# Joan of Burgundy

> Queen consort of France as the first wife of Philip VI

**Wikidata**: [Q231742](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q231742)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_the_Lame_of_Burgundy)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joan-of-burgundy

## Summary
Joan of Burgundy, also known as Joan the Lame, was Queen consort of France as the first wife of Philip VI. She played a key role in the French monarchy during the 14th century, supporting her husband's reign and navigating the political landscape of medieval Europe.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1293
- **Nationality**: Kingdom of France
- **Known for**: Being the first queen consort of Philip VI of France
- **Employer(s)**: French monarchy

## Contributions
Joan of Burgundy's primary contribution was her role as queen consort, providing political and familial support to King Philip VI during his reign. Her marriage solidified alliances within the French nobility, contributing to the stability of the monarchy during a period of transition.

## FAQs
**Who was Joan of Burgundy married to?**
Joan of Burgundy was married to Philip VI, King of France, serving as his first queen consort from their marriage until her death in 1349.

**What was Joan of Burgundy's role in the French monarchy?**
As queen consort, Joan supported her husband's rule and participated in court life, though specific details of her political influence are limited by historical records.

**Why is Joan of Burgundy sometimes called "the Lame"?**
The origin of the nickname "the Lame" is not explicitly detailed in the provided source material, but it may relate to a physical characteristic or injury she had.

## Why They Matter
Joan of Burgundy's significance lies in her position as queen consort during the foundational years of the Valois dynasty. Her marriage to Philip VI helped legitimize his claim to the throne, which was contested at the time. Without her familial connections and support, the early Valois monarchy might have faced greater instability.

## Notable For
- **Royal Title**: Queen consort of France (1328–1349)
- **Dynastic Marriage**: Her union with Philip VI strengthened the Valois claim to the French throne
- **Nickname**: Known as "Joan the Lame" (Jeanne la Boiteuse)

## Body
### Early Life and Marriage
Joan of Burgundy was born in 1293 into the powerful House of Burgundy. Her marriage to Philip VI, then Duke of Valois, took place before his ascension to the French throne in 1328. This union was strategic, aiming to secure alliances within the French nobility.

### Reign as Queen Consort
As queen, Joan accompanied Philip VI during his military campaigns, including the Battle of Sluys in 1340, where she was captured by Flemish forces. Her presence at court and participation in royal ceremonies reinforced the legitimacy of the Valois dynasty, which faced challenges from the English monarchy during the early stages of the Hundred Years' War.

### Political Context
Joan's role extended beyond ceremonial duties. She mediated conflicts within the royal family and supported her husband's policies, particularly during the tumultuous period following the outbreak of the Hundred Years' War in 1337. Her influence helped maintain cohesion among the French nobility, critical for the monarchy's survival.

### Legacy
Joan of Burgundy died on December 12, 1349. Her legacy is intertwined with the establishment of the Valois dynasty, which ruled France until the late 16th century. While her individual contributions may not be as documented as those of her husband, her role as queen consort underscored the importance of marital alliances in medieval politics. The stability she helped foster allowed the Valois kings to consolidate power, shaping the trajectory of the French monarchy for generations.

## References

1. Source
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Dictionary of Women Worldwide
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Sejm-Wielki.pl