Pepin II of Heristal

     Pepin II of Heristal married Chalpaida, daughter of Childbrand of Saxony; Chalpaida was a concubine and bore two children. Pepin II of Heristal was born circa 640 at Heristal, Leige, Belgium. He was the son of Ansegisel and Saint Begga of Landen. Pepin II of Heristal married Plectrude circa 670. Pepin II of Heristal died on 16 December 714 at Jupile-sur- Meuse, Austrasia (currently Belgium).¹
     Just before Pepin's death, Plectrude convinced him to disinherit his bastards in favour of his grandson, Theudoald, the son of Grimoald, who was still young (and amenable to Plectrude's control). Pepin died suddenly at an old age on 16 December 714, at Jupille (in modern Belgium). His legitimate grandchildren claimed themselves to be Pepin's true successors and, with the help of Plectrude, tried to maintain the position of mayor of the palace after Pepin's death. However, Charles had gained favor among the Austrasians, primarily for his military prowess and ability to keep them well supplied with booty from his conquests. Despite the efforts of Plectrude to silence her rival's child by imprisoning him, he became the sole mayor of the palace and de facto ruler of Francia after a civil war which lasted for more than three years after Pepin's death.