Louis I, Count of Flanders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Louis I |
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| Louis I's effigy on his seal | |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret I, Countess of Artois |
| Issue | |
| Louis II of Flanders Guy de Rickenbourg |
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| Noble family | Dampierre |
| Father | Louis I, Count of Nevers |
| Mother | Joan, Countess of Rethel |
| Born | c. 1304 |
| Died | 26 August 1346 Battle of Crécy |
Louis I (born around 1304 – died 26 August 1346) was an important ruler in the Middle Ages. He was the Count of Flanders, Nevers, and Rethel from 1322 until his death. He is known for his close ties with the French kings and the challenges he faced from his own people.
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Early Life and Family
Louis I was born around 1304. His father was Louis I, Count of Nevers, and his mother was Joan, Countess of Rethel. His grandfather was Robert III of Flanders.
In 1322, Louis became the Count of Nevers after his father passed away. In the same year, he also became the Count of Flanders when his grandfather died.
In July 1320, Louis married Margaret. She was the daughter of King Philip V of France. This marriage was very important. It meant Louis would support France, unlike his grandfather who often opposed France. Margaret later inherited the counties of Burgundy and Artois in 1361.
Challenges as Count of Flanders
Louis's strong support for France and his high taxes made many people in Flanders unhappy. This led to a big uprising in 1323. It started with small riots in the countryside. Soon, it grew into a full-scale rebellion that lasted almost five years, until 1328.
The rebels were led by Nicolaas Zannekin. They took control of several towns, including Nieuwpoort, Veurne, Ypres, and Kortrijk. In Kortrijk, Zannekin even managed to capture Louis himself.
On November 30, 1325, Louis promised to forgive the rebels. He also agreed to look into the actions of a regent named John of Namur. The next day, Louis was set free and quickly left for Paris.
On April 26, 1326, King Charles IV of France stepped in to help. They signed a peace agreement called the Peace of Arques. This treaty made it seem like the King of France was the one who had been wronged. Louis was seen as less important in the agreement.
However, the rebel areas in Flanders did not support this treaty. Soon, fighting broke out again. King Philip VI of France had to come to Louis's rescue. Zannekin and his followers were strongly defeated by the French army in the Battle of Cassel.
After this battle, Louis got control of Flanders back. But King Philip warned him that if Louis needed help again, Flanders would become part of France.
Hundred Years' War
When the Hundred Years War began, Louis continued his strong support for France. This was difficult because Flanders' economy depended a lot on trade with England.
King Edward III of England then stopped the wool trade with Flanders. This caused a new uprising in 1337, led by Jacob van Artevelde. In 1339, Louis had to flee his lands. He was never able to return to Flanders.
Louis was killed in the Battle of Crécy on August 26, 1346.
Family
Louis and Margaret had one son:
- Louis II of Flanders (1330–1384), who became the next Count of Flanders.
Louis also had a son outside of marriage, named Guy de Rickenbourg.
Images for kids
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Learn more about Louis I in Spanish!
