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Louis II (; ) (25 October 1330,
Male Male (Planet symbols, symbol: ♂) is the sex of an organism that produces the gamete (sex cell) known as sperm, which fuses with the larger female gamete, or Egg cell, ovum, in the process of fertilisation. A male organism cannot sexual repro ...
– 30 January 1384,
Lille Lille (, ; ; ; ; ) is a city in the northern part of France, within French Flanders. Positioned along the Deûle river, near France's border with Belgium, it is the capital of the Hauts-de-France Regions of France, region, the Prefectures in F ...
), also known as Louis of Male, a member of the
House of Dampierre The House of Dampierre played an important role during the Middle Ages. Named after Dampierre, Aube, Dampierre, in the Champagne region, where members first became prominent, members of the family were later Count of Flanders, Count of Nevers, Cou ...
, was
Count of Flanders The count of Flanders was the ruler or sub-ruler of the county of Flanders, beginning in the 9th century. Later, the title would be held for a time, by the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire and Spain. During the French Revolution, in 1790, the c ...
, Count of Nevers, and
Count of Rethel The first rulers of Rethel might have governed under the Abbey of Saint-Remi and later independently, before the county passed first to the counts of Nevers, then to the counts of Flanders, and finally to the dukes of Burgundy. In 1405 the coun ...
from 1346 to 1384, and also
Count of Artois The count of Artois (, ) was the ruler over the County of Artois from the 9th century until the abolition of the countship by the French Revolution, French revolutionaries in 1790. House of Artois *Odalric () *Altmar () *Adelelm (?–932) *''C ...
and
Count of Burgundy This is a list of the County of Burgundy, counts of Burgundy, i.e., of the region known as Franche-Comté, not to be confused with the Duchy of Burgundy, from 982 to 1678. House of Ivrea (982–1184) House of Hohenstaufen (1190–1231) ...
from 1382 until his death. He was the son of Count Louis I of Flanders and the Countess of Burgundy and Artois, Margaret I of Burgundy, the youngest daughter of the
King of France France was ruled by monarchs from the establishment of the kingdom of West Francia in 843 until the end of the Second French Empire in 1870, with several interruptions. Classical French historiography usually regards Clovis I, king of the Fra ...
, Philip V the Tall.


Summary of his reign

Becoming count after his father was killed at the
Battle of Crécy The Battle of Crécy took place on 26 August 1346 in northern France between a French army commanded by King PhilipVI and an English army led by King Edward III. The French attacked the English while they were traversing northern France ...
(), he broke with his father’s pro-French policies to adopt a stance closer to his subjects, skillfully navigating between the conflicting interests of the kings of
France France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
and
England England is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the island of Great Britain, of which it covers about 62%, and List of islands of England, more than 100 smaller adjacent islands. It ...
, who were in open war.Joseph Calmette, ''The Great Dukes of Burgundy'', Albin Michel, 1976, pp. 51–64. He ensured
Flanders Flanders ( or ; ) is the Dutch language, Dutch-speaking northern portion of Belgium and one of the communities, regions and language areas of Belgium. However, there are several overlapping definitions, including ones related to culture, la ...
, despite the
Black Death The Black Death was a bubonic plague pandemic that occurred in Europe from 1346 to 1353. It was one of the list of epidemics, most fatal pandemics in human history; as many as people perished, perhaps 50% of Europe's 14th century population. ...
(1348), thirty years of relative peace and economic recovery (1349 – 1379), a period framed by two major revolts led by the weavers of
Ghent Ghent ( ; ; historically known as ''Gaunt'' in English) is a City status in Belgium, city and a Municipalities of Belgium, municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of the Provinces of Belgium, province ...
. With the support of Margaret of France, he prepared for the establishment of the
House of Valois-Burgundy The House of Valois-Burgundy (, ), or the Younger House of Burgundy, was a noble Kingdom of France, French family deriving from the royal House of Valois. (It is distinct from the Capetian House of Burgundy, descendants of King Robert II of France ...
in the county of Flanders through his administrative reforms and the marriage of his only daughter, Margaret of Flanders. She later married
Philip the Bold Philip II the Bold (; ; 17 January 1342 – 27 April 1404) was Duke of Burgundy and ''jure uxoris'' Count of Flanders, Artois and Burgundy. He was the fourth and youngest son of King John II of France and Bonne of Luxembourg. Philip was th ...
. This allowed for the return of Romance Flanders to the county.


