Henrique of Burgundy (1057? – 1112)

Count Henrique (or Henri), the “Burgundian”, father of the first King of Portugal – Afonso Henriques – was the fourth son of Duke Henri of Burgundy, grandson of the Duke of Burgundy Robert I and great-grandson of King of France Robert II.

In 1086, news of the war against the Moors, led Henry (the youngest son with few prospects of achieving fortune and titles) to join the Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula. He came in the company of his cousin Raymond of Burgundy (son of Count Guillaume of Burgundy, his mother’s brother) to offer his service to King Alfonso VI of León and Castile.

The two cousins ​​earned great reputation for their valor in the battlefield and, in recognition of the services rendered, King Alfonso VI married his daughters: Urraca to Raymond and Teresa to Henri.

In 1096, King Alfonso VI donated, by hereditary title, the County of Portucale to Teresa and Henri, with the conditions of direct vassalage and of expanding the county to the south, thus annexing territories occupied by the Moors.

The new Counts of Portucale settled in Guimarães with their court and knights. This attracted new people to the lands, to whom Henri granted a Foral (document that regulated administration, borders and granted privileges).

As an outstanding warrior and as a wise and prudent administrator, Count Henri considerably increased the lands of his County.

He died on April 24, 1112, and is buried in the Cathedral of Braga.