Louis XI

Also known as: Dolphin of France / King Lewes / Lewes the Dolphins sonne / Lewes the French king / Louis XI of France / king Lewes / king Lewes the eleauenth / king Lewes the eleuenth · Family: France · Role: dauphin's son · First appears: Henry VI 2

In 1425, while still the Dolphins sonne, Louis XI was engaged and then married to Margaret Stewart as part of a league between France and Scotland. He was opposed to John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford, and in 1438 allied with John II, Duke of Alençon and John, Duke of Burgundy (Henry VI 27) in rebellion against his father, Charles VII, though the faction was dissolved and peace restored. His marriage to Charlotte of Savoy is also recorded.

Around 1470, Louis supported Margaret of Anjou and her allies with ships, soldiers, and money. He was threatened by the secret confederacy of Louis de Luxembourg, Count of Saint-Pol, while his relations with Edward IV shifted from hostility to negotiation. During Edward’s invasion, Louis appointed Robert de Estouteville to defend the frontier, refused to surrender French territory, and then agreed with Edward IV to a nine-year peace, including payments of seventy-five thousand crowns and an annual tribute of fifty thousand crowns. At Picquenie, the two kings swore to observe the treaty and arrange the marriage of their children; Louis later granted William Hastings, Baron Hastings an annual pension of two thousand crowns, sent through Piers Cleret.

Louis and Edward IV were subsequently described as friends: “On this side the sea I loue neither his sight nor his companie; but when he is at home I loue him as my brother, and take him as my friend.” Louis also received and rewarded several English lords, including Richard III, John Howard, Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Montgomery, Thomas St Leger, John Cheynie, and Thomas Grey, Marquess of Dorset. After Edward IV exposed Louis de Luxembourg, Count of Saint-Pol’s treachery, Louis accepted the letters as instruments contributing to the constable’s death; later, at the request of Louis, Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales was married.