Overview
Geoffrey of Lusignan (before 1150 – May 1216) was the Lord of Vouvant and Soubise, and Count of Jaffa and Ascalon. He was also Lord of Mervent and Moncontour by his wife's rights.
Early life
Geoffrey belonged to the House of Lusignan. His father was Hugh VIII of Lusignan and his mother was Bourgogne de Rancon, Lady of Vouvant and Civray. He was the elder brother of Aimery of Cyprus and Guy of Lusignan.
Like all members of his family, Geoffrey was an enemy of the House of Plantagenet. This enmity resulted from the Lusignan claim to the County of La Marche, which was held by the Norman Montgommery family with the recognition of the Plantagenets.
In 1168, the Lusignans revolted against King Henry II of England and killed his confidant Patrick, 1st Earl of Salisbury. In 1173, Geoffrey supported Duke Richard I in the revolt against his father. When Count Aldebert IV sold the County of La Marche directly to King Henry II in 1177, It was Geoffrey, the head of the family, who once again took up arms to fight for the rights of the Lusignans. In 1183, he allied himself with Henry the Young King, Viscount Aimar V of Limoges and his cousin Gottfried II of Rancon against Duke Richard. However, the struggle ended with the unexpected death of the young king in June 1183, after which Geoffrey had to submit to Duke Richard.
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