Youngest daughter of William I, the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders, wife to Stephen III of Blois. Adela was born with royal blood on both sides giving her particular prestige. Shortly before her fifteenth birthday she married Stephen who was at least eighteen years her senior with a dowry consisting of moveable wealth, castles, estates, and a forest across her husband’s domains.
Adela inherited her father’s strong will and interest in politics taking an active role in the administration of her husband’s lands becoming a noted power broker renown for wealth and generosity which she prudently distributed. When her husband became Count of Blois, Chartres, and Meaux in his own right, she participated in all nonmilitary aspects of lordship, serving as a virtual co-ruler alongside him. Adela developed a cordial relationship with Bishop Ivo of Chartres promoting peace between the laity and clergy.
