Noel Capet

Early Life
Noel Capet was born as one of four children of Michiel Capet who was Duke of Reims. He was younger than his brother Philippe Capet. The scholar that was close to the family Capet of Reims noted in his diary: 'Noel was an exceptional child. He was kind, cunning and immensely intelligent'.

Life
Following the death of his father in 1084, the exceptionally mature 14 year old Noel was named Duke of Reims by his uncle, King Louis I of France. This was surprising as his older, 18 year old brother Philippe had requested to receive this position.

The people of Reims loved Noel Capet who worked hard to boost the success of Reims.

When the First Crusade began in 1095, Noel Capet was permitted to remain in France as he was the Duke of Reims and had to manage the city.

In 1096, Noel Capet married the Anne-Claire Marchand, the daughter of a French nobleman from Bourges, France. She gave birth to three sons. Noel Capet made sure that Bourges became a partner city of Reims.

A famous story from the life of Noel Capet occurred in 1101. The 31 year old Duke was on a field trip with his wife when raiders surrounded their cart. Although it could have come to a combat, Noel Capet with his charisma persuaded the raiders to turn around and leave which they did. This story became an inspiration for the Story of Noel by French writer Jean-Christophe Joubert.