Jean I, Duke of Alençon


Jean I of Alençon, known as the Wise, was a French nobleman, killed at the Battle of Agincourt.
Jean 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.

Family

In 1396, he married Marie of Brittany, daughter of John IV, Duke of Brittany. They had five children:
  1. Pierre d'Alençon
  2. Jean d'Alençon, Duke of Alençon
  3. Marie d'Alençon
  4. Jeanne d'Alençon
  5. Charlotte d'Alençon
He also had two illegitimate children:
  1. Pierre d'Alençon, Lord of Gallandon
  2. Marguerite d'Alençon, married Jean de St-Aubin, Lord of Preaux