James of Avesnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James of Avesnes |
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| Spouse(s) | Adela of Guise |
| Noble family | House of Avesnes |
| Father | Nicholas d'Oisy, Lord of Avesnes |
| Mother | Matilda de la Roche |
| Born | 1152 |
| Died | 7 September 1191 Arsuf, Levant |
James of Avesnes (born 1152 – died 7 September 1191) was a brave knight and a powerful lord from the 12th century. He was the son of Nicholas d'Oisy, Lord of Avesnes and Matilda de la Roche. From 1171, he ruled over lands like Avesnes, Condé, and Leuze.
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James of Avesnes: A Crusader Knight
In November 1187, James decided to join the Third Crusade. This was a huge journey to the Holy Land. He led a group of soldiers from France, Flanders, and Frisia.
Journey to the Holy Land
James and his men traveled by ship. They arrived near Acre around September 10, 1189. Their arrival was important. They came as extra soldiers to help with the Siege of Acre.
During the siege, James led his own group of fighters. Other main leaders were Guy of Lusignan and Henry of Champagne. No single leader was completely in charge of the whole siege.
The Battle of Arsuf
James of Avesnes fought bravely in the Battle of Arsuf. This battle happened on September 7, 1191. During the fight, James was knocked off his horse.
Even after falling, he kept fighting. He bravely defeated fifteen enemy warriors. Sadly, he was then killed in the battle.
Finding a Hero
The day after the battle, a search party went out. Knights from the Hospitallers and Templars looked for him. They found his body on the battlefield.
His body was taken back to Arsuf. There, he was buried in a special ceremony. Important leaders like Richard the Lionheart and Guy of Lusignan attended his burial.
James of Avesnes' Family
James of Avesnes was married to Adela. She was the daughter of Bouchard of Guise. Adela passed away in 1185. Together, they had several children:
- Walter II of Avesnes
- James, who became lord of Landrecies
- William (died 1219)
- Bouchard IV of Avesnes
- Matilda, who married Nicholas IV of Rumigny and later Louis IV of Chiny
- Adelaide, who married Rogier of Rosoy
- Ida (1180–1216), who married Engelbert IV of Edingen
- Adela, who married Henry III of Grandpré and later Ralph, Count of Soissons
