Hugh IV, Duke of Burgundy - Definition and Overview

Hugh IV of Burgundy (March 9 1213–October 27 1271) was duke of Burgundy between 1218 and 1272. Hugh was the only son of duke Eudes III and Alice (or Alix) of Vergy. He was married twice, first to Yolande of Dreux, then to Beatrice of Champagne, princess of Navarre, and had the following issue:

• From Yolande
  • Margaret, Lady of Molinot (1229–1277), married William, count of Mont St Jean
  • Eudes, count of Nevers and Auxerre (1230–1236)
  • John (1231–1268), married Agnes of Dampierre and had Beatrice of Burgundy, heiress of Bourbon (through Agnes)
  • Alice (1233–1273), married Henry III, Duke of Brabant
  • Robert II, Duke of Burgundy (1248–1306)
• From Beatrice
  • Hugh, viscount of Avallon (1260–1288)
  • Beatrice, Lady of Grignon (ca.1260–1329), married Hugh XIII, count of La Merche
  • Isabelle, Lady of Vieux-Château (1270–1323), married Rudolph I, Holy Roman Emperor

In 1239, Hugh joined the Crusade organized by Emperor Frederick II and king Theobald I of Navarre. The Burgundian troops allied with Richard of Cornwall, who took Ascalon and negotiated a peace with Egypt in 1241. Hugh also claimed the Kingdom of Thessalonica, although it had been recaptured by the Byzantines some years before.

Under the rule of Hugh IV, the duchy of Burgundy expanded to include the counties of Chalon and Auxonne.

See also: Dukes of Burgundy family tree