Louis IV d’Outre-Mer
King of West Francia · 936-954 · born in September 920, died on 10 September 954
Son of Charles the Simple, Louis IV of Outremer spent his childhood in England, hence his nickname: he was only recalled in 936, on the death of Raoul, to succeed to the crown of West Francia. He was crowned at Laon by the archbishop of Reims, Artaud.
His reign was a constant struggle against the great feudal lords, especially Hugh the Great, duke of the Franks, who held him at his mercy. For a time allied with King Otto I, he was captured by the Normans in 945 then handed over to Hugh the Great.
Restored to freedom after the intervention of the Church, he tried to restore royal authority before dying in 954, after a fall from his horse. His son, Lothair, succeeded him: the Carolingian dynasty continued for a few more decades.
In the tree of power
- Era: Carolingians
- Predecessor: Raoul (Rodolphe) (923-936)
- Successor: Lothaire (954-986)