William, Viscount of Limoges facts for kids
Quick facts for kids William de Châtillon |
|
|---|---|
| Viscount of Limoges | |
| Reign | 1404 – 1455 |
| Predecessor | John |
| Successor | Frances |
| Died | 1455 |
| Spouse | Isabelle de la Tour d'Auvergne |
| Issue | Frances |
| House | House of Châtillon |
| Father | John I, Count of Penthièvre |
| Mother | Margaret de Clisson |
William (died 1455) was an important noble in France. He held the titles of Seigneur of Avesnes and Viscount of Limoges starting in 1404. He kept these titles until he died. For a short time, he was also the Count of Périgord after his brother, John II, passed away in 1454.
Contents
William's Early Life
William was the son of John I, Count of Penthièvre and Margaret de Clisson. Because he was a younger son, his family planned for him to join the clergy. This meant he would work for the church.
He studied at the University of Angers. While he was still young, his family tried to arrange for him to become a bishop in places like Vannes or Saint-Brieuc.
Family Conflicts
William's mother, Margaret de Clisson, and her sons had a disagreement with John V, Duke of Brittany. They believed they had a right to rule Brittany. This conflict happened between 1420 and 1422.
Because of this disagreement, William's family had to go before important groups in France. These groups included the French Parliament and the Breton Estates. In 1425, two of William's brothers lost their lands in Brittany. William himself was given to the Duke of Brittany as a hostage in 1420.
Years as a Hostage
William was held as a hostage in a place called Auray for 28 years. During this long time, he lost his eyesight. He was finally set free in 1448. This happened after his family and Francis I, Duke of Brittany made peace.
Marriage and Family
In 1450, William married Isabelle de la Tour d'Auvergne. She was the daughter of Bertrand V de La Tour d'Auvergne. William and Isabelle had three daughters together:
- Frances
- Joan, who married John de Surgeres
- Charlotte, who married Antoine de Villequier
Later Life and Legacy
In 1454, William inherited the title of Count of Périgord from his brother, John. However, William died the very next year, in 1455.
After William's death, his daughter Frances became the Countess of Périgord and the Viscountess of Limoges. She continued her family's important role in these regions.
