John de Foix, 1st Earl of Kendal facts for kids

Jean de Foix (born around 1415, died 1485) was an important French noble. He held many titles, including the first Earl of Kendal. This title was also known as Comte de Candalle in French. He was also the Vicomte de Castillon and Comte de Benauges.

Jean de Foix: A Life of Service

Jean de Foix was a noble from Gascony, a region in France. He worked for the English kings for a time. His father was Gaston de Foix, who was also a powerful noble. His mother was Marguerite d'Albret.

Joining the Order of the Garter

In 1446, Jean de Foix became a Knight in the Order of the Garter. This was a very special honor from the English king. His father had also been a member of this famous order.

Fighting in the Hundred Years' War

Jean de Foix played a part in defending the city of Bordeaux during the Hundred Years' War. On July 17, 1453, he fought in the Battle of Castillon. He fought alongside John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, against the French army. Sadly, Talbot and his son were killed in this battle. Jean de Foix was taken prisoner by the French forces.

Life as a Prisoner

The French King Charles VII sent Jean de Foix to Taillebourg Castle. He was held there by Olivier de Coëtivy. Jean de Foix had to negotiate his own release. He promised to pay a large sum of money, 23,850 écus, to be set free.

After seven years, he was finally released on January 18, 1460. He then traveled to England. However, he was captured again in the Tower of London after the Battle of Northampton in July 1460. He was placed under the care of Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick. Later, he returned to France with Warwick.

Serving a New King

When King Charles VII died in July 1461, Jean de Foix still owed a lot of money. But the new king, Louis XI of France, helped him. King Louis XI disliked many people who had served his father. He made Olivier de Coëtivy cancel the debt.

After this, Jean de Foix began to serve King Louis XI. He may have left the Order of the Garter in 1462. However, his family continued to use the title 'Earl of Kendal' for many years. They used it until the death of Henri François de Foix-Candalle in 1714.

Family Life

In 1446, Jean de Foix married Margaret Kerdeston. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Kerdeston. Together, they had several children:

• Gaston de Foix, Comte de Candale: He married his cousin Catherine de Foix in 1469. Later, in 1494, he married Isabelle d'Albret.
• Jean de Foix (died 1521): He became the Comte de Gurcon, de Fleix, and de Meilles. In 1507, he married Anne de Villeneuve.
• Catherine de Foix (died 1510): She married Charles, Comte d'Armagnac in 1468.
• Marguerite de Foix (died between 1534 and 1536): She married Ludovico II, Marquess of Saluzzo in 1492.