John I, Duke of Alencon | |
Noble Family: | Valois-Alençon |
Father: | Peter II of Alençon |
Mother: | Marie Chamaillard |
Spouse: | Marie of Brittany |
Birth Date: | 1385 |
Birth Place: | Château d'Essay |
Death Place: | Azincourt |
John I of Alençon, known as the Wise (1385 - 25 October 1415), was a French nobleman, killed at the Battle of Agincourt.
John was born in Château d'Essay, the son of Peter II of Alençon and Marie Chamaillard. In 1404, he succeeded his father as Count of Alençon and Perche. He was made Duke of Alençon in 1414.
He commanded the second division of the French army at the Battle of Agincourt. When the English broke through the first division, he led a countercharge. He is sometimes credited with killing Edward, Duke of York, wounding Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, and cutting an ornament from the crown of Henry V, King of England. He was overpowered by King Henry's bodyguard and slain before he could yield himself.
In 1396, he married Marie of Brittany (1391 - 1446), daughter of John IV, Duke of Brittany. They had five children:
He also had two illegitimate children: