Originally a seigneury (feudal domain) created in the 10th century in the county of Bourges, central France, held by the Bourbon family. It became a duchy in 1327.
The lands passed to the Capetian dynasty (see
Capet) as a result of the marriage of the Bourbon heiress Beatrix to Robert of Clermont, son of Louis IX. Their son Pierre became the first duke of Bourbon in 1327. The direct line ended with the death of Charles, Duke of Bourbon, in 1527.
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