Harvey VII, Lord of Léon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herve VII, Lord of Léon
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| Breton Lord and Knight | |
Coat of Arms Léon Family
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| Born |  Duchy of Brittany |
| Died | 1344 Angers (?) |
| Nationality | Breton |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret of Retz Margaret of Avaugour |
| Issue | Harvey VIII Joanna Mary Catherine |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of France then House of Montfort then House of Blois |
| Hundred Years' War War of the Breton Succession |
1341–1344 |
| Battles/wars | Siege of Vannes (1342) |
Herve VII of Léon (died 1344) was an important Breton lord and knight. He was the son of Herve VI, Lord of Léon and Joanna of Montmorency. Herve became the Lord of Léon in 1337 after his father passed away. He also ruled over Noyon-sur-Andelle. Herve VII became well-known during the War of the Breton Succession.
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Life of Herve VII
Herve VII of Léon was born to Herve VI, Lord of Léon and Joanna of Montmorency. Joanna was the eldest daughter of Erard of Montmorency. Herve VII took over as the Lord of Léon in 1337. His main castle was La Roche-Maurice.
Herve's Marriages
Herve VII married twice during his life.
First Marriage
Around 1323 or 1326, Herve married Margaret of Retz. She was the daughter of Girard III Chabot, Lord of Retz. Margaret passed away in 1333 or 1334. They did not have any children together.
Second Marriage
After Margaret's death, Herve married Margaret of Avaugour. She was born in 1302 and died in 1375. Margaret was the daughter of Henry IV of Avaugour. She was also the aunt of Joan of Penthièvre. Joan was a key figure in the Breton succession dispute.
Margaret was a very wealthy heiress. She inherited a lot of land in Normandy, Mayenne, and Goëlo. She also owned a house in Paris called "Maison d'Ardoise." Her inheritance led to many disagreements that lasted for years. These disputes involved important people like bishops and other lords.
Herve and Margaret had four children:
- Harvey VIII of Léon: He became Lord of Léon after his father.
- Joanna of Léon: She married John I, Viscount of Rohan in 1349. When her brother died without children in 1363, she inherited the lands of Léon.
- Mary of Léon: She married John of Kergorlay in 1362. Later, she married John Mallet.
- Catherine de Léon: She married Henry of Plédran, a knight. She later married William of Léon.
Some people believe Herve VII had a fifth daughter named Margaret. However, she is not mentioned in any official family documents.
Herve VII and the Hundred Years' War
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Herve VII owned lands in France and Normandy. This meant he was also a vassal, or loyal follower, of the French king. He fought for France in Flanders in 1340.
The Breton War of Succession
After Duke John III of Brittany died without a clear heir, a big fight started. This fight was known as the Breton War of Succession. Herve VII was related to Joan of Penthièvre, one of the claimants. However, he first supported John of Montfort, the other main claimant.
John of Montfort called a meeting of Breton lords in May 1341. Herve VII joined John on a tour around Brittany to gain support. But in September, the French King Philip VI of France decided to support Charles of Blois. Charles was married to Joan of Penthièvre.
In November, the French and Charles's supporters attacked Nantes. John of Montfort was defending Nantes. Herve VII was criticized by John of Montfort after a battle went badly. This made Herve VII change his mind. He then decided to support Charles of Blois. Herve VII helped Charles attack the towns of Hennebont and Carhaix.
Capture by the English
While at Trégarantec, Herve VII was captured by English knights. He was sent to England as a prisoner. He was later exchanged for another prisoner, the Earl of Salisbury.
However, Herve VII was captured again and sent back to England. He was only released after a huge ransom was paid. His wife, Margaret, helped gather the money. She even sold their house in Paris to help free him. The house was sold for 620 livres, which was a lot of money back then.
Later Life and Death
Herve VII died in 1344 while returning to Brittany. He likely passed away in the town of Angers.
Other Adventures
A famous writer named Jean Froissart wrote about Herve VII's bravery. He mentioned Herve's battles against the Spanish Moors and the Prussian pagans.
