Maurice II de Craon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maurice II de Craon
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An illustration from a chansonnier
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| Born | c. 1132 Craon, Mayenne |
| Died | 1196 |
| Allegiance | Plantagenet |
| Battles/wars | Revolt of 1173–74 Third Crusade |
| Spouse(s) | Isabelle de Meulan |
Maurice II de Craon (born around 1132, died 1196) was an important person in the 12th century. He was the Lord of Craon, a region in France. He also served as a governor for King Henry II in areas like Anjou and Maine.
Maurice II was a strong military leader and belonged to the Anglo-Norman people. He also owned lands in England. These lands were given to him by King Henry II.
Contents
Maurice II's Life Story
Becoming a Knight
Maurice II was the son of Hugues I de Craon. He took over from his brother around the year 1150. He was still young at the time. He became a knight when he accepted his family's lands.
One of his first military actions was helping King Henry II attack the city of Thouars. This city was captured on October 10, 1158.
Journey to the Holy Land
A few years later, Maurice II went on a Crusade. A Crusade was a religious war, often to the Holy Land. We know about his trip because of old documents.
These documents show that he returned to France after March 1170. While he was in the East, he faced many dangers. He made a promise there. When he returned, he set up a payment to help keep a chapel lamp lit at Collégiale Saint-Nicolas de Craon.
His Marriage and Family
Maurice II married Isabelle de Meulan around 1170. She was the daughter of Galéran IV de Meulan. Isabelle had been married before to Geoffroy III de Mayenne.
This marriage was very helpful for Maurice II. It gave him the support of two powerful families: the Meulan family and the Mayenne family.
Maurice II and Isabelle had seven children together. They had four sons and three daughters:
- Renaud
- Maurice III
- Pierre, who became a church leader
- Amaury
- Avoise, who married Guy V de Laval
- Clémence, who married Pierre de la Garnache
- Agnès, who married Thibault II de Mathefelon
Working with King Henry II
Maurice II lived during a time when the Anjou family was becoming very powerful. From 1152, the Lords of Anjou became loyal to King Henry II of England. This meant they had to fight alongside him, even against France.
In 1174, King Henry II's own sons rebelled against him. Maurice II was one of the lords who stayed loyal to the King. He was put in charge of the Angevins (people from Anjou).
He captured the towns of Chantoceaux and Sablé. He also destroyed two nearby forts, Saint-Loup and Saint-Brice. Maurice II then took control of the governments of Anjou and Maine. He also took over a new fortress at Ancenis.
That same year, he was a witness to the Treaty of Falaise. This agreement brought peace between King Henry II and his sons.
In 1177, King Louis VII of France and King Henry II made an agreement. Maurice II was chosen as one of the people who would help settle any problems that came up later. He was also chosen for a peace agreement signed in 1180 at Gisors between King Philippe-Auguste and King Henry II.
Joining the Third Crusade
Richard the Lionheart became king after Henry II. Many of his loyal followers joined him on the Third Crusade. Maurice II joined later. In 1191, he was still in Anjou.
We don't have many records of his first trip to the Holy Land. But for his second trip, we have many documents. One important document is his will, dated 1191.
His Last Will
Maurice II's will from 1191 tells us about his family at that time. He named six of his children. His eldest daughter, Avoise de Craon, was married to Guy V de Laval. His second daughter was not named, but her husband was Pierre de la Garnache. His third daughter, Agnès, was named. Her dowry (money or property given at marriage) from Craon and Chantocé was mentioned. The will also listed his three sons in order of their birth.
His Final Years
Maurice II returned to France after his travels. He started a religious house called the priory of Bonshommes de Ballots, near Craon. He passed away on July 12, 1196.
We don't know exactly where he was buried. However, we do know that his heart was taken to Savigny Abbey.
A Poet and Warrior
Maurice II was not just a brave warrior and a man of faith. He was also a poet! He was one of the trouvères, who were poets and musicians in northern France.
One of the songs that has survived is believed to be his work. It starts with the line: A l'entrant del doux termine.
Maurice II in Stories
Maurice II de Craon is the main character in an old German poem called Moriz von Craûn. This poem was written between 1187 and 1250. It was based on an older French story.
The story tells about Maurice trying to win the love of a lady named "Isabel." She is shown as the wife of his neighbor, Richard de Beaumont.
Images for kids
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An illustration from a chansonnier
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A shield with gold and red diamond shapes
See also
- Craon family
Sources
derived from: 2 volumes
