Joan, Countess of Blois facts for kids
Joan of Châtillon (also known as Jeanne de Blois) was an important noblewoman who lived a long time ago, from about 1253 to 1291. She held important titles like the Countess of Blois and the Lady of Avesnes. These titles meant she was in charge of certain lands and people during her time. She was a countess from 1280 until her death in 1291.
Her Family Background
Joan came from a powerful family. Her father was John I, Count of Blois, who was also a count. Her mother was Alix of Brittany, Dame de Pontarcy.
Important Lands and Titles
Joan received the County of Chartres from her father while he was still alive. A "county" was a large area of land ruled by a count or countess. Later, in 1286, she sold these lands to Philip IV of France, who was the King of France at the time.
Before she passed away, Joan also gave the lordship of Avesnes to her cousin, Hugh II, Count of Blois. A "lordship" was another type of land area she controlled. When Joan died in 1291, she did not have any children who survived her. So, her cousin Hugh also inherited her other titles, including the Count of Blois.
Her Marriage and Children
In 1263, Joan married Peter I, Count of Alençon. Peter was a son of King Louis IX of France and Margaret of Provence. This made Joan part of the royal family through marriage.
Joan and Peter had two sons:
- Louis (born in 1272, died in 1273)
- Philip (born in 1274, died in 1275)
Sadly, both of their sons passed away when they were very young children.
Her Legacy
Joan died in 1291. Since she had no children who lived to adulthood, her titles and lands went to her cousin, Hugh II, Count of Blois. This was a common way for noble titles to be passed down when there were no direct heirs.
