Adela of Louvain

Adela of Louvain (c.1100-51), queen of Henry I. Henry's second wife, Adela, married him after the death of his only legitimate son in the White Ship disaster. The marriage's chief—and unfulfilled—purpose was to provide Henry with a male heir. When it had manifestly failed to do so, Henry persuaded his chief subjects to agree to the succession of his daughter, the Empress Matilda.