Mary of Burgundy

In 1386, Amadeus VII negotiated with Philip the Bold (1342-1404), who had just had a daughter named Mary. A marriage between Mary and Amadeus’s son, the future Amadeus VIII, would bring these two neighbouring principalities closer together. The marriage was agreed when Mary was just 7 years old, but she did not enter the Savoy court until she turned 18. She arrived with a trousseau filled with many prestigious items.

Mary’s well-known pastimes included hunting with hounds and falconry. She also played the organ and chess. Mary died giving birth, having brought nine children into the world. Amadeus VII organised a royal funeral fit for the splendour of the House of Burgundy and to reflect his wife’s rank as the first Duchess of Savoy.