Charles I, Duke of Elbeuf

Charles de Lorraine (Joinville, 18 October 1556 - Moulins, 4 August 1605) was a French duke and nobleman. He was marquis of Elbeuf from 1566 to 1582, then duke of Elbeuf from 1582 to 1605 and count of Harcourt from 1566 to 1582, lord of Rieux, baron of Ancenis and peer of France. His parents were René de Lorraine, marquis of Elbeuf and count of Harcourt, and his wife Louise de Rieux.

Life

He was made a knight of the Ordre du Saint-Esprit on 1 December 1581, but was arrested the day after the assassination of duke of Guise. On his release he joined the Catholic League and fought against Henry of Navarre, who was to become king of France. He did not make peace with him until 1594, when he received the governorship of Poitou from him and from then on became his faithful servant.

Marriage and issue

On 5 February 1583 he married Marguerite de Chabot (1565 † 1652), daughter of Léonor Chabot, count of Charny, and of Françoise de Longwy. Their children were :

• Charles II (1596 † 1657), Duke of Elbeuf
• Claude Éléonore of Lorraine (1598 † 1654) known as Mademoiselle d'Elbeuf prior to her marriage with Louis Gouffier († 1642), Duke of Roannais in 1660. The couple had no children.
• Henriette of Lorraine (1599 † 1669), Abbess of Soissons
• Henri of Lorraine (1601 † 1666), Count of Harcourt, of,Armagnac and of Brionne
• Françoise of Lorraine (1602 † 1626) never married;
• Catherine of Lorraine (1605 † 1611) died in infancy.

Sources

• Georges Poull, La maison ducale de Lorraine, 1991