Jehanne de Fougeres ★

1230s–1250s

Born at the Château de Fougères in Brittany, daughter of Raoul III, seigneur of Fougères, and Isabelle de Craon; sole heir after her infant brother died in 1230. Married Hugh XII of Lusignan on 29 January 1254 and inherited Fougères on her father's death in 1256, adding the Melusine and Gobelin towers to its château. They had six children.

1260s–1270s

Wrote her will on 20 May 1269. Widowed when Hugh died on crusade in 1270, she won guardianship of their children in November 1271. Died after 1273 and was buried at Savigny.

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. When she inherited Fougères in 1256 she 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.