Joan of France, Duchess of Brittany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joan of Valois |
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| Duchess consort of Brittany | |
| Tenure | 1 November 1399 – 27 September 1433 |
| Born | 24 January 1391 Château de Melun, Seine-et-Marne, Kingdom of France |
| Died | 27 September 1433 (aged 42) Vannes, Morbihan, Duchy of Brittany |
| Burial | Vannes Cathedral |
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| House | Valois |
| Father | Charles VI of France |
| Mother | Isabeau of Bavaria |
Joan of France (French: Jeanne; born January 24, 1391 – died September 27, 1433) was a powerful duchess. She became the Duchess of Brittany when she married Duke John V. Joan was the daughter of Charles VI of France, who was the King of France, and Isabeau of Bavaria. She is best known for bravely leading Brittany when her husband was captured in 1420.
A Duchess's Life
Joan married John V, Duke of Brittany in 1396. Three years later, her husband became the Duke of Brittany, and she became the Duchess.
As Duchess, Joan played a very important role in a big conflict. This conflict was between her husband, Duke John V, and the Counts of Penthièvre. The Penthièvre family had lost their claim to rule Brittany many years before. However, they still wanted to take back the title of Duke.
In 1420, the Counts of Penthièvre invited Duke John V to a festival. John V accepted the invitation. But when he arrived, he was captured and held prisoner. The Penthièvre family then spread false rumors that he had died. They moved him to a different prison every day.
Joan's Brave Actions
Duchess Joan of France quickly responded to this crisis. She called upon all the important leaders and knights of Brittany to help. They worked together to attack the castles belonging to the Penthièvre family.
Joan ended the conflict by capturing the dowager countess of Penthièvre, Margaret of Clisson. Joan then forced Margaret to make her family free the Duke. Thanks to Joan's courage and quick thinking, Duke John V was released.
Joan died in 1433, while her husband was still ruling Brittany. A special prayer book, called the Heures Lamoignon, was made for her.
Her Children
Joan and John V had seven children:
- Anne (born 1409 – died around 1415)
- Isabella (born 1411 – died around 1442). She married Guy XIV of Laval in 1435 and had three children.
- Margaret (born 1412 – died around 1421)
- Francis I (born 1414 – died around 1450). He later became the Duke of Brittany.
- Catherine (born 1416 – died around 1421)
- Peter II (born 1418 – died around 1457). He also became the Duke of Brittany.
- Gilles (born 1420 – died around 1450). He was known as the Lord of Chantocé.
