John I, Count of Penthièvre facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John of Penthièvre
Count of Penthièvre
Reign	29 September 1364 – 16 January 1404
Predecessor	Charles and Joan
Successor	Olivier
Born	5 February 1345 Jurgon-les-Lacs, Brittany (France)
Died	16 January 1404 Lamballe, Brittany
Spouse	Margaret de Clisson
Issue	Olivier John Charles d'Avaugour William de Limoges Joan, lady of Belleville
House	House of Châtillon
Father	Charles of Blois
Mother	Joan, Duchess of Brittany

John I (born February 5, 1345 – died January 16, 1404) was an important figure in the history of Brittany, a region in France. He was the Count of Penthièvre and Viscount of Limoges from 1364 to 1404. John also claimed the title of Duke of Brittany, which led to a long conflict known as the War of the Breton Succession.

John's Early Life and Challenges

John was born in Jurgon-les-Lacs, a town in Brittany. His parents were Joan of Penthièvre and Charles of Blois. At the time, they were the rulers of Brittany. John's mother, Joan, tried to arrange a marriage for him with Margaret, the daughter of Edward III of England. However, these plans did not work out.

Held as a Hostage

In 1356, John was given to the English as a hostage. A hostage is a person held by one side in a conflict to make sure the other side keeps its promises. John was kept at Gloucester Castle for almost 25 years. He was under the care of Robert de Vere.

The Treaty of Guérande

After many years, a major change happened in 1380. Charles V of France, who had supported John's family, passed away. This led John and his mother to negotiate a new agreement. On April 14, 1381, they signed the second Treaty of Guérande. In this treaty, John gave up his claim to be the Duke of Brittany. In return, he received a large payment called an indemnity.

Help from Olivier de Clisson

John was finally set free with help from Olivier de Clisson. Olivier paid a large sum of money, 60,000 francs, for John's freedom. He also offered John his younger daughter, Marguerite, to marry. On January 6, 1384, John gave Olivier de Clisson control over all his lands in Brittany and Limoges. Later, Olivier transferred this control to Jean Rolland in 1387.

Giving Up the Breton Arms

The French writer Jean Froissart wrote about a disagreement in 1391. John's cousin, John IV, Duke of Brittany, was upset that John of Penthièvre was still using the symbols (or "arms") of Brittany. The Duke felt that John of Penthièvre was acting as if he was the true heir to Brittany.

This count of Penthièvre, our cousin, writes and names himself John of Brittany and carried the arms of Brittany, as if he were the heir. We want him to call himself John, because it is his name, and count of Penthièvre, but we do not want him to adopt the ermine or call himself John of Blois or of Châtillon or anything else. And if he does not do it, we will make him do it and will take from him his land, because he holds it in faith and homage for us; and also regarding the inheritance of Brittany, he should never make a thought that it will return to him, because we have sons and daughters who will be our heirs. If it goes elsewhere, it is because our line has ended.

In 1392, at a meeting in Tours, John agreed to stop using his family's right to carry the arms of Brittany. This agreement was confirmed again in Guingamp on October 25, 1395.

Inheriting More Lands

John also inherited more lands during his life. In 1397, he received lands in Avesnes, Landrecies, Nouvion-en-Thiérache, and parts of Flanders. These came from his cousin, Guy II, Count of Blois, who had passed away. Three years later, he inherited even more property from his brother, Henry, who died in England.

John's Later Life and Family

John I died in 1404 in Lamballe, Brittany. His oldest son, Olivier, became the next Count of Penthièvre. John's family inheritance was divided among his four sons. Olivier received Penthièvre, John received the lands of Aigle in Normandy, Charles received the lordship of Avaugour, and William received the viscounty of Limoges.

John's Marriage and Children

Margaret de Clisson was John's wife.

John married Margaret de Clisson on January 20, 1387, in Moncontour. Margaret was the daughter of Olivier de Clisson, who was a very important military leader in France.

John and Margaret had several children:

• Olivier, Count of Penthièvre: He became the Count of Penthièvre and Lord of Avesnes. He died in 1433 without children.
• John: He was known as the Lord of l'Aigle. He died in 1454 without children.
• Charles: He was the Baron of Avaugour. His daughter, Nicole, continued the line of rulers for Penthièvre.
• William, Viscount of Limoges: He died in 1455.
• Joan: She married John III de Harpedane in 1458.
• Marguerite de Châtillon: She married Guillaume de Fayel.

Titles and Succession