Jehanne de Fougeres ★

Born At Chateau de Fougeres, Brittany, France. She died After 1273.

Family Background and Inheritance

Jeanne de Fougères was born at Château de Fougères in Brittany, daughter of Raoul III, seigneur of Fougères, and Isabelle de Craon. She became sole heir after her infant brother Jean died shortly after his birth in December 1230, and inherited the lordship of Fougères on her father's death on February 24, 1256.

Marriage and Administration

Jeanne married Hugh XII of Lusignan on January 29, 1254, becoming Countess of La Marche and Angoulême; the couple had six children. That same year she inherited Fougères, and set about strengthening its defenses, ordering the expansion of the château of Fougères with the addition of the Melusine and Gobelin towers.

Widowhood and Regency

Hugh was killed on crusade with Louis IX of France shortly after August 25, 1270, leaving Jeanne to secure guardianship of their minor children in November 1271 and manage their lands through a turbulent period on their behalf.

Death

Jeanne drew up her will on May 20, 1269, and died sometime after 1273, and was buried at Savigny. Her eldest daughter Yolande inherited the lordship of Fougères.