The Duchy of Orléanais () is a former royal duchy, which was created during reign of Hugh Capet by elevating the former County of Orléans. In 1498, as part of a centralisation of France under Louis XII, the duchy was dissolved and replaced by the Province of Orléanais which was informally still known as the 'Duchy of Orléanais'.
History
The Duchy of Orléanais was created in 1344 by raising the former County of Orléans to a Dukedom under King Philip VI for his second son Philip de Valois. With the creation of the duchy, several localities around the former county were also integrated, they included the County of Beaugency and the Seigneurities of Neuville-aux-Bois, Yèvre-le-Châtel, Châteauneuf-en-Thymerais, Lorris, and Boiscommun. In 1375, Prince Philip died without a legitimate heir, the title of 'Duke of Orléans' and the duchy itself were merged into the royal domain (crown lands) of the King of France.Madelaine, p. 404
In 1392, the duchy was re-created by King Charles VI for his younger brother Louis de Valois-Orléans. The duke was later succeeded by his son Charles de Valois-Orléans who reigned until 1465 when he died of natural causes. He was succeeded by his own son Louis de Valois-Orléans, who became King Louis XII in 1498 and the title was merged into the crown once more.
In 1498, as part of a centralisation of the different regions of France, the duchy was dissolved and replaced by the new Province of Orléanais.de Lavergne, p. 161–162Masson, p. 33 +Dukes of OrléansDukeBirthTenureDeathMarriage(s) IssuePhilip Other titles1 July 1336 Château de Vincennes Son of Philip VI of France
and Joan of Burgundy1344
1 September 13751 September 1375 Orléans Died by natural causes (aged 39)Blanche of France( 1345; 1375) Louis IOther titles 13 March 1372Hôtel Saint-Pol, ParisSon of Charles V of Franceand Joanna of Bourbon 4 June 139223 November 1407 23 November 1407Le Marais, ParisMurdered by Duke ofBurgundy's hitmen(aged 35) Valentina Visconti( 1389; 1407) Charles IOther titles 24 November 1394Hôtel Saint-Pol, ParisSon of Louis Iand Valentina Visconti 23 November 14075 January 1465 5 January 1465Château d'AmboiseDied of natural causes(aged 70) Isabella of France( 1406; 1409) Bonne of Armagnac( 1410; 1430/35) Maria of Cleves( 1440; 1465) Louis IIOther titles 27 June 1462Château de BloisSon of Charlesand Maria of Cleves 5 January 14657 April 1498(Merged into the Crown titles) 1 January 1515Hôtel des Tournelles, ParisDied of gout(aged 52) Joan of France( 1476; 1498) Anne of Brittany( 1498; 1514) Mary of England( 1514; 1515)
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