Charles II, Duke of Lorraine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles II "the Bold"
Charles and his wife Margaret
Duke of Lorraine
Reign	27 September 1390 - 25 January 1431
Predecessor	John I
Successor	Isabella and René of Anjou
Born	11 September 1365
Died	25 January 1431(1431-01-25) (aged 66) Nancy
Spouse	Margaret of the Palatinate
Issue Detail	Isabella, Queen of Naples and Duchess of Lorraine Catherine, Margravine of Baden-Baden
House	Ardennes-Metz
Father	John I, Duke of Lorraine
Mother	Sophie of Württemberg

Charles II (born September 11, 1365 – died January 25, 1431), also known as the Bold, was an important ruler. He was the Duke of Lorraine from 1390 until his death. He also served as a top military leader, the Constable of France, from 1418 to 1425.

Charles took part in some major military campaigns of his time. He joined the Barbary Crusade and fought in the Battle of Nicopolis. He also helped the Teutonic Knights in Livonia. During the Hundred Years' War, he worked to build stronger connections with the French royal family. He was even made Constable by Queen Isabella. After a war with his nephew that didn't have a clear winner, he passed away in 1431.

Life of Charles II

Charles was born on September 11, 1365. He was the older son of John I, Duke of Lorraine, and Sophie. Sophie was the daughter of Eberhard II, Count of Württemberg. When he was young, Charles was good friends with Philip II, Duke of Burgundy. They fought together in several battles.

Lorraine was technically a vassal state of the Holy Roman Empire. This meant it owed loyalty to the Emperor. However, Charles's father had moved away from the French court. Charles himself did not get along with Louis I, Duke of Orléans. Louis had supported people in Neufchâteau against Charles's father.

Charles also took part in some Crusades. These were religious military campaigns. In 1391, he joined the Barbary Crusade. He was also at the very difficult Battle of Nicopolis in 1396. There, he was with John the Fearless, who was the son of his friend Philip. In 1399, Charles helped the Teutonic Knights in Livonia.

Charles II and the Hundred Years' War

France was divided into two main groups during this time. These were the Armagnacs and the Burgundians. Charles of Lorraine supported the Burgundians. However, Charles did not get involved in the main conflict between England and France. This was the Hundred Years' War. His brother, Frederick I, Count of Vaudémont, did fight in it. Frederick died in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

Even though Charles didn't fight in the main war, Queen Isabeau of Bavaria chose him for an important job. She made him Constable of France in 1418. This was a very high military position. But in 1425, Charles said the job was too much for him. He then gave up the title.

Charles changed his mind about France after John the Fearless was killed in 1419. John's successor, Philip III, Duke of Burgundy, controlled many lands. These included areas in the Low Countries. Lorraine and Champagne were between Philip's lands in Burgundy and his lands in Belgium. Charles worried that Philip might want to expand his territory. So, Charles decided to change his alliances. He wanted to be friends with France instead.

Through his connections in France, Charles got help from Charles VII of France. This help was against Burgundy. Charles also arranged for his daughter to marry René. René later became a very important ruler.

Charles's last years had some challenges. His nephew, Anthony of Vaudémont, wanted part of Charles's inheritance. Charles had to fight against him in 1425. This war did not have a clear winner. In early 1429, Joan of Arc visited Charles. She came on a pilgrimage to Saint-Nicolas-de-Port. Charles gave her an escort and sent her on to Chinon. He died two years later in his capital city of Nancy on January 25.

Family Life

Charles married Margaret of the Palatinate in 1393. She was the daughter of Rupert of Germany. Charles and Margaret had two daughters who lived to adulthood:

• Isabella (1410–1453): She became Duchess of Lorraine after her father's death. She married René, who held many important titles.
• Catherine (1407–1439): She married Jacob, Margrave of Baden.

See also

• Dukes of Lorraine family tree