Arthur II, Duke of Brittany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arthur II |
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|---|---|
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| Duke of Brittany | |
| Reign | 18 November 1305 – 27 August 1312 |
| Predecessor | John II |
| Successor | John III |
| Born | 25 July 1261 |
| Died | 27 August 1312 (aged 51) Château de L'Isle |
| Burial | Cordeliers Convent |
| Spouse |
Marie, Viscountess of Limoges
(m. 1275; died 1291)Yolande of Dreux
(m. 1292) |
| Issue Among others |
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| House | Dreux |
| Father | John II, Duke of Brittany |
| Mother | Beatrice of England |
Arthur II (born July 25, 1261 – died August 27, 1312) was a powerful ruler. He was the Duke of Brittany from 1305 until he passed away. Arthur was part of the House of Dreux, a noble family.
He was the first son of John II and Beatrice of England. Beatrice was the daughter of Henry III of England. When Arthur became Duke, his brother, John, became the Earl of Richmond.
As Duke, Arthur was quite independent from the King of France. He divided his land, called a duchy, into eight main areas. These areas included places like Gwened, Naoned, and Roazhon.
In 1309, Arthur held the first meeting of the Estates of Brittany. This was a special gathering where different groups of people from his duchy could share their ideas. For the first time in French history, ordinary people, known as the "third estate," had a voice in these meetings.
Arthur died at a place called Château de l'Isle. He was buried in a marble tomb in Vannes. His tomb was damaged a long time ago during the French Revolution. But it was later fixed and you can see it today.
Family Life
Arthur II was married two times and had several children.
His first wife was Marie, who was the Viscountess of Limoges. They got married in 1275. Marie was the daughter of Guy VI, Viscount of Limoges. Arthur and Marie had three children:
- John III, Duke of Brittany (born 1286 – died 1341). He later became Duke of Brittany.
- Guy de Penthièvre, who was the Count of Penthièvre (born 1287 – died 1331). He was the father of Joanna of Penthièvre.
- Peter of Brittany (born 1289 – died 1312). He was the Lord of Dol-Combourg.
Marie passed away in 1291.
In May 1292, Arthur married his second wife, Yolande of Dreux. Yolande was the Countess of Montfort. She was the daughter of Robert IV of Dreux. Yolande had also been Queen of Scotland for a short time from her first marriage. Arthur and Yolande had six children:
- John of Montfort (born 1295 – died 1345).
- Beatrice of Brittany (born 1295 – died 1384). She married Guy X, Lord of Laval.
- Joan of Brittany (born 1296 – died 1364). She married Robert, Count of Marle.
- Alice of Brittany (born 1297 – died 1377). She married Bouchard VI, Count of Vendôme.
- Blanche of Brittany (born around 1300). She is thought to have died when she was young.
- Marie of Brittany (born 1302 – died 1371). She became a nun.
See Also
In Spanish: Arturo II de Bretaña para niños
- Dukes of Brittany family tree
