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Lusignan Hugues XLord of Lusignan, Count of Marche, Count of Angoulême
Date of Birth: 01.01.1185
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Content:
- Early Life and Betrothal
- Marriage and Conflict with King John of England
- Fifth Crusade and Inheritance
- Military Service and Rebellions
- Regency of Blanche of Castile
- Reconciliation and Reversals
- Conflict with Alphonse de Poitiers
- Rebellion and Defeat
- Final Years and Seventh Crusade
Early Life and Betrothal
Hugh X, Lord of Lusignan, Count of La Marche, and Count of Angoulême, was the son of Hugh IX of Lusignan and Mahaud of Angoulême. As a child, he was betrothed to Isabella, the daughter of Aimery, Count of Angoulême.
Marriage and Conflict with King John of England
However, Hugh's fiancée was abducted and married in 1200 to King John of England. The Lusignans appealed to King Philip II Augustus of France, who seized the English possessions in Aquitaine as John refused to appear before his court.
Fifth Crusade and Inheritance
In 1217, Hugh X participated in the Fifth Crusade with his father, who died at the siege of Damietta in 1219. Hugh succeeded to the County of La Marche and married his former betrothed, Isabella of Angoulême, who had returned to France after the death of her husband, King John.
Military Service and Rebellions
Hugh commanded the French army in Gascony against his stepson, Richard of Cornwall, but had limited success. He received Saint-Jean-d'Angély and part of Aunis from King Louis VIII, but later joined the rebellion led by Pierre Mauclerc.
Regency of Blanche of Castile
After the death of Louis VIII, Hugh opposed the regency of Blanche of Castile. However, after the influential Count Thibaut IV of Champagne supported Blanche, Hugh submitted to the regency.
Reconciliation and Reversals
Hugh's eldest son was betrothed to Princess Isabella, and one of his daughters to Prince Alphonse de Poitiers. However, he was forced to return Saint-Jean-d'Angély and Aunis to the crown. In 1227, Hugh rejoined Mauclerc's forces but later switched sides to the king after Mauclerc's alignment with the English.
Conflict with Alphonse de Poitiers
From 1241, relations between Hugh Lusignan and the royal court deteriorated due to the arrival of Alphonse de Poitiers as Count of Poitou and Hugh's subordination to him. Alphonse married Mauclerc's daughter, and the crown demanded the return of Hugh's lands in Aunis.
Rebellion and Defeat
In response, Hugh conspired with King Henry III of England and Count Raymond VII of Toulouse. In 1242, English troops landed in Saintes, joined by Hugh's forces. The French army defeated the English at the Battle of Taillebourg, and Hugh surrendered the following day.
Final Years and Seventh Crusade
To seek pardon, Hugh renounced disputed territories and surrendered three of his castles. In his later years, he remained loyal to King Louis IX, participating in the Seventh Crusade and dying at the siege of Damietta, like his father 30 years earlier.
