John I, Count of Alençon

John I (Jean I) (died 24 February 1191), Count of Alençon, son of William III Talvas, Count of Ponthieu,^[1] and Helie of Burgundy.^[2]

Recognized as Count of Alençon by Henry II of England, John succeeded his father in 1171. He was a supporter of the Perseigne Abbey and the Abbey of Saint-Martin of Troarn.

He married Beatrix of Maine, daughter of Elias II, Count of Maine, and Philippe, Countess of Perche.^[3] John and Beatrix had six children:

• John II (died May 1191), Count of Alençon, succeeded his father^[2]
• Robert (died 8 September 1217), Count of Alençon, succeeded John II. Married Jeanne de Preuilly,^[4] widow of Hugues V, Viscount of Châteaudun.
• Guillaume (died 1203)^[2]
• Ella d’Alençon, married to Hugh II, Viscount of Chatellerault^[5]
• Helie d’Alençon (died after May 1233), married Robert VI FitzErneis^[2]
• Philippa d’Alençon (died before 1223), married first to William III of Roumare (died 1198; grandson of William de Roumare), second to William Malet, Lord of Graville, and third, to William de Préaux.^[2]

Near the end of his life, he planned to participate in the Third Crusade, but died February 24, 1191, at the Chateau d'Alençon [fr]. He was succeeded as Count of Alençon by his son John.