Mayor of the palace He was predeceased by his sister Lina Finnegan. However, Charles was well loved by the … Charles Martel, also known as Charles the Hammer, was a military leader who presided over the Frankish Kingdom as its de facto ruler during the Middle Ages. Pippin left as heirs three grandsons, and, until they came of age, Plectrude, Pippin’s widow, was to hold power. Charles Martel (Latin: Carolus Martellus) (ca. As an illegitimate son, Charles Martel was entirely neglected in the will. After the death of his father (714) he seized power in Austrasia from Pepin's widow, who was ruling as regent for her grandsons, and became mayor of the palace. He is survived by his children, Craig Martel of Woonsocket, Crystallee Martel of Bethany, CT, Melissa Sullivan of Providence, and Jobrieth Menard of Millville, his aunt Theresa “matante Terry” Lambert and six grandchildren. 688 – 22 October 741), Martel was born in Herstal, in present-day Belgium, the illegitimate son of the mayor and duke Pippin II and his concubine Alpaida. Burial in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery is private. Charles … He subsequently subdued the W Frankish kingdom of Neustria and began the reconquest of Burgundy, Aquitaine, and Provence. She got him imprisoned to prevent him from claiming the throne. Charles Martel, Frankish ruler, illegitimate son of Pepin of Heristal and grandfather of Charlemagne. Born to the Duke of Pepin, Charles was considered an illegitimate child and was denied power by his stepmother after his father’s death. But he was young, strong, and determined, and an intense struggle for power at once broke out in the Frankish kingdom. Family and children.