Early years: 1330–1346

The son of Louis I of Flanders and Margaret I of Burgundy, he was
baptized Baptism (from ) is a Christian sacrament of initiation almost invariably with the use of water. It may be performed by sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or by immersing in water either partially or completely, traditionally three ...
by the Bishop of Arras, Pierre Roger, who would become
Pope Clement VI Pope Clement VI (; 1291 – 6 December 1352), born Pierre Roger, was head of the Catholic Church from 7 May 1342 to his death, in December 1352. He was the fourth Avignon pope. Clement reigned during the first visitation of the Black Death (1 ...
. As a child, he was married to Margaret of Brabant to seal the reconciliation between Duke John III of Brabant and his father. Injured but surviving the
Battle of Crécy The Battle of Crécy took place on 26 August 1346 in northern France between a French army commanded by King PhilipVI and an English army led by King Edward III. The French attacked the English while they were traversing northern France ...
, where he witnessed his father's death, Louis of Male was knighted on the same day by Philip VI of Valois, who had taken refuge in
Amiens Amiens (English: or ; ; , or ) is a city and Communes of France, commune in northern France, located north of Paris and south-west of Lille. It is the capital of the Somme (department), Somme Departments of France, department in the region ...
().


Beginning of his reign: 1346–1349

By November, the new count was in
Flanders Flanders ( or ; ) is the Dutch language, Dutch-speaking northern portion of Belgium and one of the communities, regions and language areas of Belgium. However, there are several overlapping definitions, including ones related to culture, la ...
, allowing the old comital dynasty to reconnect with the Flemings. However, the
Ghent Ghent ( ; ; historically known as ''Gaunt'' in English) is a City status in Belgium, city and a Municipalities of Belgium, municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of the Provinces of Belgium, province ...
citizens, dominated by the powerful Weaver
guild A guild ( ) is an association of artisans and merchants who oversee the practice of their craft/trade in a particular territory. The earliest types of guild formed as organizations of tradespeople belonging to a professional association. They so ...
, sought to impose an English marriage on the count, ensuring a wool supply from the
British Isles The British Isles are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean off the north-western coast of continental Europe, consisting of the islands of Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Inner Hebrides, Inner and Outer Hebr ...
. Held under courteous guard in his capital, he used a falcon hunt as a pretext to flee to
France France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
, then to Brabant, where he married Margaret of Brabant, daughter of the French king’s ally (1347). Ghent revolted immediately (1347–1349). But discontent in the small towns and the desire of
Bruges Bruges ( , ; ; ) is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders, in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is in the northwest of the country, and is the sixth most populous city in the country. The area of the whole city amoun ...
,
Lille Lille (, ; ; ; ; ) is a city in the northern part of France, within French Flanders. Positioned along the Deûle river, near France's border with Belgium, it is the capital of the Hauts-de-France Regions of France, region, the Prefectures in F ...
, and
Ypres Ypres ( ; ; ; ; ) is a Belgian city and municipality in the province of West Flanders. Though the Dutch name is the official one, the city's French name is most commonly used in English. The municipality comprises the city of Ypres/Ieper ...
to challenge Ghent's hegemony weakened the revolt, especially as the devastating
Black Death The Black Death was a bubonic plague pandemic that occurred in Europe from 1346 to 1353. It was one of the list of epidemics, most fatal pandemics in human history; as many as people perished, perhaps 50% of Europe's 14th century population. ...
epidemic struck Flanders in 1348. Unexpectedly, the count signed a neutrality treaty with the king of England () and, supported by the smaller towns ( Grammont, Termonde,
Oudenaarde Oudenaarde (; ; in English sometimes ''Oudenarde'') is a Belgium, Belgian City status in Belgium, city and Municipalities of Belgium, municipality in the Flemish Region, Flemish Provinces of Belgium, province of East Flanders. The municipality ...
), regained control of Flanders. The Ghent weavers were eventually crushed by the fullers and other guilds (''Goede Maandag'', Tuesday ).


