William II “Talvas” de Bellême

Lord of Alençon

A talvas was a kind of shield. It is unclear why William was given the nickname. It may have been because “hardness” was a personality trait of his (Orderic notes that William’s grandson was called “Talvas” because of his duritia.) (White)

Events

Date of Birth: unknown.

Place of Birth: unknown.

Date of Death: unknown.

Place of Death: probably soon after 1062.

The date is given by White.

Relationships

Father: Guillaume I de Bellême, lord of Alençon.

This relationship is given by père Anselme (3:285) and by White.

Mother: Mathilde.

This relationship is given by père Anselme (3:285) and by White.

Spouse: Hildeburg, daughter of Arnulf.

This relationship is given by père Anselme (3:286) and by White. William is said to have had her strangled because she loved God and would have nothing to do with his misdeeds.

Spouse: a daughter of Ralf de Beaumont, vicomte of Maine.

This relationship is given by père Anselme (3:286) and by White.

Children (by Hildeburge):

(Complete source citations for facts about the children on this page are currently outside of the scope of this project.)

Arnulf de Bellêlme.

Mabel de Bellême married Roger de Montgomery, first earl of Shrewsbury.

Children (illegitimate):

Olivier de Mesle.

References

Anselme de Sainte-Marie. Histoire Généalogique et Chronologique de la Maison Royale de France, des Pairs, Grands Officiers de la Couronne, de la Maison du Roy et des Anciens Barons du Royaume. 9 Volumes (Paris: 1726-1733).

White, Geoffrey H. “The First House of Belleme” in Transactions of the Royal Historical Society Vol. 22 (1940) pp. 67-99.