Margaret of Burgundy, Queen of Sicily facts for kids
Margaret of Burgundy (born in 1250, died on September 4, 1308) was a powerful noblewoman. She became the Queen of Sicily and Naples when she married Charles I of Sicily. Margaret also ruled as the Countess of Tonnerre in her own right from 1262 until her death.
Early Life and Titles
Margaret was the second daughter of Odo, Count of Nevers, and Maud of Dampierre. She inherited the title of Countess of Tonnerre in 1262. This meant she was a ruler of her own lands. She held this important title until she passed away.
Becoming Queen
Margaret married Charles of Anjou on November 18, 1268. Charles was the King of Sicily and also the Count of Anjou and Provence. Because of this marriage, Margaret became the Queen of Sicily.
Later, in 1277, Charles bought the title of King of Jerusalem. This made Margaret the titular Queen of Jerusalem. Sadly, their only daughter, also named Margaret, died when she was a baby.
In 1283, Margaret and Charles lost their title as King and Queen of Sicily. They then became known as the King and Queen of Naples.
Life After Charles
Charles died in 1285. After his death, Margaret decided to live a quiet life. She moved back to her lands in Tonnerre. She lived in the castle there with two other noblewomen. These were Margaret of Brienne and Catherine I of Courtenay. Catherine was a granddaughter of Margaret's husband, Charles.
The three women lived lives focused on helping others and prayer. Margaret started a special place called l’Hospice des Fontenilles. This was a place to care for people in need. She also made sure it had enough money to keep running.
Margaret died in 1308. She did not have any children who survived her. She left all her possessions to her great-nephew, John II of Châlon-Auxerre. She was buried at the l'Hospice she had founded.
See also
In Spanish: Margarita de Borgoña (reina de Sicilia) para niños
