Jean de Dunois facts for kids
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Jean d'Orléans, Count of Dunois (born 1402, died 1468) was a very important French military leader. He is sometimes known as the "Bastard of Orléans" or simply Jean de Dunois. This nickname was actually a sign of his high status. It showed he was a cousin to the king. He led a part of the royal family during a difficult time. Jean fought bravely in the Hundred Years' War, a long conflict between France and England. He even fought alongside the famous Joan of Arc. In 1439, he became the Count of Dunois. Later, King Charles VII made him the Count of Longueville.
Contents
Jean's Life and Military Role
Early Years and Family
Jean was the son of Louis I, Duke of Orléans. Louis was the son of King Charles V of France. Jean's mother was Mariette d'Enghien. In 1407, Jean's father was killed. Eight years later, his half-brother, Charles, Duke of Orléans, was captured. This happened at the Battle of Agincourt. Charles was held prisoner by the English for 25 years. This meant Jean was the main adult male in his family. He became a Knight of the Order of the Porcupine.
Fighting in the Hundred Years' War
Jean joined a civil war in France. This was during the time of King Charles VI. He fought on the side of the Armagnacs. In 1418, he was captured by the Burgundians, who were the opposing side. He was released in 1420. After that, he started working for the Dauphin Charles. The Dauphin was the heir to the French throne. Jean then fought against the English in the Hundred Years' War.
In 1427, Jean helped lift the siege of Montargis. He worked with Arthur of Richemont and Etienne of Vignolles. The next year, he was hurt at the Battle of Rouvray. Jean was a key leader in defending the city during the siege of Orléans. He worked with Joan of Arc to successfully end the siege. He continued to fight in campaigns with her in 1429. He remained an active military leader even after Joan's death.
Later Achievements and Challenges
Jean was present at the coronation of King Charles VII. In 1436, he helped take back Paris from the English. In 1439, he was given the title of Count of Dunois. He played a big part in taking over Guienne and Normandy. These were important victories in the final years of the Hundred Years War.
Jean also took part in some rebellions. He joined the Praguerie against King Charles VII. Later, he led the League of the Public Weal against King Louis XI in 1465. But each time, he managed to get back into the king's good graces.
Marriages and Children
Jean married Marie Louvet in April 1422. They were married in Bourges. They did not have any children together. Marie died in 1426.
He married a second time to Marie of Harcourt. She was also known as Lady of Parthenay. They married on October 26, 1439. They had four children together:
- Jean (1443-1453)
- François Ι d'Orléans-Longueville (1447–1491). He became Count of Dunois, Tancarville, Longueville, and Montgomery. He married Agnès of Savoy in 1466.
- Louis I d'Orléans, duc de Longueville
- Marie (born 1440). She married Louis de la Haye in 1466.
- Catherine d'Orléans (1449–1501). She married Johann VII of Saarbrücken-Commercy in 1468. He was the Count of Roucy.
Titles Held by Jean
- Lord of Valbonais (1421–1468)
- Count of Mortain (1424–1425)
- Viscount of Saint-Sauveur
- Count of Périgord (1430–1439)
- Count of Dunois (1439–1468)
- Count of Longueville (1443–1468)
