Nicholas Francis, Duke of Lorraine
Nicholas Francis | |
---|---|
Duke of Lorraine and Bar | |
Reign | 19 January 1634 – 1 April 1634 |
Predecessor | Charles IV |
Successor | Charles IV |
Born | 6 December 1609 |
Died | 25 January 1670 | (aged 60)
Burial | 4 July 1670 |
Spouse |
Claude Françoise of Lorraine (m. 1634; died 1648) |
Roman Catholic |
Nicholas Francis (
He is the direct male ancestor of all rulers of the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty, including all Emperors of Austria.
Biography
Nicholas Francis was the youngest son of Duke Francis II of Lorraine and his wife, Christina of Salm. Born on the feast of Saint Nicholas, he was named in his honour.
As it appeared unlikely that he would succeed to the duchy, he was destined for the church. He was made coadjutor
Nicholas Francis was named abbot
On 19 January 1626 he was created cardinal
Immediately following Nicholas's accession to the dukedom, the French invaded the duchy and forced the new duke to sign a treaty recognizing their right to occupy it. In April 1634, Nicholas himself fled into exile, and soon after abdicated himself, returning the claim to the duchy to his older brother, Charles. With one brief exception, Charles would not, however, be able to return to his duchy until 1661.
Marriage and issue
He married his first cousin
- Ferdinand Philippe, Hereditary Prince of Lorraine, Duke of Bar(29 December 1639 – 1 April 1659)
- Eleonora Maria of Austriaand had issue.
- Anne Eléanore (12 May 1645 – 28 February 1646); died in infancy, buried in the Ducal Crypt, Vienna.
- Abbess of Remiremont, no issue.
- Marie Anne (born 30 Jul 1648, date of death unknown).
See also
- Dukes of Bar
External links
References
- ^ The Downside Review, Volume 12. United Kingdom, Downside Abbey., 1893. 230–8.