Rudolph, Duke of Lorraine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rudolph |
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Rudolph, Duke of Lorraine
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| Born | 1320 Lorraine, France |
| Died | 26 August 1346 (aged about 26) Crécy-en-Ponthieu |
| Spouse | Eleanor of Bar Marie of Blois |
| Issue | John I, Duke of Lorraine |
| House | House of Lorraine |
| Father | Frederick IV, Duke of Lorraine |
| Mother | Elisabeth of Austria |
Rudolph (born 1320 – died August 26, 1346) was also known as the Valiant. He was the Duke of Lorraine from 1328 until he died. A duke was a powerful ruler of a large area called a duchy. Rudolph became duke when he was only nine years old. His mother, Elisabeth of Austria, ruled for him until 1334.
Rudolph was the son of Frederick IV, Duke of Lorraine and Elisabeth of Austria. Elisabeth was the daughter of King Albert I of Germany. Even though he was young, Rudolph was a brave leader. He fought in four different wars during his life. These wars took place in Lorraine, France, Brittany, and Iberia (modern-day Spain and Portugal). He died fighting in the Battle of Crécy.
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A Young Duke's Life and Wars
Rudolph faced his first big challenge in 1337. A count named Henry IV of Bar refused to show loyalty for some lands he held. Rudolph had to attack Henry's lands to make him follow the rules. Henry fought back, and the fighting spread.
Helping the King of France
The war finally ended when King Philip VI of France stepped in. This event made the ties between Lorraine and France much stronger. Rudolph's second marriage also helped this connection. He married Marie of Blois. She was the niece of the French king.
Rudolph also sent his soldiers to help King Philip VI. They helped lift the Siege of Tournai (1340). This was during the early part of the Hundred Years' War between France and England.
Adventures in Spain
During a short time of peace between England and France, Rudolph traveled far from home. He went to the Iberian Peninsula to help King Alfonso XI of Castile. King Alfonso was fighting against the Moors of Granada. This was part of a long effort called the Reconquista, where Christian kingdoms took back land from Muslim rulers. Rudolph fought bravely in the Battle of Gibraltar on November 3, 1340.
Fighting in Brittany and His Last Battle
When Rudolph returned to France, he helped his brother-in-law, Charles, Duke of Brittany. This was during the War of the Breton Succession, a fight over who would rule Brittany.
Later, Rudolph joined King Philip VI again. They fought together in the Battle of Crécy. This was a very important battle in the Hundred Years' War. Sadly, Rudolph was killed there on August 26, 1346. Many other brave French knights also died that day.
Rudolph's Family Life
Rudolph had two wives during his life.
First Marriage
His first wife was Eleanor of Bar. They married in 1329 in Pont-à-Mousson. Eleanor was the daughter of Edward I, Count of Bar. Sadly, they did not have any children. Eleanor died in 1332.
Second Marriage and Children
Rudolph then married Marie of Blois. She was born in 1323 and died in 1380. Marie was the daughter of Guy of Blois and Margaret of Valois. Margaret was the sister of King Philip VI of France. Rudolph and Marie had three children:
- Twins (who died before July 31, 1343)
- John I, Duke of Lorraine (1346–1390), who became the next Duke of Lorraine after his father.
See also
