Raymond V of Toulouse - Definition and Overview

Raymond V (1134-1194) was count of Toulouse from 1148 until his death in 1194.

He was the son of Alphonse-Jordan. When Alphonse died in the Holy Land in 1148, the county of Toulouse passed to his son Raymond, at the time 14 years old.

In 1154, he married Constance of France, daughter of king Louis VI of France and widow of Eustace IV of Boulogne. They had three children:

• Raymond VI, who succeeded his father
• Baldwin
• Adelaide, wife of Roger II Trenclavel

Raymond was implicated in the Cathar crisis. In 1176, Guilhem, the Bishop of Albi organized the council of Lombers, attended by both clerics and princes, including Raymond of Trenclavel, Raymond V, and his wife Constance, and the representatives of the Cathars. The crisis later led to the Albigensian Crusade.

His second wife was Richilde, widow of Ramon Berenguer III, Count of Provence.