John I, Count of Blois

Coat of arms of Châtillon-sur-Marne (Gules, three pallets vair, a chief or)John I of Châtillon (died 5 May 1280 in Chambord), was count of Blois from 1241 to 1280 and lord of Avesnes.

Biography

He was the son of Hugh I of Châtillon and Marie of Avesnes.

In 1254, John married Alix of Brittany, Dame de Pontarcy (d. 1287), daughter of John I, Duke of Brittany and Blanche of Navarre. They had: Joan.

In 1256, he reunited Chartres with Blois on the death of his cousin Matilda of Amboise. He passed these lands on to Joan before his death.

John and his wife founded several religious institutions, including the Monastery of La Guiche.

In 1260 John granted the parish of Chouzy the right to organize a match of joule (a precursor of rugby) on Whitsun, a right that was practised for more than five centuries. It was an example for other parishes, who obtained similar privileges from their lords.

He was named Lieutenant General of France in 1270.