Charles of Blois (Charles of Châtillon), c.1319–1364, duke of Brittany; nephew of Philip VI of France. He was one of the chief participants in the War of the Breton Succession and was killed a...

Peter of Blois, 1135?–1203?, French writer. He was educated in law and theology. From 1167 to 1169 he was tutor to King William II of Sicily. He went (c.1173) to England, where he served Henry...

Loir-et-Cher, department (1990 pop. 307,100), N central France, in Orléanais. Blois is the capital.

Orléanais, region and former province, N central France, on both sides of the Loire River. Orléans, the historic capital, Chartres, and Blois are the chief cities. The region includes Loiret, ...

Fulk Nerra, 972–1040, count of Anjou (987–1040). Continuously at war with his neighbors (Brittany, Blois, Touraine, Normandy), he vastly increased his lands, notably by seizing Saumur, and bec...

Henry I, c.1008–1060, king of France (1031–60), son and successor of King Robert II. To defend his throne against his mother, his brothers Robert and Eudes, and subsequently against the count ...

Mansart or Mansard, François, 1598–1666, French architect. His work is noted as being an outstanding expression of French classical design. In 1635 he was commissioned by the duc d'Orléans to ...

Du Guesclin, Bertrand, c.1320–80, constable of France (1370–80), greatest French soldier of his time. A Breton, he initially served Charles of Blois in the War of the Breton Succession. Charle...

Stephen, 1097?–1154, king of England (1135–54). The son of Stephen, count of Blois and Chartres, and Adela, daughter of William I of England, he was brought up by his uncle, Henry I of England...

Breton Succession, War of the, 1341–65, an important episode of the Hundred Years War. Duke John III of Brittany died in 1341 without heirs. The succession was contested by his half brother, J...