Louise of Savoy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Louise of Savoy |
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Portrait by Jean Clouet
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| Born | 11 September 1476 Pont-d'Ain |
| Died | 22 September 1531 (aged 55) Grez-sur-Loing |
| Burial | 19 October 1531 Basilica of St Denis, France |
| Spouse | Charles of Orléans |
| Issue | Marguerite, Queen of Navarre Francis I of France |
| House | Savoy |
| Father | Philip II, Duke of Savoy |
| Mother | Margaret of Bourbon |
Louise of Savoy (born September 11, 1476 – died September 22, 1531) was an important French noblewoman. She was the mother of King Francis I. Louise was very active in politics. She served as the regent of France several times. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young or away. She was regent in 1515, from 1525 to 1526, and again in 1529.
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Early Life and Family Connections
Louise of Savoy was born in Pont-d'Ain. She was the first daughter of Philip II, Duke of Savoy and Margaret of Bourbon. Her mother passed away when Louise was only seven years old.
After her mother's death, Louise was raised by Anne de Beaujeu. Anne was the regent of France for her brother, King Charles VIII. At Amboise, Louise met Margaret of Austria. Years later, Louise and Margaret would work together to make peace between their countries.
Her Marriage and Children
When Louise was eleven, she married Charles of Orléans. This happened on February 16, 1488, in Paris. She began living with him when she was fifteen. They both loved books and shared this interest.
Charles had two daughters from previous relationships. These daughters, Jeanne and Madeleine, were raised alongside Louise's own children. Louise later helped arrange marriages for them.
Louise and Charles had two children together. Their daughter, Marguerite, was born on April 11, 1492. Their son, Francis, was born on September 12, 1494.
Charles became ill and passed away on January 1, 1496. Louise was only 19 years old when she became a widow.
A Mother's Dedication
After her husband's death, Louise focused on her children's future. She was very clever and made sure they would have good opportunities. She moved her family to the royal court when Louis XII, her husband's cousin, became king.
Louise understood politics and diplomacy very well. She was also very interested in the new ideas in art and science from the Italian Renaissance. She made sure her children learned about these things. She even had special books made for them. Louise taught Francis to speak Italian and Spanish.
In 1505, King Louis XII became ill. He decided that Francis should be the next king. He also wanted Louise and his wife, Anne of Brittany, to be part of the ruling council. Louis XII recovered, and Francis became a favorite of the king. Francis later married Louis XII's daughter, Claude of France, in 1514. After this marriage, Louis XII officially named Francis as his heir.
Mother of the King of France
King Louis XII died on January 1, 1515. This meant Francis became the new King of France. On February 4, 1515, Louise was given the title Duchess of Angoulême. Later, on April 15, 1524, she became Duchess of Anjou.
The Bourbon Family Inheritance
Louise's mother was related to the last dukes of the Bourbon family. When Suzanne, Duchess of Bourbon, died in 1521, Louise claimed some of the Bourbon lands. These included the Duchy of Auvergne. This put her in conflict with Charles III, Duke of Bourbon, who was Suzanne's widower.
Louise suggested she marry Charles to solve the problem. But Charles rejected her offer. Because of this, Louise worked to weaken his power. This led to Charles being exiled from France. He tried to get his lands back by fighting against the King. He died in 1527 without getting his lands or titles back. Louise then took control of Auvergne for her son.
Serving as Regent of France
Louise of Savoy was very active in politics, especially during the early years of her son's reign. When King Francis I was away, she ruled France as regent. She was regent in 1515 when the king was fighting in Italy. She was also regent from 1525 to 1526. During this time, the king was fighting a war and was even held prisoner in Spain.
In 1524, Louise sent a messenger to London to talk about a peace treaty. These talks were not successful at first. However, they may have helped prepare for another treaty later.
Louise also started friendly talks with the Ottoman Empire. She sent a mission to Suleiman the Magnificent to ask for help. This first mission was lost. In December 1525, a second mission was sent. It reached Constantinople, the Ottoman capital. The messengers carried secret letters asking Suleiman to help free King Francis I and attack the Habsburgs. Suleiman sent a positive reply in February 1526. This was the beginning of an important alliance between France and the Ottoman Empire.
Louise was the main person who negotiated the Treaty of Cambrai. This treaty was signed on August 3, 1529. It was known as "the Ladies' Peace." This treaty ended a war between France and the Holy Roman Empire. Louise of Savoy signed the treaty for France. Her sister-in-law, Margaret of Austria, signed it for the Holy Roman Empire. The treaty temporarily confirmed the Habsburg family's power in Italy.
Her Final Years
Louise of Savoy passed away on September 22, 1531, in Grez-sur-Loing. She was buried at Saint-Denis in Paris. After her death, her lands, including Auvergne, became part of the French crown. Through her daughter Marguerite, Louise is an ancestor of the Bourbon kings of France. Her great-grandson, Henry of Navarre, later became King Henry IV of France.
See also
In Spanish: Luisa de Saboya para niños
