> Prof. McNamara wrote that when Judith, daughter of Charles the Bald, was
> not married to Alfred, "she returned home in disgrace."
>
> What is the evidence for the disgrace? I had thought her disgrace was due
> to her running off with Baldwin. Could her disgrace in Wessex perhaps
> have been because she produced no heirs for either father or son? Could
> she have been thought unfertile?
>
> ---Jan
Charles had already confined his daughter because of the scandal she
brought with her from England before she ran off with Baldwin. I think
that Hincmar mentions her earlier history in his review of the case but
it is certainly noted by Asser who claims that it was against Christian
law and (he adds) pagan custom. As I have noted, I am not convinced of
the latter claim but in any case, Alfred's condemnation of the process is
clear. I don't think her fertility was an issue except insofar as it
left the throne vacant for Alfred (who probably would have been chosen
anyway over an infant.)
Jo Ann
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