Joan the Lame facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joan the Lame |
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| Queen consort of France | |
| Tenure | 1 April 1328 – 12 December 1349 |
| Coronation | 29 May 1328 |
| Born | circa 1293 |
| Died | 12 December 1349 (aged 56) |
| Burial | Basilica of St Denis, France |
| Spouse | |
| Issue | John II of France Philip, Duke of Orléans |
| House | Burgundy |
| Father | Robert II, Duke of Burgundy |
| Mother | Agnes of France |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Joan of Burgundy (French: Jeanne; around 1293 – December 12, 1349) was also known as Joan the Lame (French: Jeanne la Boiteuse). She became the Queen of France as the first wife of King Philip VI. Joan was a powerful queen. She even ruled as a regent when her husband was away. This happened during the Hundred Years' War in 1340, 1345–1346, and 1347.
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Early Life of Queen Joan
Joan was the daughter of Robert II, Duke of Burgundy. Her mother was Agnes of France. Joan's older sister, Margaret, was also a Queen of France. She married King Louis X of France.
In July 1313, Joan married Philip of Valois. He was Louis's cousin. From 1314 to 1328, they were the Count and Countess of Maine. Later, from 1325, they also became the Count and Countess of Valois and Anjou.
Becoming Queen of France
The sons of King Philip IV did not have any sons who lived. This meant there was no direct male heir to the French throne. So, in 1328, Joan's husband, Philip of Valois, became King Philip VI. He was the eldest son of Charles, Count of Valois, who was Philip IV's younger brother.
In 1337, the Hundred Years' War began. Edward III of England, who was a nephew of Louis X, claimed he should be the King of France. This started a long conflict between England and France.
Joan's Role as Regent
King Philip VI trusted Joan a lot. In August 1338, he gave her special power. This power allowed her to manage state affairs when he was away. She could handle the country's money. She could also make decisions and grant pardons. Joan had almost all the king's powers, except leading the army.
This meant Joan could act like a co-ruler. She was very intelligent and strong-willed. Joan proved to be a very capable regent. She managed the country while her husband fought in the war.
Challenges and Reputation
Joan was known for favoring people from her home region of Burgundy. Her husband and son also followed this policy. This made some nobles from other parts of France unhappy.
Her strong political actions caused some arguments. People also noticed her limp. Some even called her la male royne boiteuse, meaning "the lame evil Queen." One writer said she was dangerous to her enemies at court. They wrote that "the lame Queen Jeanne de Bourgogne...was like a King and caused the destruction of those who opposed her will."
Joan was also a scholar and loved books. She sent manuscripts to her son, John, for him to read. She also ordered important books to be translated into French. These included the Miroir historial and the Jeu d'échecs moralisés. Jean de Vignay did this translation work for her.
Death of Queen Joan
Joan died on December 12, 1349. She passed away from the Bubonic plague, a terrible disease. She was buried in the Basilica of St Denis in France. Her grandson, Charles V, built her tomb. Sadly, her tomb was destroyed during the French Revolution.
Children of Joan and Philip
Joan and Philip had several children together:
- John II (born 1319 – died 1364). He later became King of France.
- Marie (born 1326 – died 1333).
- Louis (born and died 1329).
- Louis (born 1330 – died 1330).
- A son (born and died 1333).
- A son (born 1335), who was stillborn.
- Philip (born 1336 – died 1375). He became the Duke of Orléans.
- Joan (born and died 1337).
- A son (born and died 1343).
In Fiction
Joan is a character in Les Rois maudits (The Accursed Kings). This is a series of French historical novels by Maurice Druon. She was played by Ghislaine Porret in the 1972 French TV show based on the books.
Images for kids
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A robot, like the one that helps translate articles for kids.
See also
In Spanish: Juana de Borgoña (1293-1349) para niños
