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Henri IIICount of Bar and Lord of Musson since 1291
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Early Life and Inheritance
- Support for Lorraine and Disputes with France
- Alliance with England and Intermarriages
- Support for Adolf of Nassau and Conflict with Philip IV
- Defeat and Imprisonment
- Treaty of Bruges and Territories
- Eastern Campaigns and Death
- Family
- Edward I, Count of Bar
Early Life and Inheritance
Henry III, Count of Bar and Lord of Mousson, was born as the son of Theobald II, Count of Bar, and Jeanne de Toucy. His paternal lineage traced back to the House of Montbéliard. In 1284, Jeanne of Champagne, Countess of Champagne and Queen of Navarre, married the future King Philip IV of France, bringing the County of Bar closer to the royal domain.
Support for Lorraine and Disputes with France
In 1288, Henry joined forces with Ferry III, Duke of Lorraine, in a conflict against Bouchard d'Avesnes, Bishop of Metz. In 1291, upon the death of his father, Henry became Count of Bar. Despite his initial support for Philip IV, he later faced increased pressure from France.
Alliance with England and Intermarriages
Henry forged a close bond with King Edward I of England, based on shared interests. On September 20, 1293, he married Edward's daughter, Princess Eleanor, in Bristol. Eleanor had previously been betrothed to Alfonso III of Aragon, but he passed away in 1191. The marriage ceremony was marred by the tragic death of Duke John I of Brabant, who perished in a tournament held in Louvain in honor of the occasion.
Support for Adolf of Nassau and Conflict with Philip IV
Henry also became a supporter of King Adolf of Nassau, who appointed him as governor on the border with France in 1295. However, his alliance with England and his support for Adolf led to tensions with Philip IV. In 1296, Henry formed a coalition with Edward I and Guy de Dampierre, Count of Flanders, against Philip IV.
Defeat and Imprisonment
In October 1297, Guy de Dampierre made peace with Philip IV, leaving Henry alone in his struggle against the French king. In June, he was defeated by Gaucher V de Châtillon at the Battle of L'Eaubonne-sur-Luzarne. Later that year, Henry was captured and imprisoned in Champagne.
Treaty of Bruges and Territories
In 1301, the Treaty of Bruges between Philip IV and Emperor Albert I established that Henry would retain his territories west of the Meuse River, including part of Barrois mouvant. However, he had to acknowledge the sovereignty of the French king over these areas. The remaining portion of Barrois, including Pont-à-Mousson, remained within the Holy Roman Empire.
Eastern Campaigns and Death
Henry traveled to Cyprus to fight against the infidels. In 1302, he planned to join an expedition to the East, but was delayed in Southern Italy. While assisting King Charles II of Naples against King Frederick II of Sicily, he was severely wounded and passed away shortly after.
Family
Henry III, Count of Bar married Eleanor of England on September 20, 1293, in Bristol. Their children included:
Edward I, Count of Bar
Henry IV, Count of BarEleanor of Bar, Countess of Flanders