A period of prosperity: 1349–1379

This would be the count’s policy: constant balancing between France and England to ensure the county's neutrality. Louis of Male gained great popularity by refusing homage to the new French king John II in 1350, demanding the return of the Romance Flanders cities (
Lille Lille (, ; ; ; ; ) is a city in the northern part of France, within French Flanders. Positioned along the Deûle river, near France's border with Belgium, it is the capital of the Hauts-de-France Regions of France, region, the Prefectures in F ...
,
Douai Douai ( , , ; ; ; formerly spelled Douay or Doway in English) is a city in the Nord (French department), Nord département in northern France. It is a Subprefectures in France, sub-prefecture of the department. Located on the river Scarpe (rive ...
, Orchies) to the county, thereby reclaiming direct sovereignty over the lordship of Termonde. Upon the death of Duke John III of Brabant, he demanded arrears from his successors Joan of Brabant and Wenceslas I of Luxembourg for the sale of
Mechelen Mechelen (; ; historically known as ''Mechlin'' in EnglishMechelen has been known in English as ''Mechlin'', from where the adjective ''Mechlinian'' is derived. This name may still be used, especially in a traditional or historical context. T ...
and the payment of his wife's dowry, which they refused.Joseph Calmette, ''The Great Dukes of Burgundy'', Albin Michel, 1976, pp. 51–64. Louis invaded Brabant, captured
Brussels Brussels, officially the Brussels-Capital Region, (All text and all but one graphic show the English name as Brussels-Capital Region.) is a Communities, regions and language areas of Belgium#Regions, region of Belgium comprising #Municipalit ...
(Battle of Scheut, ), and seized the duchy. The Brabançons revolted (October 24–29, 1356), but the count’s defensive strategy paid off: at the Peace of Ath (), he retained the title of Duke of Brabant for life and honor, along with his rights to succession, reclaimed Mechelen, and gained
Antwerp Antwerp (; ; ) is a City status in Belgium, city and a Municipalities of Belgium, municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of Antwerp Province, and the third-largest city in Belgium by area at , after ...
for the county. One of the major affairs of his reign was the marriage of his only daughter and heiress
Margaret Margaret is a feminine given name, which means "pearl". It is of Latin origin, via Ancient Greek and ultimately from Iranian languages, Old Iranian. It has been an English language, English name since the 11th century, and remained popular thro ...
. Intense diplomatic activity surrounded the issue, as her inheritance was coveted by both the English and the French. Margaret was first married to Philip of Rouvres, son of the Queen of France Joan of Boulogne, Duke of Burgundy, Count of Burgundy, and Artois (), a union that heralded the return of Artois to the Flemish fold. The young duke’s death in 1361 unexpectedly returned Artois to Louis of Male, as his mother inherited it herself. With the promise of two new provinces (Artois and
Franche-Comté Franche-Comté (, ; ; Frainc-Comtou dialect, Frainc-Comtou: ''Fraintche-Comtè''; ; also ; ; all ) is a cultural and Provinces of France, historical region of eastern France. It is composed of the modern departments of France, departments of Doub ...
), Margaret again became a target for suitors from both sides. Initially favoring an English marriage, Louis of Male, with the decisive support of his mother Margaret of France, ultimately arranged for her to marry the new Duke of Burgundy,
Philip the Bold Philip II the Bold (; ; 17 January 1342 – 27 April 1404) was Duke of Burgundy and ''jure uxoris'' Count of Flanders, Artois and Burgundy. He was the fourth and youngest son of King John II of France and Bonne of Luxembourg. Philip was th ...
, younger brother of King
Charles V of France Charles V (21 January 1338 – 16 September 1380), called the Wise (; ), was King of France from 1364 to his death in 1380. His reign marked an early high point for France during the Hundred Years' War as his armies recovered much of the terri ...
, in exchange for the return of Romance Flanders (
Lille Lille (, ; ; ; ; ) is a city in the northern part of France, within French Flanders. Positioned along the Deûle river, near France's border with Belgium, it is the capital of the Hauts-de-France Regions of France, region, the Prefectures in F ...
,
Douai Douai ( , , ; ; ; formerly spelled Douay or Doway in English) is a city in the Nord (French department), Nord département in northern France. It is a Subprefectures in France, sub-prefecture of the department. Located on the river Scarpe (rive ...
, Orchies) to the county (). A long-standing Flemish claim was finally satisfied. Nevertheless, the count continued to pursue an independent policy, hosting allies of
Edward III of England Edward III (13 November 1312 – 21 June 1377), also known as Edward of Windsor before his accession, was King of England from January 1327 until his death in 1377. He is noted for his military success and for restoring royal authority after t ...
or taking a stand against the
Avignon Papacy The Avignon Papacy (; ) was the period from 1309 to 1376 during which seven successive popes resided in Avignon (at the time within the Kingdom of Arles, part of the Holy Roman Empire, now part of France) rather than in Rome (now the capital of ...
during the
Western Schism The Western Schism, also known as the Papal Schism, the Great Occidental Schism, the Schism of 1378, or the Great Schism (), was a split within the Catholic Church lasting from 20 September 1378 to 11 November 1417, in which bishops residing ...
, despite it being favored by the king of France. In 1365, following the assassination of Siger II of Enghien, his men invaded Hainaut and defeated the troops of Albert I of Hainaut between
Hove Hove ( ) is a seaside resort in East Sussex, England. Alongside Brighton, it is one of the two main parts of the city of Brighton and Hove. Originally a fishing village surrounded by open farmland, it grew rapidly in the 19th century in respon ...
and Enghien.


