John IV, Duke of Brittany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John IV |
|
|---|---|
Drawing c.1700 of English-made effigy, on white arcaded chest tomb, Nantes Cathedral. Original monument destroyed. Drawing by Roger de Gaignières.
|
|
| Duke of Brittany | |
| Reign | 12 April 1365 – 1 November 1399 |
| Predecessor | Joan, Duchess of Brittany, contested by John (IV) |
| Successor | John V |
| Count of Montfort (as John III) | |
| Reign | 16 September 1345 – 1 November 1399 |
| Predecessor | John II |
| Successor | John IV |
| Earl of Richmond | |
| Reign | 20 June 1372 – 1 November 1399 |
| Predecessor | John of Gaunt |
| Born | September–December 1339 |
| Died | 1 November 1399 (aged 59–60) Nantes, Brittany |
| Burial | Nantes Cathedral |
| Spouse |
Joan Holland
(m. 1366; died 1384) |
| Issue full list... |
|
| Family | Montfort |
| Father | John of Montfort |
| Mother | Joanna of Flanders |
John IV the Conqueror (born 1339 – died 1 November 1399) was a powerful ruler. He was the Duke of Brittany and Count of Montfort from 1345 until his death. He was also the 7th Earl of Richmond from 1372. He is sometimes called John of Montfort or John V in English history books.
Contents
Who Was John IV?
John IV was the son of John of Montfort and Joanna of Flanders. His father had claimed the title of Duke of Brittany. However, many people did not agree with his father's claim. Only the English king supported it. Because of this, the numbering of dukes can be confusing. In French history, John IV is usually called "John IV," and his father is just "John of Montfort." But in English history, he is often called "John V." His nickname, "The Conqueror," helps us know exactly who he is.
Winning Brittany: The War of Succession
John IV's early life was shaped by a long war called the Breton War of Succession. This war was fought between his father's family and his cousin, Joanna of Penthièvre, and her husband, Charles of Blois. France supported Charles, and he controlled most of Brittany.
When John's father died, his mother, Joanna, tried to continue the fight for her baby son. She was known as "Fiery Joanna" because she was so brave. However, she eventually had to go to England with John to ask for help from King Edward III. Later, she became ill and was held in Tickhill Castle. John and his sister, Joan, then lived with the English king's family.
John returned to Brittany with help from England to claim his title. In 1364, he won a very important battle called the Battle of Auray. The English army, led by John Chandos, helped him. His rival, Charles of Blois, was killed in this battle. Charles's wife, Joanna, then had to sign a peace treaty called the Treaty of Guérande in 1365. This treaty meant Joanna gave up her rights, and John became the only ruler of Brittany.
Challenges to His Rule
After winning the war with English help, John IV had to give some English nobles important positions in Brittany. They controlled key castles, especially near the port of Brest. This gave England military access and money from Brittany. The nobles in Brittany and the French king did not like this. They also didn't like that John used English advisors.
Even though John IV said he was loyal to King Charles V of France, not to England, his critics were not happy. They saw the English soldiers and lords as causing problems. Because the Breton nobles didn't support him, John IV couldn't fight against King Charles V. So, in 1373, he was forced to leave Brittany and go back to England.
However, King Charles V made a mistake. He tried to make Brittany a part of France completely. The French general Bertrand de Guesclin was sent to take control of Brittany by force in 1378. But the Breton nobles rebelled against this takeover. They invited Duke John IV to come back from England in 1379. He landed in Dinard and took control of Brittany again with the support of the local nobles.
An English army arrived to help him, but John IV made peace with the new French king, Charles VI of France. He paid the English troops to leave, avoiding another fight. After this, he ruled Brittany peacefully for over ten years, keeping in touch with both France and England but avoiding strong ties to England. Between 1380 and 1385, John IV built the Château de l'Hermine (Castle of Hermine) in Vannes. This castle became a strong fortress and a home for the Dukes of Brittany. In 1397, Duke John IV finally got Brest back from English control through talks and money.
The Clisson Affair
In 1392, someone tried to kill Olivier V de Clisson, a French military leader and an old enemy of Duke John. The attacker ran away to Brittany. People thought John was involved in the plot. King Charles VI used this as a reason to attack Brittany again. He marched towards Brittany with Clisson. But before they reached the duchy, the king became very ill.
The king's family blamed Clisson for the king's illness. They took away his important job. Clisson then went to Brittany for safety and made peace with John in 1397. He became a close advisor to the Duke.
English Honor: Knight of the Garter
King Edward III of England made John IV a knight in the Order of the Garter between 1375 and 1376. This was a very special honor. John IV is believed to be the only Duke of Brittany to have received this English award.
Family Life
Marriages
Duke John IV was married three times:
- His first wife was Mary of England (1344–1362). She was the daughter of King Edward III.
- His second wife was Lady Joan Holland (1350–1384). They married in London in May 1366.
- His third wife was Joan of Navarre (1370–1437). They married in Brittany in 1386.
Joan of Navarre was the mother of all of John's children. After John's death, she helped rule Brittany for their son, John V, Duke of Brittany. She later married King Henry IV of England.
Children
John IV and Joan of Navarre had several children:
- Jeanne of Brittany (1387–1388)
- Isabelle of Brittany (1388)
- John V, Duke of Brittany (1389–1442)
- Marie of Brittany (1391–1446), who became Lady of La Guerche.
- Marguerite of Brittany (1392–1428), who became Lady of Guillac.
- Arthur III, Duke of Brittany (1393–1458)
- Gilles of Brittany (1394–1412)
- Richard of Brittany (1395–1438), who became Count of Étampes.
- Blanche of Brittany (1397 – before 1419)
See also
In Spanish: Juan V de Bretaña para niños
- Dukes of Brittany family tree
