his known children were already born by the time Adelais's husband Conrad died. The assertion appears based on the Chronicle of St Bénigne de Dijon which names "duo filii Rotberti Andegavorum comitis, frs Hugonis abbatis, senior Odo…Robertus alter"[983]. Settipani states that the passage is a 12th century interpolation and has little historical value, although he does suggest that it is likely that the wife of Comte Robert was a close relation of Adelais without providing the basis for this statement[984]. A family connection between Comte Robert and Conrad Comte de Paris is also suggested by the former being invested with the county of Auxerre in 865, after this county was confiscated from the latter (as recorded by Hincmar[985]), on the assumption that there was some basis of heredity behind the transmission of counties in France at that time (which is probable, but remains unproven). Comte Conrad & his wife had [five] children:

a) WELF (-before 876). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Linzgau 842/850. Graf im Alpgau 852/858. m ---. The name of Welf's wife is not known. Graf Welf & his wife had [two possible children]:

i) [CONRAD . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Linzgau.] ii) [ETICHO (-after 911, bur Ammergau). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Ammergau.]

- see below.

b) CONRAD (-876). His parentage is deduced from Regino who names "Ruodolfus filius Chuonradi, nepos Huggonis abbatis"[986], the latter being recorded in the Miraculis Sancti Germani as "Hugo" one of the sons of "Chuonradus princeps", the patron of the church of Saint-Germain at Auxerre[987]. He helped save Charles II "le Chauve" King of the West Franks after the invasion of Ludwig II "der Deutsche" King of the East Franks. Comte d'Auxerre. He fell into disgrace in 861, and passed into the service of the sons of Emperor Lothar. He received from Emperor Louis the territories of Genève, Lausanne and Sion. Marquis de Transjurane in Dec 864 after he killed comte Hubert [Bosonide][988].

- KINGS of BURGUNDY.

c) HUGO (-Orléans 12 May 886, bur Saint-Germain d'Auxerre). The Annales Bertiniani name "Hugoni clerico, avunculi sui [=Karoli regis] Chonradi filio" when recording that he received the counties of Tours and Angers in 866[989]. Abbot of Saint-Germain d'Auxerre 853. The Miraculis Sancti Germani names "Hugo" as one of the sons of "Chuonradus princeps" who continued to patronise the church of Saint-Germain at Auxerre after their father's death[990]. Imperial missus in Auxerre in 853. Abbot of Saint-Riquier until 861. Abbot of Saint-Bertin 859/62. He was a supporter of King Lothar 861/865. He was elected Archbishop of Köln in 864. The Annales Xantenses record that "quidam tirannicus Hugo…filius predicti Cuonradi" (the previous paragraph naming "Cuonradi fratris quondam Iuthit reginæ") succeeded as archbishop of Köln[991]. Marquis de Neustrie, Comte de Tours et d'Angers 866. Comte d'Auxerre in [866], assuming that Hugues was appointed to succeed Robert "le Fort" in this as well as the latter's other counties, although the primary source which confirms this beyond doubt has not yet been identified. Abbot of Saint-Martin de Tours 866. Abbot of St Vaast, Arras [874]. Abbot of Saint-Aignan, Orléans before 876. Abbot of Saint-Julien d'Auxerre 877. Chaplain of the imperial chapel in [880]. "Hugo consobrinus eius [Conradi]" succeeded his cousin [as Abbot of Saint-Colombe de Sens] in 882, recording that he was "clericatus in Palatio"[992]. "Karolus…imperator augustus" confirmed a donation by "Hugo…propinquus noster" of property "villam Apiarias in pago Aurelianensi" to "episcopo Adalaldo archiepiscopo simulque Rainoni episcopo, fratri eiusdem" at the request of "Odo comes" by charter dated 27 Oct 886[993]. Regino records the death in 887 of "Hugo abba" at Orléans and his burial "apud Sanctum Germanum Autisiodoro"[994]. The necrology of Auxerre cathedral records the death 12 May of "Hugo abbas"[995]. d) RUDOLF . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. e) [JUDITH]. The identity of Udo's wife is not known with certainty. According to Jackman[996], she may have been the daughter of Konrad Graf im Linz- und Argengau, whom he speculates was named Judith. King Arnulf in a charter dated 19 May 891 names "Chonradi…comitis et nepotis nostri"[997]. The speculation is that the relationship may have been through Konrad's mother who, if identified as the daughter of Graf Konrad, was the niece of King Arnulf's paternal grandmother Queen Hemma. m UDO Graf im Lahngau, son of GEBHARD Graf im Niederlahngau [Konradiner] & his wife ---. 860/879.]

