Alix, Duchess of Brittany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alix |
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Alix represented on a window
in Chartres Cathedral |
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| Duchess of Brittany | |
| Reign | April 1203 – 21 October 1221 |
| Predecessor | Arthur I |
| Successor | John I |
| Co-ruler | Peter I |
| Born | 1200 Brittany |
| Died | 21 October 1221 (aged 20–21) |
| Burial | 24 November 1225 Villeneuve Abbey, Nantes |
| Spouse | Peter I |
| Issue | John I, Duke of Brittany Yolande, Countess of Penthièvre |
| House | Thouars |
| Father | Guy of Thouars |
| Mother | Constance, Duchess of Brittany |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Alix of Thouars (born in 1200, died October 21, 1221) was an important ruler. She was the Duchess of Brittany from 1203 until her death. Brittany is a region in France. She was also known as the Countess of Richmond in England.
Life
Alix was born in 1200. Her mother was Constance, Duchess of Brittany. Her father was Guy of Thouars. Alix had an older half-brother named Arthur I. She also had half-sisters, Eleanor and Matilda. These were children of her mother Constance and Geoffrey Plantagenet.
After King Richard I of England died, there was a fight for power. This was between Alix's half-brother Arthur and King John of England. In 1202, Arthur and Eleanor were captured. Arthur disappeared in 1203 while imprisoned. Eleanor was kept prisoner in Corfe Castle.
The important people in Brittany chose Alix to be their Duchess. They did this after Arthur was presumed dead. They chose Alix instead of Eleanor. This was because they worried King John might try to rule Brittany. He could have claimed to rule as a regent (someone who rules for a young or absent leader) for the imprisoned Eleanor.
Alix's father, Guy, became her regent until 1206. Then, King Philip II of France made himself the regent for Alix. King Philip II ended the plan for Alix to marry a Breton prince. Instead, he arranged for her to marry his French cousin, Peter of Dreux.
In 1208, King John allowed Eleanor to call herself Duchess of Brittany. However, Peter married Alix on January 27, 1213. He then showed loyalty to the French king for Brittany. In 1214, King John finally recognized Alix as the Duchess of Brittany. He gave up Eleanor's claim to the title.
In 1218, Peter and Alix were recognized as the Earl and Countess of Richmond. This was done by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who was the regent of England. They took this title instead of Eleanor, who remained imprisoned.
Alix died on October 21, 1221. She did not have much control over her own lands during her life. Her son, John I, became the next Duke. However, Peter remained the real ruler of Brittany. He was John I's regent until 1237.
Children
- John I, Duke of Brittany (around 1217–1286): He married Blanche of Navarre. She was the daughter of the King of Navarre.
- Yolande of Brittany (1218–1272): She married Hugh XI of Lusignan. He was the Count of Angoulême and Count of Marche.
- Arthur of Brittany (1220–1224): He was planned to marry Jeanne de Craon.
See also
In Spanish: Alix de Thouars para niños
