John I, Duke of Brittany facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John I
John represented on a window in Chartres Cathedral
Duke of Brittany
Reign	21 October 1221 – 8 October 1286
Predecessor	Peter I & Alix
Successor	John II
Regent	Peter I (1221–1237)
Earl of Richmond
Reign	1268
Predecessor	Peter of Savoy
Successor	John II
Born	c. 1217/1218
Died	8 October 1286 Château de l'Isle
Burial	Prières Abbey
Spouse	Blanche of Navarre
Issue Among others	John II Peter, Lord of Hade Alix, Countess of Blois
House	Dreux
Father	Peter I, Duke of Brittany
Mother	Alix, Duchess of Brittany

John I (Breton: Yann, French: Jean; c. 1217/1218 – 8 October 1286) was an important ruler. He was known as John the Red because of his beard's color. He served as the Duke of Brittany from 1221 until his death. He also became the 2nd Earl of Richmond in 1268.

Early Life and Becoming Duke

John was the oldest of three children. His parents were Duchess Alix and Duke Peter I. He became the Duke of Brittany when his mother passed away in 1221. Since John was still very young, his father, Peter I, ruled as a regent. A regent is someone who governs a country because the true ruler is too young or unable to rule. Peter I continued to rule for John until 1237, when John was old enough to take charge himself.

In 1268, John received another important title. King Henry III of England gave him the earldom of Richmond. This title stayed in John's family for many years.

Challenges and Achievements

Duke John I faced some disagreements with church leaders in his region. He also joined King Louis IX of France on a big journey called the Eighth Crusade in 1270. A crusade was a religious military expedition. John survived a serious illness during this journey that sadly took the king's life.

During John I's time, the Duchy of Brittany enjoyed a long period of peace. This peaceful time lasted for about a century. It began with John I's rule and continued until the reign of Duke John III in 1341.

Family Life and Children

In 1236, John I married Blanche. She was the daughter of King Theobald I of Navarre. Together, they had several children who survived:

• John II, Duke of Brittany (1239–1305): He later married Beatrice of England and had his own children.
• Peter (1241–1268): He was known as the Lord of Dinan, Hade, Léon, Hennebont, and La Roche-Derrien.
• Alix (1243–1288): She became the Dame de Pontarcy. She married John of Châtillon, Count of Blois.
• Theobald (1245–1246): He was buried in the church abbey of Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys.
• Theobald (1247 – died young): He was also buried in the church abbey of Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys.
• Eleanor (1248 – died young): She was buried in the church abbey of Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys.
• Nicolas (1249–1251): He was buried in the church abbey of Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys.
• Robert (1251–1259): He was buried in the church abbey of Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys.

See also

• Dukes of Brittany family tree