3. JUDITH ([805]-Tours 19 Apr 843, bur Tours Saint-Martin). Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names "filiam Hwelfi ducis sui, qui erat de nobilissima progenie Bawariorum…Iudith…ex parte matris…Eigilwi nobilissimi generic Saxonici" as second wife of Emperor Louis, specifying that she was "enim pulchra valde"[998]. The Vita Hludowici Imperatoris records the marriage of "Iudith filiam Welponis…comitis" and Emperor Louis I[999]. The Annales Xantenses record the marriage in Feb 819 of "Ludewicus imperator" and "Iudith"[1000]. Judith was influential with her husband, which increased the tensions with his sons by his first marriage. Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris records that "quondam duce Bernhardo, qui erat de stirpe regali" was accused of violating "Iudith reginam" but comments that this was all lies[1001]. Judith was exiled to the monastery of Sainte-Croix de Poitiers during the first rebellion of her stepsons in 830, was released in 831, but exiled again to Tortona in Italy in 833 from where she was brought back in Apr 834[1002]. The necrology of the abbey of Saint-Denis records the death "XIII Kal Mai" of "Judith regina"[1003]. The Annales Xantenses record the death in 843 of "Iudhit imperatrix mater Karoli" at Tours[1004]. m (Aix-la-Chapelle Feb 819) as his second wife, Emperor LOUIS I, son of Emperor CHARLES I "Charlemagne" King of the Franks & his second wife Hildegardis (Chasseneuil-du-Poitou {Vienne} [16 Apr/Sep] 778-island in the Rhine near Ingelheim 20 Jun 840, bur bur Metz, église abbatiale de Saint-Arnoul).

4. EMMA [Hemma] (-31 Jan 876, bur Regensburg St Emmeran). The Annales Xantenses record the marriage in 827 of "Ludewicus rex" and "sororem Iudith imperatricis" but does not name her[1005]. This appears to be the only source in which her origin is given. "Ludowicus…rex" made a donation to St Felix & Regula in Zurich naming "filia nostra Bertha…[et] coniugis nostræ Hemmæ" by charter dated 29 Oct 863[1006]. The Gesta Francorum records that "Hemma quoque regina" became paralysed in 874, died at Regensburg in 876 and was buried in the church of St Emmeran[1007]. The necrology of Regensburg St Emmeran records the death "II Kal Feb" of "Hemma regina hic sepulta"[1008]. The necrology of Augia Divis records the death "II Kal Feb" of "Hemma regina"[1009]. The necrology of Nonnberg records the death "2 Kal Jan" of "Hemma imperatrix sor na"[1010]. m (827) LOUIS King of Bavaria and Carinthia, son of Emperor LOUIS I "le Pieux" & his first wife Ermengardis [de Hesbaye] ([806]-Frankfurt-am-Main 28 Aug 876, bur Kloster Lorsch). He was installed in 843 as LUDWIG II "le Germanique" King of the East Franks.

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From Die Genealogie der Franken und Frankenreichs:

http://www.genealogie-mittelalter.de/welfen/welfen_aeltere_linie/we...

Welf

Graf im Frankenreich -3.9. um 825 Sohn des Grafen Isebrand ?
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Lexikon des Mittelalters: Band VIII Spalte 2143

Welf

Vater der Kaiserin Judith, war Spitzenahn der WELFEN.

Die Vermählung seiner Tochter Judith mit Kaiser LUDWIG DEM FROMMEN 819 zeigt Welf in der karolingischen Reicharistokratie. Er gehörte einem sehr vornehmen bayerischen Geschlecht an, zu seinen Vorfahren zählte aber auch der fränkische Graf Ruthard um die Mitte des 8. Jahrhunderts. Welf war mit der edlen Sächsin Heilwig verheiratet, die später Äbtissin der berühmten westfränkischen Abtei Chelles wurde (+ nach 833). Ob Welf, wie nachmals sein Sohn Konrad, gräfliche Positionen in Alemannien nördlich des Bodensees ausübte, wo die WELFEN später ihr Herrschaftszentrum hatten, bleibt ungewiß. In der welfischen Tradition des 12. Jahrhunderts begegnet Welf auch unter dem Namen Eticho, der durch die Heirat seines Sohnes Konrad mit der ETICHONIN Adelheid in das Namensgut der Familie eingedrungen ist.

