James II, Count of La Marche facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James II de Bourbon-La Marche |
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| Count of La Marche | |
15th century stained glass depiction of Queen Joanna II of Naples and her husband, James II, Count of La Marche
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| Born | 1370 |
| Died | 1438 (aged 67–68) |
| Spouse | Beatrice of Navarre Joanna II of Naples |
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| House | Bourbon |
| Father | John I, Count of La Marche |
| Mother | Catherine of Vendôme |
James II of Bourbon-La Marche (born 1370 – died 1438 in Besançon) was an important French nobleman. He was the Count of La Marche. James was a brave soldier who fought in battles and even led an attack on England. He also became king consort of Naples by marrying Queen Joanna II. Later in his life, he chose to become a monk.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
James was born in 1370. His father was John I, Count of La Marche, and his mother was Catherine of Vendôme. As a young man, James joined a big military campaign. This was a crusade against the Ottoman Empire. He fought in the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396. During this battle, he was captured. Luckily, he was later set free after a payment was made, which is called being ransomed.
After returning to France, James led his own army. In 1403, he attacked England to help Owain Glyndŵr, a Welsh leader. His troops burned the city of Plymouth. However, twelve of his ships were lost in a big storm while sailing back to France in 1404.
Politics and Power in France
James was a supporter of John the Fearless. John the Fearless was a powerful duke in France. James was against the Armagnac party. These two groups were rivals during a difficult time in French history.
Becoming King in Naples
In 1415, James traveled to the Kingdom of Naples. Important noblemen there arranged for him to marry Joanna II of Naples. She was the queen of Naples. They hoped James would help control some of the queen's powerful friends. These friends were Pandolfo Alopo and Muzio Sforza.
James was not given the title of King right away. Instead, he was called Vicar General, Duke of Calabria, and Prince of Taranto. He quickly took action. He had Alopo executed and put Sforza in prison. James also kept the queen in confinement. He wanted to rule Naples by himself.
However, the nobles of Naples were not happy with this. In 1416, they captured James and put him in prison. He was forced to free Sforza. He also had to give up his claim to be king. In 1419, he was made to leave the kingdom of Naples entirely.
Return to France and Later Life
After leaving Naples, James went back to France. He fought against the English for Charles VII of France in 1428. He was then made the Governor of Languedoc, an important region in France.
In 1435, James made a big decision. He gave up all his noble titles. He chose to become a Franciscan friar. A friar is a type of monk. He lived as a friar until he died in 1438.
Marriages and Children
James II was married twice during his life.
First Marriage
In 1406, James married Beatrix d'Évreux in Pamplona. Beatrix was the daughter of Charles III of Navarre and Eleanor of Castile.
James and Beatrix had three children:
- Isabelle (born 1408 – died after 1445), who became a nun in Besançon.
- Marie (born 1410 – died after 1445), who became a nun in Amiens.
- Eleanor of Bourbon-La Marche (born 1407 in Burlada, Navarre – died after August 21, 1464). She married Bernard d'Armagnac, Count of Pardiac.
Second Marriage
In 1415, James married Joanna II of Naples. They did not have any children together.
