Nominoe, Imperial Governor of Brittany, and His…

Nominoe, Imperial Governor of Brittany, and His Relationship with Charles the Bald (841–842)

Initially, Nominoe, the imperial governor of Brittany, maintains an amicable relationship with Charles the Bald, who becomes King of West Francia after the death of Louis the Pious in 840.

Nominoe's Position in Brittany

• Nominoe's power base is in the Vannetais, and two charters refer to him as Count of Vannes, though it is unclear whether he held this title as early as 819 or as late as 834.
• He may not have controlled land outside of Vannes, and his ability to collect revenue from Breton-speaking territories appears to be no greater than that of other regional aristocrats.
• His loyalty to the Carolingians makes him a key figure in maintaining Frankish influence in Brittany, a historically independent-minded region.

Charles the Bald’s Approach to Nominoe (841–842)

• In spring 841, during a revolt in Neustria, Charles sends emissaries from Le Mans to determine whether Nominoe would submit to his rule.
• Nominoe agrees to submit, but according to Nithard’s account, this is not due to compulsion—suggesting that Nominoe is too powerful to be coerced.
• Later in 841, Nominoe rebuffs Emperor Lothair I, who claims Neustria, showing his continued allegiance to Charles.

Nominoe’s Continued Loyalty (842)

• On January 25, 842, Nominoe makes a donation “in alms for the king” to the Abbey of Redon, demonstrating his commitment to Charles the Bald.
• Breton soldiers, along with Gascons, take part in the military display at the Oaths of Strasbourg (842), further reinforcing their support for Charles’ alliance with Louis the German against Lothair I.

The Fragile Alliance and the Future of Brittany

While Nominoe remains loyal to Charles in these early years, his regional power base continues to grow, and tensions between Breton independence and Frankish rule will eventually surface. In the coming years, Nominoe will rebel, setting the stage for Brittany’s struggle for autonomy against the Carolingians.