Gervase of Blois Gervase of Blois Gervase of Blois was the Abbot of Westminster in England between 1138 and around 1157. Historically, Gervase has a bad reputation for mismanaging the abbey, although modern historians have re-evaluated his performance as abbot. Gervase of Blois was the illegitimate son of King Stephen and his mistress, Damette. His father ensured that he was appointed as the Abbot of Westminster Abbey in the second half of 1138; the abbey would have hoped to receive additional royal funding as a result. Gervase was very young to be appointed abbot, but despite this probably attended the Second Lateran Council
Emma of Blois for their son William V. Emma of Blois Emma of Blois ( 950–27 December 1003) was Duchess consort of Aquitaine by marriage to William IV, Duke of Aquitaine. She ruled Aquitaine as regent for her son, William V, Duke of Aquitaine, from 996 until 1004. She was the daughter of Theobald I, Count of Blois and Luitgarde of Vermandois. In 968, she married William IV, Duke of Aquitaine. His overindulging in hunting and women offended her greatly. Around 996, he retired to a monastery. During the course of her marriage, she founded the monastery of Saint Peter in Bourgueil. Emma