Eléanor de Roye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eléanor de Roye |
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Born | France |
24 February 1535
Died | 23 July 1564 Château de Condé, France |
(aged 29)
Burial | France |
Spouse | Louis I de Bourbon, prince de Condé |
Issue | Henri I de Bourbon, prince de Condé François de Bourbon, prince de Conti Charles II de Bourbon-Vendôme |
Father | Charles de Roye |
Mother | Madeleine de Mailly |
Eléanor (or Éléonore) de Roye, Princess of Condé (born February 24, 1535 – died July 23, 1564) was an important French noblewoman. She was the oldest daughter and main heir of Charles, Lord of Roye and Muret, and Count of Roucy. Her mother, Madeleine de Mailly, was related to famous figures like Admiral Coligny.
Eléanor became the owner of the county of Roucy from her father. She also inherited the lordship of Conti through her mother. On June 22, 1551, when she was sixteen, Eléanor married Louis I de Bourbon, prince de Condé. She helped him become a follower of the Protestant faith. They had eight children together. Only two of their sons, Henri and François, had children of their own.
Eléanor's Role in French History
Eléanor de Roye played a key part in the history of France. She lived during a time when there were many conflicts about religion. These conflicts are known as the French Wars of Religion.
Supporting Her Husband During Conflict
Between 1560 and 1563, France was in the middle of its first civil war. During this time, Eléanor and her mother were very active in politics. They worked hard to support Eléanor's husband, the Prince of Condé.
How Eléanor Helped Condé
The Prince of Condé was captured twice by the powerful and very Catholic Guise family. While he was a prisoner, Eléanor and her mother worked to get help for him. They made sure he had strong support from Protestant German princes. They also gained the backing of Queen Elizabeth I of England.
With this important support, Eléanor began talking with the regent, Catherine de' Medici. A regent is someone who rules when the king or queen is too young or unable to. Eléanor sent letters and met with Catherine de' Medici in person. Their talks led to the Peace of Amboise. This agreement helped end some of the fighting and led to her husband's release from prison.
Eléanor de Roye passed away in July 1564.