Bertrude

Bertrude

Bertrude (ca. 582–618 or 619) was a Frankish queen consort from 613 to 618. She was married to Chlothar II.

Her origins are uncertain and unconfirmed; however, it is known that the Mayor of the Palace Erchinoald was King Dagobert I's cousin through his mother, making Bertrude the sister of Saint Gerberge and, therefore, a daughter of Richomer and Saint Gertrude of Hamage. Because Chlothar had three wives (Haldetrude, Bertrude, and Sichilde), the maternal lineage of his sons, Dagobert I and Charibert II, is uncertain.

According to the Chronique du Pseudo-Frédégaire, Bertrude loved Chlothar sincerely. She was also described as a popular queen. She is reported to have exposed and prevented an attempted plot by the Burgundian Aletheus, who planned to kill Chlothar and force Bertrude to marry him.

Bertrude died during the 35th year of Chlothar's reign, in either 618 or 619.

References