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Blanche BourgogneQueen of France (1322)
Date of Birth: 01.01.1296
Country:  France |
Content:
- Queen of France
- Betrayal and Imprisonment
- Confinement and Madness
- Annulment and Death
- Marriage and Children
- Philip (1314-1322)
Queen of France
Blanche of Burgundy was the Queen of France in 1322. Born in 1304, she was the daughter of Otto IV, Count Palatine of Burgundy, and Matilda of Artois. In 1307, she married Charles, Count of La Marche, the future King Charles IV the Fair.
Betrayal and Imprisonment
In 1314, Blanche's affair with the squire Philip was uncovered. King Philip IV, Charles' father, was furious and subjected Blanche and her co-conspirator, Marguerite of Burgundy, to a public trial. They were sentenced to life imprisonment and forced to witness the execution of their lovers.
Confinement and Madness
Charles IV attempted to intercede for Blanche, but his peers opposed him. Blanche was imprisoned in Château-Gaillard, where she reportedly became pregnant. After Marguerite was murdered in her presence in 1315, Blanche's mind unraveled.
Annulment and Death
Blanche's marriage was annulled in 1322, paving the way for Charles IV to remarry and produce an heir. Blanche was transferred to a monastery in 1326, where she died a few months later at the age of 30. Her health had been severely compromised by her imprisonment.
Marriage and Children
Blanche was married to Charles IV from 1308 until their marriage was annulled in 1322. They had two children:
Philip (1314-1322)
Jeanne (1315-1321)Legacy in Art
Blanche of Burgundy's story has been immortalized in literature and drama. She is a character in Maurice Druon's historical novel series "The Accursed Kings" and Alexandre Dumas' play "The Tower of Nesle."