Political achievements

Louis of Male's administrative work was significant and laid the groundwork for future actions by the Burgundian rulers. To balance the power of the cities, he added a fourth entity representing the Franc of Bruges, the countryside surrounding the port, to the three traditional "members" of Flanders. He reorganized the Count’s Council (Curia) into specialized bodies (the future Council Chamber for overseeing the bailiffs' accounts, the Council Audience responsible for high jurisdiction, etc.), with the Council maintaining its role as the political affairs organ, separate from the person of the count. A sovereign bailiff, a general receiver, and a general prosecutor were also created. The count surrounded himself with recently ennobled legal experts. He also embarked on a grand construction policy, including the digging of a canal between Bruges, which he had made his principal residence, and the Lys.Joseph Calmette, ''The Great Dukes of Burgundy'', Albin Michel, 1976, pp. 51–64.


Private life

In his private life, Louis of Male acted as a prince of his time. He lived lavishly, maintained a zoo, surrounded himself with a court of
acrobats Acrobatics () is the performance of human feats of balance, agility, and motor coordination. Acrobatic skills are used in performing arts, sporting events, and martial arts. Extensive use of acrobatic skills are most often performed in acro d ...
and
jugglers Juggling is a physical skill, performed by a juggler, involving the object manipulation, manipulation of objects for recreation, entertainment, art or sport. The most recognizable form of juggling is toss juggling. Juggling can be the manipula ...
, organized
tournaments A tournament is a competition involving at least three competitors, all participating in a sport or game. More specifically, the term may be used in either of two overlapping senses: # One or more competitions held at a single venue and concentr ...
, and spent lavishly. He is known to have fathered thirteen illegitimate children. Often short of money, he increasingly taxed the Flemish cities, which caused discontent, especially in
Ypres Ypres ( ; ; ; ; ) is a Belgian city and municipality in the province of West Flanders. Though the Dutch name is the official one, the city's French name is most commonly used in English. The municipality comprises the city of Ypres/Ieper ...
,
Bruges Bruges ( , ; ; ) is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders, in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is in the northwest of the country, and is the sixth most populous city in the country. The area of the whole city amoun ...
, and
Ghent Ghent ( ; ; historically known as ''Gaunt'' in English) is a City status in Belgium, city and a Municipalities of Belgium, municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of the Provinces of Belgium, province ...
.


