Geoffrey V of Joinville facts for kids
Geoffrey V (also known as Geoffroy) was an important leader from a place called Joinville. He was the Lord of Joinville from 1190 until he died in late 1203 or early 1204. He also held a special job as the main official, or "seneschal," for the powerful County of Champagne. Geoffrey was a brave knight who joined two major religious wars, known as Crusades: the Third Crusade (1189–90) and the Fourth Crusade (1202–04). He sadly died during the Fourth Crusade.
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Early Life and First Crusade
Geoffrey V was the oldest son of Geoffrey IV of Joinville. His mother was Héluis, whose father, Guy I of Dampierre, had also gone on a crusade many years before. In 1189, Geoffrey went with his father on the Third Crusade. This was a big journey to the Holy Land.
People at the time thought highly of Geoffrey. A writer named Guyot de Provins praised him, saying he was one of the best knights around. Even King Richard I of England, a famous leader of the Third Crusade, showed his respect. King Richard gave Geoffrey the special honor of combining his family's coat of arms with the English royal arms. Geoffrey's father died during a long fight called the siege of Acre in August 1190.
Important Meetings and Decisions
Geoffrey was an important person in the region of Champagne. He was present at the wedding of Count Theobald III and Blanche of Navarre in Chartres on July 1, 1199. He signed a document that gave Blanche her special rights as a countess.
After Count Theobald died in May 1201, Geoffrey was at a meeting in Sens. There, Theobald's wife, Blanche, promised her loyalty to King Philip II. She did this for her unborn child, who would later become Theobald IV.
Preparing for the Fourth Crusade
Count Theobald had promised to go on a crusade before he died. After his death, Geoffrey of Joinville and other important knights tried to find a new leader for the crusade. They asked Duke Odo III of Burgundy and then Count Theobald I of Bar, but both refused to lead.
In 1201, as Geoffrey prepared for his own crusade, he made gifts to several religious places. He gave donations to the Abbey of Clairvaux and the church of Saint-Laurent in Joinville. He also helped the people of Watrignéville, who were connected to the Abbey of Saint-Urbain. In his donation papers, he clearly stated his goal: to travel to Jerusalem and visit the Holy Sepulchre.
His Final Crusade and Death
Even though his journey with the main crusader army isn't fully recorded, Geoffrey did reach Syria. A writer named Alberic of Trois-Fontaines wrote that Geoffrey, "a most famous knight," crossed the sea and died after many brave actions.
Geoffrey died at a famous castle called Krak des Chevaliers in late 1203 or early 1204. He was buried in the chapel there. Since he had no children, his younger brother, Simon, became the new Lord of Joinville.
His Legacy and Nickname
Geoffrey's shield was kept in the chapel at Krak des Chevaliers. About 50 years later, during the Seventh Crusade, his nephew John retrieved the shield. He brought it back to Joinville and hung it in the church of Saint-Laurent. The shield remained there until 1544, when it was stolen by German soldiers during a war.
Geoffrey was known by the nickname Trullardus or Trouillart. This nickname was mentioned in a long message written in 1311 by his nephew, John of Joinville. The meaning of the nickname isn't fully known. However, a story from 1498 says he got the name after killing a pirate with a trouille, which might have been a type of fishing spear.
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