John II, Duke of Brittany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John II |
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| Duke of Brittany | |
| Reign | 8 October 1286 – 18 November 1305 |
| Predecessor | John I |
| Successor | Arthur II |
| Born | 3/4 January 1239 |
| Died | 18 November 1305 (aged 66) Lyon, Kingdom of Arles |
| Burial | Notre-Dame des Carmes |
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| Issue |
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| House | Dreux |
| Father | John I, Duke of Brittany |
| Mother | Blanche of Navarre |
John II (born 1239, died 18 November 1305) was an important ruler in the Middle Ages. He was the Duke of Brittany from 1286 until his death. He also held the title of Earl of Richmond in England. Before becoming duke, John went on two crusades, which were religious wars. As duke, he often found himself caught between the powerful kings of France and England. Sadly, he died in an accident during a big celebration for a new Pope.
Contents
Early Life and Crusades
John was the oldest son of John I, Duke of Brittany and Blanche of Navarre. On 22 January 1260, he married Beatrice. She was a daughter of King Henry III of England. John was very close to his brother-in-law, Edward I, who later became King of England.
Adventures in the Holy Land
In 1271, John joined Edward on the Ninth Crusade. This was a journey to the Holy Land. His father and King Louis IX of France were also there. King Louis became sick and died in Tunis. John's father then went back to Brittany. However, John decided to stay and follow Edward to Palestine. The crusade ended the next year, but it did not achieve much.
Fighting in Aragon
Later, in 1285, John took part in another military campaign. This was called the Aragonese Crusade. He fought alongside King Philip III of France. These experiences showed John's bravery and his role in the politics of his time.
John II's Time as Duke
When his father died on 8 October 1286, John became the new Duke of Brittany. He also inherited the title of Earldom of Richmond in England. This made him an important figure in both French and English politics.
Conflicts with Kings
John's son, also named John, was governing a region called Guyenne for King Edward. In May 1294, King Philip IV of France decided to take Guyenne. Duke John II helped his brother-in-law, King Edward, in the fight that followed. However, John's side suffered many defeats.
Changing Sides
In 1296, the English army tried to get back at the French. They plundered a Breton monastery called Abbaye Saint-Mathieu de Fine-Terre. This made John very angry. He decided to stop supporting King Edward. In return, Edward took away John's title of Earl of Richmond.
John then decided to become allies with the French king. He arranged for his grandson, John, to marry Isabella of Valois. She was a cousin of King Philip. In September 1297, King Philip made John II a peer of France. This was a very high honor.
Final Years and Tragic Death
From 1294 to 1304, John helped the King of France in his fight against Count Guy of Flanders. He even took part in a major battle called Battle of Mons-en-Pévèle. King Philip's side won this battle.
A Sad Accident
In 1305, after the victory, John traveled to Lyon. He went there to attend the coronation of a new Pope, Pope Clement V. During the celebration, John was leading the Pope's horse through a large crowd. Many people had climbed onto the walls to watch. Suddenly, one of the walls broke and fell down. It collapsed right on top of Duke John.
He died four days later, on 18 November. His body was placed in a lead coffin. It was then sent down the Loire river. On 16 December, he was buried in a Carmelite convent. This convent was in Ploërmel, and John himself had founded it.
Children of John II
John and his wife Beatrice had six children. Several of them grew up at the court of their uncle, King Edward.
- Arthur II, Duke of Brittany (1262–1312)
- John, Earl of Richmond (around 1266–1334)
- Marie, who married Guy III of Châtillon (1268–1339)
- Peter, Viscount of Leon (1269–1312)
- Blanche, who married Philip of Artois (1271–1327)
- Eleanor of Brittany, who became the Abbess of Fontevrault (1275–1342)
See also
- Dukes of Brittany family tree
