County of Bigorre facts for kids
The County of Bigorre was a small area in what is now France. It was like a mini-kingdom, but it was part of a larger area called the Duchy of Gascony. This county existed for a long time, from the 800s to the 1400s. Its main city and capital was Tarbes.
The County of Bigorre started when a princess named Faquilène married Donatus Lupus I. Her family gave her this land as a special gift when she got married, which is called a dowry. Donatus Lupus I was the son of Lupus III of Gascony. At first, Bigorre was quite big. But over time, the rulers of Bigorre followed a tradition from Gascony. They would give parts of their land to their younger sons. This meant the county became smaller and smaller. For example, in just the first two generations, Bigorre lost areas like Lavedan, Aster, Aure, and Montaner.
Who Ruled Bigorre?
The first family to rule Bigorre eventually ran out of heirs in the 1000s. After that, the county was passed to different powerful families. First, it went to the House of Foix, and then to the House of Béarn.
In the 1100s, the county was ruled by the house of Marsan. Later, it went to the family of Comminges. By the 1200s, the Montfort family took over.
Bigorre even changed hands during the Hundred Years' War. This was a long series of conflicts between England and France. Bigorre was sometimes controlled by the English and sometimes by the French. Eventually, France got it back for good.
In the 1400s, the House of Foix ruled Bigorre again. Finally, the county became part of the French crown. This happened when the rulers exchanged properties with the king. From then on, "Count of Bigorre" became a special title used by the counts of Foix.
Important Rulers and Families
Over the centuries, many different families ruled Bigorre.
- The Bigorre line started with Donatus Lupus I around 840. This family ruled for about 200 years.
- Then, the county passed to the Foix line in the 1000s.
- After that, the Béarn line took control.
- In the 1100s, the Marsan line ruled.
- The Comminges line followed. A very important countess from this family was Petronilla. She ruled for a long time, from 1194 to 1251. She married several important nobles during her rule.
- After Petronilla, the House of Montfort ruled for a short time.
- Then came the House of Chabanais.
- After the 1200s, it became unclear who should rule Bigorre. Both England and France fought over who should control it.
- In 1360, a peace agreement called the Treaty of Brétigny made it clear that Bigorre belonged to France.
- Finally, in 1407, Bernard VII of Armagnac owned Bigorre. He sold it to John I, Count of Foix. From then on, the counts of Foix held the title of Count of Bigorre.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Bigorra para niños
