Hervé IV of Donzy facts for kids

Hervé IV of Donzy (born 1173 – died 22 January 1222) was an important French nobleman. He took part in a major religious war called the Fifth Crusade. In the year 1200, Hervé married Mahaut de Courtenay. She was the daughter of Peter II of Courtenay. Through this marriage, Hervé became the Count of Nevers, a powerful title in France.

Becoming a Powerful Count

Hervé was involved in a disagreement over a castle called château de Gien. This was with his father-in-law, Peter of Courtenay. In 1199, Hervé won a battle against Peter near Cosne-sur-Loire. He even captured Peter. They later reached an agreement.

After Peter's death in 1219, Hervé gained more land. He became the Count of Auxerre and Tonnerre. Other nobles, like Philip II, Marquis of Namur and Robert de Courtenay, also wanted Auxerre. In 1210, Hervé also gained control of an area called Liernais.

Building and Developing His Lands

Hervé and his wife, Countess Mahaut, worked hard to improve their lands. These areas were around Donzy and near Nivernais and Burgundy. In 1209, they helped start a Carthusian abbey. This was a special monastery for monks, located at Bellary.

Around 1212 to 1215, Hervé rebuilt the château Musard in Billy-sur-Oisy. In 1214, they also founded a priory at Beaulieu. A priory is another type of religious house.

Hervé's Role in Wars and Crusades

Hervé was a knight who fought in several important conflicts. From 1204 to 1205, he supported the French king. He fought against the English in areas like Normandy, Poitou, and Touraine.

In 1209, Hervé joined the Albigensian Crusade. This was a religious war in southern France. In 1214, he fought in the Battle of Bouvines. Surprisingly, he fought on the side of King John of England. Later, King John helped Hervé get a pardon from King Philip of France. In 1217, Hervé was also part of a French invasion of England.

Hervé IV of Donzy passed away on 22 January 1222, in Saint-Aignan.

Hervé's Family

Hervé and Mahaut had one daughter:

• Agnès de Donzy (1205–1225). She first married Philippe de France in 1217. He was the oldest son of the future Louis VIII of France. Sadly, Philippe died the next year. Agnès then married Count Guy II of Saint-Pol in 1220. They had three children, including Yolande I.

After Hervé's death in 1222, his wife Mahaut married Guigues IV of Forez in 1226.