Jeanne Bourgogne Queen of France, daughter of Robert I Country: France

1. Biography of Jeanne of Burgundy
2. Leadership during Absence
3. Financial Management
4. Controversial Reputation
5. Death and Legends

Biography of Jeanne of Burgundy

Jeanne of Burgundy, also known as Jeanne de France, was born to Robert II, Duke of Burgundy, and Agnes of France, the daughter of King Louis IX. She was engaged to Philip of Taranto, son of Charles II, King of Naples, in 1302. However, in 1313 she married Philip of Valois, the future Philip VI of Valois. She became Queen of France in 1328.

Leadership during Absence

Jeanne was one of the first wives of a French king to be entrusted with the management of the state. In August 1338, Philip VI granted Jeanne the authority to govern in his absence. Intelligent and determined, Jeanne proved to be a capable ruler during her husband's absence, as he was engaged in battles against Edward III of England, who claimed the French crown.

Financial Management

On January 17, 1346, Jeanne of Burgundy was assigned the task of handling taxation for the current year by the king. She used her power to raise funds for the military campaign against the English. However, Jeanne had a poor reputation among the people and was given the nickname "la male royne boiteuse" or "the lame male queen" due to her unattractive appearance and possibly her influence over the weak-willed king.

Controversial Reputation

Jean Froissart, Pierre Cochon, and the author of the Chronicles of the First Four Valois described Jeanne of Burgundy as a vengeful person with a bad character and unfairly blamed her for Philip VI's defeat at Calais. She was also accused of plotting the murder of several Norman nobles who were rivals of the Burgundian party at the French court.

Death and Legends

Jeanne of Burgundy died on September 12, 1348, in the Hotel de Nelles in Paris, most likely from the bubonic plague, which was spreading across Europe at that time. She was buried in the Abbey of Saint-Denis. There is a legend associated with Jeanne of Burgundy that portrays her as a cunning queen who lured young men with the help of her servants, engaged in a night of love with them, and then ordered their killings. Rumors spread throughout Paris, and her husband, Philip VI, was forced to take Jeanne from the Hotel de Nelles to one of the Burgundian castles. The unattractive portrait of Queen Jeanne is also depicted by Maurice Druon in the historical novel series "The Accursed Kings."