The troubled end of his reign: 1379–1384

His last years were marked by the bloody return of unrest. The Revolt of the White Hoods (so named due to the white hoods worn by the rebels from Ghent) broke out in 1379 and continued beyond Louis of Male’s death. The weavers regained power in Ghent (August 1379), then in the rest of northern Flanders. The count sought refuge in Lille, and after another revolt in Bruges, he managed a victory at
Nevele Nevele () is a village and former Municipalities of Belgium, municipality located in the Belgium, Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the towns of Hansbeke, Landegem, Merendree, Nevele proper, Poesele and Vosselare. In 2 ...
(1381). He fled during the Battle of Beverhoutsveld () when Bruges was attacked by the Ghent citizens led by Philip van Artevelde. Eventually, the royal army under
Charles VI of France Charles VI (3 December 136821 October 1422), nicknamed the Beloved () and in the 19th century, the Mad ( or ''le Fou''), was King of France from 1380 until his death in 1422. He is known for his mental illness and psychosis, psychotic episodes t ...
crushed the rebels at Battle of Roosebeke (). Louis II died less than two years after the rebellion which had caused great turmoil for his territories, without a legitimate male heir his holdings were passed onto his surviving daughter, Margaret III who became the last of the House of Dampierre to rule Flanders which she ruled jointly with her husband Philip II Duke of Burgundy.


Descendants

From his marriage to Margaret of Brabant (), daughter of John III of Brabant and Marie of Évreux, he had only one daughter: * Margaret of Male ( – ), widow of Philip of Rouvres in 1361, married
Philip the Bold Philip II the Bold (; ; 17 January 1342 – 27 April 1404) was Duke of Burgundy and ''jure uxoris'' Count of Flanders, Artois and Burgundy. He was the fourth and youngest son of King John II of France and Bonne of Luxembourg. Philip was th ...
in 1369.


Illegitimate children

Louis of Male fathered numerous illegitimate children. Historians have identified at least thirteen by name: * Louis, called "of Haze," married a daughter from the Landas house and was killed on in
Nicopolis Nicopolis () or Actia Nicopolis was the capital city of the Roman province of Epirus (Roman province), Epirus. Its site, near Preveza, Greece, still contains impressive ruins. The city was founded in 29 BC by Octavian in commemoration of his ...
, Bulgaria. * Louis of Flanders, called "The Frisian," Lord of Woestyne, married Maria van Gistel and died in the same battle. * John of Flanders, called "Landless," married Wilhelmina van Nevele and also perished on the same day. * Margaret of Flanders married a lord of Wavrin and received an annuity from Louis of Male. * Margaret of Flanders became abbess of the Abbey of Petegem, receiving a pension. * Peter of Flanders, who died young on , was buried with the Dominicans in Ghent. * Robert of Flanders held lordships in Elverdinge and
Vlamertinge Vlamertinge is a village in the Belgium, Belgian province of West Flanders and a borough of the city of Ypres. The village center of Vlamertinge lies just outside the city center of Ypres, along the main road N38 to the nearby town of Poperinge. ...
. He married Anastasia d'Oultre, making him Viscount of Ypres. The marriage took place on , attended by the Count of Charolais, future Duke
Philip the Good Philip III the Good (; ; 31 July 1396 – 15 June 1467) ruled as Duke of Burgundy from 1419 until his death in 1467. He was a member of a cadet line of the Valois dynasty, to which all 15th-century kings of France belonged. During his reign, ...
, who was unaware at the time that his father,
John the Fearless John I (; ; 28 May 1371 – 10 September 1419) was a scion of the French royal family who ruled the Burgundian State from 1404 until his assassination in 1419. He played a key role in French national affairs during the early 15th century, part ...
, had been assassinated two days earlier. * Victor of Flanders, born to Margaretha Haelshuuts, the only known mother of his illegitimate children by name, became Lord of Ursel and Wissegem. He married Jeanne of Gavre, who later remarried Simon VIII of Lalaing on . He served as an admiral and a captain of Biervliet. In 1400, he was a leader of the fleet under John the Fearless but was temporarily exiled by the "four members" of Flanders. He also fathered two illegitimate children, and their mother provided them with gifts in 1427 and 1441, respectively. * Margaret of Flanders († 1415), who married Florent van Maldegem († 1374), Hector van Vuurhoute, and Zeger van Gent in succession. * Jeanne of Flanders († after 1420) married Théodoric, Lord of Hondschote. * Beatrice of Flanders married Robert of Maarschalk, the chamberlain of the Count of Flanders. He was a witness during the signing of Louis of Male's will. * Catherine of Flanders married in 1390, although the identity of her spouse remains unrecorded. * Catherine of Flanders, who became a nun at the Thieuloye monastery near Arras. Historians suggest that Louis of Male fathered at least thirteen illegitimate children by name. However, records from 1384 and later indicate there were more, whose names are unknown. That year, a record by Jonkheer Nicolaas Bonin detailed an inventory of the furnishings at the Gosnay castle at the time of Louis of Male’s death in Saint-Omer. The inventory mentioned eleven illegitimate children (four boys and seven girls) under the care of Elisabeth of Lichtervelde. Some of these children may overlap with those previously named, but several remain unidentified in historical documents. Louis of Male took great care in arranging the education, marriages, or placements of his illegitimate children, many of whom achieved high ranks among the Flemish nobility. His legitimate daughter and the Dukes of Burgundy also supported these illegitimate relatives, who proved to be loyal servants of the ducal family.


