Jeanne of Bar, Countess of Marle and Soissons facts for kids

Jeanne de Bar (born 1415, died 14 May 1462) was an important French noblewoman. She inherited many titles, including Countess of Marle and Soissons, Dame d'Oisy, and Viscountess of Meaux. She was also the Countess of Saint-Pol, of Brienne, de Ligny, and Conversano through her marriage.

Jeanne was the only child of Robert of Bar, Count of Marle and Soissons. Her father died in a big battle called the Battle of Agincourt when she was just a baby. This meant she inherited all his lands and titles. When she was 15, Jeanne was one of the women who looked after Joan of Arc when Joan was a prisoner.

Jeanne was the first wife of Louis of Luxembourg. He was a very powerful leader in France, known as the Constable of France.

Jeanne's Early Life and Family

Jeanne de Bar was born in France in 1415. Her father was Robert of Bar, Count of Marle and Soissons. Her mother was Jeanne de Béthune, Viscountess of Meaux.

Sadly, Jeanne's father died on October 25, 1415, at the Battle of Agincourt. This battle was a major event during the Hundred Years' War. Since Jeanne was his only child, she became the sole heir to his titles and lands.

In 1418, Jeanne's mother married again to John II of Luxembourg, Count of Ligny. He became Jeanne's stepfather. This marriage did not have any children.

Jeanne and Joan of Arc

Jeanne's stepfather, John, captured Joan of Arc and held her prisoner at his castle. Joan was a few years older than Jeanne. While Joan was a prisoner, she was placed in the care of three women: Jeanne, her mother, and John's elderly aunt, Jeanne of Luxembourg.

These three ladies were very kind to Joan. They tried to make her comfortable during her captivity. They even tried to convince her to wear women's clothes instead of her usual men's clothing. Joan was very grateful for their compassionate treatment. However, despite their pleas, John sold Joan of Arc to the English for a large sum of money.

Marriage and Children

On July 16, 1435, when Jeanne was about 20 years old, she married Louis of Luxembourg. Their wedding took place at the Chateau de Bohain. Louis was also a powerful noble and later became the Constable of France.

Louis had been raised by Jeanne's stepfather, John II of Luxembourg. This meant Jeanne and Louis knew each other well before they married. When Jeanne's mother died in 1450, Jeanne also inherited the title of Viscountess of Meaux.

Jeanne and Louis had seven children together:

• John of Luxembourg, who became Count of Marle and Soissons. He was a governor in Burgundy.
• Jacqueline of Luxembourg.
• Pierre II de Luxembourg, who became Count of Saint-Pol, Brienne, and other titles. He married Marguerite of Savoy.
• Helene of Luxembourg.
• Charles of Luxembourg, who became a Bishop.
• Anthony I, who became Count of Ligny.
• Philippe of Luxembourg, who became an Abbess (a leader in a convent).

Louis of Luxembourg, Count of Saint-Pol, was Jeanne de Bar's husband. He was a powerful leader in France.

Death

Jeanne de Bar passed away on May 14, 1462, when she was about 47 years old.

After Jeanne's death, her husband Louis married again to Marie of Savoy. Louis of Luxembourg later faced serious charges and was executed in Paris in 1475.

Sources

nl:Johanna van Bar