Marie I, Countess of Saint-Pol and Soissons facts for kids

Marie of Luxembourg-Saint-Pol (who died on April 1, 1547) was an important noblewoman in France. She was known as Marie I. She became the Countess of Soissons and Saint-Pol in her own right. This means she inherited these lands and ruled them herself from 1482 until her death in 1547. She also became the Countess of Vendôme when she married Francis, Count of Vendôme. After her husband died, she managed the County of Vendôme. She did this as the guardian for her young son, Charles de Bourbon.

Early Life and Family

Marie was the older daughter of Peter II of Luxembourg. He was the Count of Saint-Pol and Soissons. Her mother was Margaret of Savoy, whose father was Louis I, Duke of Savoy. Marie belonged to a French branch of the House of Luxembourg. This family had once ruled as Dukes of Luxembourg.

First Marriage and Challenges

As a child, Marie was first married to her mother's brother, Jacques of Savoy. He was the Count of Romont. Her family faced difficulties when her grandfather, Louis de Luxembourg, Count of Saint-Pol, lost his property. This happened in 1475.

Becoming a Countess

Marie inherited the County of Soissons and the County of Saint-Pol. She received these lands after her father passed away in 1481.

Life as Countess of Vendôme

Marie's position and part of her family's lands in France were given back to her. This happened when she married Francis de Bourbon, Count of Vendôme in 1487. Francis was a member of the royal family. Even though Marie had a younger sister, she brought many large estates and incomes to the House of Bourbon. These lands included the counties of Saint-Pol and Soissons in Picardy. She also brought Ligny and Marle. The Château de Condé was also part of her inheritance. This castle later became a home for the Princes of Condé. They were descendants of her grandson, Louis de Bourbon, 1st Prince of Condé.

Managing the Lands

When Francis died in 1495, Marie became the guardian of their young son, Charles. Charles was the heir to his father's lands. Marie managed both her own lands and the lands Charles inherited. She made improvements to the Collégiale Saint Georges. She also rebuilt the Church of Saint Martin. Marie also donated the Porte Saint Georges-aux-Bourgeois-de-Vendôme. This gate became the town hall, or Mairie.

Later Life and Legacy

Marie's great-granddaughter was Mary, Queen of Scots. She was crowned Queen of Scots in 1542. Marie died in 1547 at the château de Fère-en-Tardenois in Picardy. She was buried with her second husband in Vendôme.

Children

Marie had a daughter from her first marriage:

• Louise-Françoise of Savoy (died 1511). She died without children.

With her second husband, Francis, Marie had five children:

• Charles de Bourbon (1489–1537). He became the Duke of Vendôme.
• Francis de Bourbon (1491–1545). He was the Count of Saint Pol and Chaumont. He was also the Duke of Estouteville.
• Cardinal Louis de Bourbon (1493-1557). He became the Archbishop of Sens.
• Antoinette de Bourbon (1493-1583). She married Claude, Duke of Guise.
• Louise de Bourbon (1495–1575). She became the Abbess of Fontevrault.

See also

In Spanish: María de Luxemburgo, Condesa de Vendôme para niños