Ponthieu

Ponthieu was a medieval county in northern France, centered around the town of Abbeville. It was located in what is now the Somme department of the Hauts-de-France region. The territory roughly corresponded to the area between the Authie and Somme rivers, extending to the English Channel.

Historically, Ponthieu was a significant fief. It was often held by powerful counts who played roles in both French and English politics. Its strategic location made it a desirable territory. The county was known for its fertile lands and its proximity to important trade routes.

One of the most notable periods for Ponthieu was its connection to the Norman Conquest of England. In 1066, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, claimed to have been promised the county of Ponthieu by King Edward the Confessor of England. After his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William incorporated Ponthieu into his domains. This connection meant that English monarchs would, at various times, hold sovereignty or claim over Ponthieu for several centuries.

The county passed through various hands, including the Counts of Ponthieu, the Dukes of Normandy, and the Kings of England. It was eventually reincorporated into the royal domain of France in the 14th century, during the Hundred Years' War, though English claims persisted for a time. The administrative and geographical entity of Ponthieu gradually faded as regional divisions evolved in France.