Hawise, Duchess of Brittany

This article is about the duchess regnant of Brittany (1066–1072). For her grandmother, duchess consort of Brittany (996–1008), see Hawise of Normandy.

Hawise of Rennes (Breton: Hawiz Breizh; French: Havoise de Bretagne) (c. 1024-1037 – 19 August 1072) was Duchess of Brittany from 1066 until her death.

Hawise was daughter and heiress of Alan III, Duke of Brittany, by his wife, Bertha of Blois,[1] and as such, a member of the House of Rennes. She had two siblings: Conan II[2] and Emma of Brittany. Hawise succeeded her older brother Conan, who was assassinated by poisoning on 11 December 1066.[3]

Little is known of the life of Hawise of Rennes. She was married to Hoel of Cornwall some time before 1058.[1] Hoel exercised authority jure uxoris and continued to control the government after her death in 1072 acting as regent for their son, Alan IV.

  1. ^ a b Keats-Rohan 1992, p. 47.
  2. ^ Everard 2004, p. xv.
  3. ^ Livingston, Michael; DeVries, Kelly (2021-01-13). 1066: A Guide to the Battles and the Campaigns. Pen and Sword Military. p. ???. ISBN 978-1-5267-5198-0.