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Robert 11
(996-1031)
AR denier, 977
- 1030, 20 mm. Obv: ROB FRAN REX (and variations), crowned stylized head
of the king. Rev: ADALERO LAD, stylized head of the bishop. Mint is
Laon. D8, C29. Contemporary English coins: Ethelred
and Cnut.
He was son
of Hugh Capet and known as 'the Pious' and 'the August.' He was born in
Orleans in 970. He married a cousin, Bertha, a marriage which was subsequently
annulled due to consanguinity. There was no issue from this union. He subsequently
married Constance of Arles, daughter of William of Arles and Blanche d'Anjou.
They had four sons and a daughter. He was succeeded by his son Henri
I and is buried at St. Denis.
**
Today Laon is an attractive town perched
on a height dominating the surrounding countryside. The Roland Gate, pictured
on the left, might have Carolingian foundations, buried in the later gate.
Nevertheless, it is an important city dating from Carolingian times. Charles
the Bald lived here, as did Charles III, Louis IV, Lothar and Louis V.
The picture on the right shows the church and some of the outer walls.
The local museum, located near the Templar's chapel, has Merovingian and
Gallo-Roman artifacts. Laon is 140 km NE of Paris on the N2, NE of Soissons
and NW of Reims.