In English:

(later)

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Heine Alexander (Hg.): Seite 35

"Geschichte der Welfen"

3. Welf zeugte also einen Sohn namens Eticho und eine Tochter Judith. Die Judith führte Kaiser LUDWIG mit dem Beinamen DER FROMME, der Sohn KARLS DES GROSSEN als Gattin heim, nachdem seine Gemahlin Irmingard [1 Irmingard war am 3. Oktober 818 gestorben, LUDWIG vermählte sich im Februar 819 mit Judith in Aachen.] gestorben war, mit welcher er die Söhne LOTHAR, Pipin und Ludwig gezeugt hatte.

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Thegan: Seite 232

"Das Leben Kaiser Ludwigs. Quellen zur karolingischen Reichsgeschichte Band V"

26. Im folgenden Jahr aber heiratete er die Tochter seines Herzogs Hwelf, aus einem sehr vornehmen Geschlecht der Bawarier, Namens Judith, welche durch ihre Mutter Eigilwi einem vornehmen sächsischen Geschlecht angehörte, und macht sie zur Königin. Denn sie war schön. In demselben Jahre hielt er eine allgemeine Reichsversammlung in dem Königshof Ingelheim.

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Das Leben Kaiser Ludwigs vom sogenannten Astronomus: Seite 308

in: Quellen zur karolingischen Reichsgeschichte Band V

32. Um diese Zeit dachte er auf den Rat der Seinigen in eine neue Ehe zu treten; denn viele fürchteten, er möchte die Regierung des Reichs ganz niederlegen. Endlich tat er ihrem Willen Genüge und nahm, nachdem er die von allen Seiten her ihm vorgeführten Töchter der Vornehmen gemustert hatte, Judith, des edeln Grafen Welpo Tochter, zur Gemahlin.

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Die Reichsannalen mit Zusätzen aus den sogenannten Einhardsannalen: Seite 118

in: Quellen zur karolingischen Reichsgeschichte Band V

819

Nach Weihnachten wurde zu Aachen ein Reichstag gehalten, auf dem viel über den Zustand der Kirchen und Klöster verhandelt und beschlossen wurde; auch die Gesetze ergänzte man durch einige höchst notwendige Zusatzbestimmungen. Hierauf wählte sich der Kaiser, der zuvor die meisten Töchter der Vornehmen angesehen hatte, Judith, die Tochter des Grafen Welf, zur Gemahlin.

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Thiele, Andreas: Tafel 27

"Erzählende genealogische Stammtafeln zur europäischen Geschichte Band I, Teilband 1"

HEILWIG

+ nach 825 als Äbtissin von Chelles (bei Paris) Tochter des Grafen Isanbart in Sachsen (Sohn des Grafen Warin) und der Thietrade, Tochter des KAROLINGERS Bernhard oo WELF (WELFHARD) (+ um 825) Welf gehörte zur fränkischen Reichsaristokratie, anders sind die Ehen seiner Töchter nicht zu erklären. Er war auf jeden Fall kein Schwabe oder Bayer und wurde in den Quellen sogar schon "Dux" genannt, auch war er Graf in Bayern und Schwaben, ohne dass genaue Herrschaftsbereiche und Besitzbereiche auszumachen waren. Seine Familie kam wohl erst durch seine Frau zu ihrem Besitz in Schwaben. Er war möglicherweise Graf im Zürichgau und Argengau/Schussenried und wurde nur 819 aus Anlaß der Hochzeit seiner Tochter namentlich genannt. Die wahrscheinlichen Schwiegereltern und Großeltern sind einzige greifbare Vorfahren, agnatisch nirgends faßbar.

