John I, Duke of Alençon
French nobleman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jean I of Alençon, known as the Wise (1385 – 25 October 1415), was a French nobleman, killed at the Battle of Agincourt.
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Jean I, Duke of Alençon | |
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| Born | 1385 Château d'Essay |
| Died | 25 October 1415 Azincourt |
| Noble family | Valois-Alençon |
| Spouse | Marie of Brittany |
Issue Detail | Pierre d'Alençon Jean d'Alençon Marie d'Alençon Jeanne d'Alençon |
| Father | Peter II of Alençon |
| Mother | Marie Chamaillard |
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Jean was born in Château d'Essay, the son of Count Peter II of Alençon and Marie Chamaillard.[1] In 1404, he succeeded his father as Count of Alençon and Perche. He was made Duke of Alençon in 1414.
He supported the Armagnac faction over Burgundians in their civil war. In 1410, he formed the League of Gien with other French nobles and disaffected princes of the blood against the Duke of Burgundy.
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He commanded the second division of the French army at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. When the English broke through the first division, he led a countercharge. He is sometimes credited with, wounding Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, reached and cut an ornament from the crown of Henry V, King of England, where he killed Edward, Duke of York, who was trying to protect the king. He was overpowered by King Henry's bodyguard and slain before he could yield himself.[2] His second son Jean II d'Alençon succeeded him as the Duke of Alençon.
Family
In 1396, he married Marie of Brittany (1391–1446), daughter of John IV, Duke of Brittany.[3] They had five children:
- Pierre d'Alençon (1407, Argentan – 1408).
- Jean II d'Alençon, Duke of Alençon (1409–1476).
- Marie d'Alençon (1410, Argentan, – 1412, Argentan).
- Jeanne d'Alençon (1412, Argentan – 1420).
- Charlotte d'Alençon (1413, Argentan – 1435, Lamballe).
He also had two illegitimate children:
- Pierre d'Alençon (d. 1424, Battle of Verneuil), Lord of Gallandon.
- Marguerite d'Alençon, married Jean de St-Aubin, Lord of Preaux.
