John IV, Count of Armagnac facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John IV
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| Count of Armagnac | |
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| Born | 15 October 1396 |
| Died | 5 November 1450 (aged 54) |
| Noble family | Armagnac |
| Spouses | Blanche of Brittany Isabella d' Évreux |
| Issue more... |
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| Father | Bernard VII of Armagnac |
| Mother | Bonne de Berry |
John IV (born October 15, 1396 – died November 5, 1450) was an important count in France. He ruled the areas of Armagnac, Fézensac, and Rodez from 1418 to 1450. His time was full of big events. He was often involved in conflicts during the Hundred Years' War. He also had many disagreements with the King of France.
Contents
John IV: A Powerful Count
Early Life and Becoming Count
John was born on October 15, 1396. His father was Bernard VII of Armagnac. Bernard was a very powerful count. John's mother was Bonne of Berry.
In 1418, John's father was killed. After this, John became the new Count of Armagnac. This was a big responsibility.
Conflicts and Alliances
John's father had taken control of the County of Comminges. But John could not keep it. In 1419, the county was taken back by others.
In 1425, John made a surprising move. He said that the King of Castile was his overlord. This meant he recognized the King of Castile as a higher ruler. The French King, Charles VII, was busy fighting the English. So, he could not stop John. But Charles VII did not forget this challenge.
John's disagreements with King Charles VII pushed him to seek help. He looked to the enemies of France, the English. In July 1437, John signed a treaty with King Henry VI of England. This agreement said that John's people would not attack the English.
The Praguerie Rebellion
In 1440, John joined a rebellion called the Praguerie. This was a revolt by some powerful nobles and the French prince, the Dauphin. They were unhappy with King Charles VII. However, King Charles VII defeated the rebels. He then forgave them.
Marriage Plans with England
In 1442, John started talks for a marriage. He wanted one of his daughters to marry King Henry VI of England. John wanted a strong alliance. This would protect him from threats by King Charles VII. The English also wanted this marriage. They hoped to use John's lands as a protective area. This would help defend their lands in France.
John's territories were in a very good location. They were in southwestern France. This made them perfect for defending Gascony from French attacks. People said John offered a lot of money and land. He also offered men to help defend the borders of Gascony.
John seemed to delay these marriage talks. He was trying to decide. Was it better to ally with the English? Or should he try to make peace with King Charles VII? In the end, the marriage talks stopped. This was because of threats from the French king. Also, the English were not quick enough to decide.
Capture and Release
In 1444, John was under attack. He was in L'Isle-Jourdain. The French prince, Dauphin Louis, captured him. John was then put in prison in Carcassonne.
Three years later, in 1447, John was pardoned. This meant he was forgiven. But his counties were then controlled by royal officers. John IV died on November 5, 1450.
Marriages and Children
John IV was married two times. These marriages were important for alliances.
First Marriage
John first married Blanche of Brittany. She was born in 1395 and died in 1419. They married on June 16, 1407. Blanche was the daughter of John IV, Duke of Brittany. Her mother was Jeanne d' Évreux. They had one child:
- Bonne (born 1416; died before 1448)
Second Marriage
Soon after Blanche died, John married again. On May 10, 1419, he married Isabella d' Évreux. She was born in 1395 and died in 1450. Isabella was the first cousin of John's first wife. She was the daughter of King Charles III of Navarre. Her mother was Eleanor of Castille. They had several children:
- Marie of Armagnac (born 1420; died 1473). She married John II of Alençon in 1437. Her grandson later received the Armagnac lands.
- Jean V of Armagnac (born 1420; died 1473). He became Viscount of Lomagne. Later, he became Count of Armagnac, Fézensac, and Rodez.
- Eléonore (born 1423; died 1456). She married Louis II of Chalon-Arlay in 1446.
- Charles I, Count of Armagnac (born 1425; died 1497). He became Viscount of Fézensaguet. Later, he also became Count of Armagnac, Fézensac, and Rodez.
- Isabelle (around 1430 – 1476). She was Lady of the Four-Valleys.