The tomb of Louis of Male

Louis of Male had a chapel built next to the
church Church may refer to: Religion * Church (building), a place/building for Christian religious activities and praying * Church (congregation), a local congregation of a Christian denomination * Church service, a formalized period of Christian comm ...
of Notre-Dame de Courtrai as his intended burial site: the Chapel of the Counts. However, he was ultimately not buried there. Instead, his remains were lavishly interred alongside his wife, Margaret of Brabant (who died in 1380), at the Saint Peter’s Collegiate Church in Lille on . The tomb, made of gilded
bronze Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, commonly with about 12–12.5% tin and often with the addition of other metals (including aluminium, manganese, nickel, or zinc) and sometimes non-metals (such as phosphorus) or metalloid ...
, was located in the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille chapel. Their daughter,
Margaret III of Flanders Margaret III (13 April 1350 – 16/21 March 1405) was a ruling Countess of Flanders, Countess of Artois, and Countess of Auvergne and Boulogne between 1384 and 1405. She was the last ruler of Flanders of the House of Dampierre. She was also ...
, was also laid to rest there after her death on in
Arras Arras ( , ; ; historical ) is the prefecture of the Pas-de-Calais department, which forms part of the region of Hauts-de-France; before the reorganization of 2014 it was in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The historic centre of the Artois region, with a ...
. The tomb of Louis of Male, featuring three effigies, was visible in the Saint Peter’s Collegiate Church of
Lille Lille (, ; ; ; ; ) is a city in the northern part of France, within French Flanders. Positioned along the Deûle river, near France's border with Belgium, it is the capital of the Hauts-de-France Regions of France, region, the Prefectures in F ...
until the French Revolution. The church was completely destroyed in 1806, but fortunately, the tomb escaped revolutionary destruction and was transported to the former town hall of
Lille Lille (, ; ; ; ; ) is a city in the northern part of France, within French Flanders. Positioned along the Deûle river, near France's border with Belgium, it is the capital of the Hauts-de-France Regions of France, region, the Prefectures in F ...
. However, it disappeared around 1830. Aubin-Louis Millin described the tomb, among others, in volume five of the ''Antiquités nationales'', published in 1799.Aubin-Louis Millin de Grandmaison, ''Antiquités nationales'', Drouhin, 1790.


Sources

* * * * * *


References

1330 births 1384 deaths 14th-century counts of Flanders 14th-century peers of France House of Dampierre Counts of Nevers Counts of Rethel Counts of Artois Counts of Burgundy {{Authority control