Raoul I of Lusignan facts for kids
Raoul I of Lusignan was an important nobleman who lived a long time ago, from about 1160 to 1219. He was the second son of Hugh de Lusignan. Raoul was a powerful lord in a region called Poitou in France. He controlled several towns like Exoudun, Melle, and Chizé.
He also became the Count of Eu around 1191. He got this title by marrying a noblewoman named Alix d'Eu. The region of Poitou was often fought over by the kings of France and England. Because of this, local nobles like Raoul often switched which king they supported.
Raoul first supported the English king until 1201. Then, he decided to support the French king instead. Later, he changed his mind again and went back to supporting the English side. He even fought in a big battle called the Battle of Bouvines in 1214. For helping the English king, he was given lands in England, including Hastings and Tickhill, in 1216.
When he was a young knight, Raoul joined the Third Crusade, which was a religious war. Later in his life, he also took part in the Fifth Crusade. He sadly passed away in 1219 while returning from this crusade. He was buried in a place called Fontblanche, near Exoudun.
Family Life
Around 1191, Raoul married Alix d'Eu. She was the heir to the County of Eu. Alix was born around 1180 and lived until 1246.
Raoul and Alix had several children together. Their children included:
- Raoul II de Lusignan, Count of Eu (born around 1200 – died 1246). He later became the Count of Eu, just like his father.
- Matilda de Lusignan (born around 1210 – died 1241). She married a very important nobleman named Humphrey de Bohun, 2nd Earl of Hereford. He was also the first Earl of Essex. Matilda was buried in a place called Llanthony, Gloucester. Her family line later led to Queen Catherine Parr.
Raoul was sometimes called Raoul d'Exoudun because he was the lord of Exoudun. It's important not to confuse him with another nobleman from the same time, Raoul of Issoudun. That Raoul was married to Margaret of Courtenay.