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Schmid Karl: Seite 443

"Gebetsgedenken und adliges Selbstverständnis im Mittelalter" Denn auf Welf, den Vater der Kaiserin Judith, treffen die Aussagen über den freiheitsstolzen, den Kaiserhof und die Kaiserabhängigkeit meidenden Eticho in frappierender Weise zu. Ein einziges Mal nämlich nur, anläßlich der Vermählung seiner Tochter mit dem Kaiser, taucht er in den Quellen auf. Ansonsten schweigt sich die Überlieferung über den Vater der Kaiserin Judith aus, dem immerhin bei seiner Erwähnung die Titel dux und comes zuerkannt wurden und der als Gemahl einer vornehmen Sächsin wohl selbst ein angesehener Mann gewesen sein muß [Der Annahme, Welf sei als "älterer Mann" vor 825 gestorben, da seine "Witwe" Heilwig im Jahre 825 Äbtissin des Klosters Chelles geworden ist, steht entgegen, dass Welfs Kinder erst nach Judiths Vermählung 819 in Erscheinung getreten (Hemmas Heirat: 827, Konrads und Rudolfs erste Bezeugung: 829) und zudem verhältnismäßig spät gestorben sind (Konrad: 863, Rudolf: 866, Hemma: 876) und dass die Äbtissin Heilwig von Chelles zwar sancta Deo, aber nicht "Witwe" genannt wird. Ein "Rückzug" Welfs scheint angesichts der Quellenlage nicht ausgeschlossen.]. Man hat die Königsferne Welfs, die zumindest bis zum Jahr der Heirat Judiths (819) währte, mit dem Schicksal des welfischen Vorfahren Ruthard in Zusammenhang gebracht [Dass die Herkunftssage des Namen Welf auch mit Warins Sohn Isanbard in Verbindung gebracht worden ist, der ebenfalls die Ungnade KARLS DES GROSSEN auf sich gezogen habe, soll nicht unerwähnt bleiben.]. Dieser einflußreiche Sachwalter des fränkischen Königs, der in Alemannien ein eigenmächtiges Regiment zum großen Leidwesen vor allem des St. Galler Abtes Otmar geführt hatte, verlor unter KARL DEM GROSSEN die Gunst des Königs und verschwand von der politischen Bühne, auf der sein Nachfahre Welf in auffallender Entsprechung nicht in Erscheinung trat. Die vage Andeutung der Historia Welforum, der WELFEN-Name sei anfänglich verschmäht worden, könnte sehr wohl auf Ruthards Missetaten dem heiligen Otmar gegenüber und seine Ungnade beim König Bezug nehmen, auf ein Urteil, das möglicherweise auf seinen Nachfahren Welf übertragen worden ist und diesen erbittert hat. Jedenfalls darf dem gewiß nicht unbedeutenden, aber in Distanz zum Hof lebenden Welf jenes Verhalten zugetraut werden, das dem freiheitsstolzen Eticho zugeschrieben wird, der selbst dem Kaiser gegenüber auf Unabhängigkeit pochte.

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Fleckenstein Josef: Seite 72,114

"Die Herkunft der Welfen"

Die neuere Forschung erblickt in dem Vater der Kaiserin Judith, dem Grafen Welf, mit Recht den ersten, quellenmäßig direkt und damit sicher bezeugten Angehörigen des berühmten Geschlechts der WELFEN.

Aber schon die erste und einzige sichere Bezeugung Welfs anläßlich der Heirat seiner Tochter und LUDWIGS DES FROMMEN läßt erkennen, dass Welf kein homo novus war: er entstammte einer progenius nobilissima, wird comes nobilissimus und dux genannt - Bezeichnungen, die als Attribute der karolingischen Reichsaristokratie gelten dürfen und die den Grafen Welf als ihr bereits zugehörig ausweisen.

Die Verknüpfung Ruthards mit den WELFEN erlaubt uns nur, in Welf, dem Vater der Kaiserin Judith, einen Nachkommen Ruthards zu sehen. Ob er sein Sohn, sein Enkel [818 war Welf bereits ein älterer Mann; vor 825 ist er gestorben. Das spricht allerdings dafür, dass er der Sohnes- und nicht der Enkel-Generation Ruthards angehört hat.], vielleicht auch nur sein Neffe gewesen ist, ist nicht bezeugt und muß daher offen bleiben.

Dass Ruthard die königliche Gunst verloren hatte, bestätigt sich konkret eben dadurch, dass er auch politisch zurückgetreten ist. Dann konnte aber auch Welf unter KARL DEM GROSSEN vermutlich von vornherein nicht stärker hervortreten, wenn er ein Nachkomme Ruthards war, auf den sich die Ungnade des Königs übertragen hatte. Und sein Erscheinen im Jahre 819 bedeutete dann vor allem die Rückgewinnung der königsnahen Stellung, die Ruthard für sich und sein Geschlecht verloren hatte. So spiegelt sich, wie es scheint, auch noch in der vorübergehenden Königsferne der Zusammenhang zwischen Ruthard und Welf.

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oo Heilwiga, Tochter des Grafen Isanbart (um 778- nach 833)

Kinder:

Judith (-19.4.843), 819 oo 2. LUDWIG I. DER FROMME (16.4.778-20.6.840) Hemma (-31.1.876), 827 oo Ludwig II. der Deutsche (806-28.8.878) Konrad I. Graf im Argen- und Linzgau (-16.2.863) Rudolf Graf im Gau Ponthieu (-6.1.866) Hrodroh
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