Michelle of Valois

Michelle of France (11 January 1395 – 8 July 1422), also called Michelle of Valois, was Duchess consort of Burgundy as the first wife of Philip III, Duke of Burgundy, called "Philip the Good". She was born a princess of France as the daughter of Charles VI, King of France and Isabeau of Bavaria.

Life

Early life Michelle was born on 11 January 1395 as the seventh child and fifth daughter of Charles VI, King of France and Isabeau/Isabelle of Bavaria. She was named for Saint Michael the Archangel after her father noted an improvement in his health after a pilgrimage to Mont Saint-Michel in 1393. The children of the royal family were raised with great care. Their mother purchased luxurious toys, clothes and gifts for them, and regularly corresponded with them when they were apart. During pandemics, she ensured they were sent to safety in the countryside.

Marriage In June 1409, at the age of 14, Michelle married 13-year-old Philip, Count of Charolais, son and heir of John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy. They had probably been engaged on 28 January 1405, at the age of 10 and 8, respectively. Michelle and Philip were second cousins, both descending from John II, King of France ("John the Good"). Michelle and Philip had a daughter, Agnes, who died in infancy.

Death The remaining part of Michelle's tombIn 1422, while her husband was away preparing for the battle of Cone, Michelle fell ill and died on 8 July in Ghent. All of the inhabitants grieved, as she had been much loved by the people. She was buried in Saint Bavo's Abbey near the city. In 1540, the abbey was destroyed on the orders of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, causing only a fragment of her tomb to remain to this day. After her death, rumors circulated that she had been poisoned by a former attendant, known as Dame de Viesville, a close confidante dismissed shortly before Michelle's death. However, no charges were ever brought up against her.