Charles I, Duke of Elbeuf


Charles de Lorraine 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.

Life

Charles was the son of René de Lorraine, marquis of Elbeuf and count of Harcourt, and his wife Louise de Rieux. He was of a moderate attitude toward Protestantism, and during the 1570s hired Norman Huguenot servants from the families of Fouilleuse and Sarcilly. Charles was made a knight of the Ordre du Saint-Esprit on 1 December 1581. He was arrested the day after the assassination of duke of Guise. On his release Charles joined the Catholic League, becoming its leader in 1585, and fought against Henry of Navarre. He did not make peace with Henry 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, daughter of Léonor Chabot, count of Charny, and of Françoise de Longwy. Their children were :