Peter II, Duke of Brittany facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Peter II
Peter praying before the Virgin and Child, miniature from the Hours of Peter II (1455–1457)
Duke of Brittany
Reign	18 July 1450 – 22 September 1457
Predecessor	Francis I
Successor	Arthur III
Born	(1418-07-07)7 July 1418 Nantes, France
Died	22 September 1457(1457-09-22) (aged 39) Nantes, France
Burial	Notre-Dame de Nantes
Spouse	Françoise d'Amboise ​ (m. 1442)​
House	Montfort
Father	John V, Duke of Brittany
Mother	Joan of France

Peter II (born 1418, died 1457) was an important ruler in France. He became the Duke of Brittany in 1450. A duke was a powerful leader, like a king of a smaller region. Peter was also the Count of Montfort and the Earl of Richmond. His father was Duke John VI, and his older brother was Francis I.

Becoming Duke of Brittany

The coat of arms of Peter II.

Before becoming Duke, Peter was known as the Count of Guingamp. He fought bravely against the English army. This happened in Normandy in 1449 and 1450. He fought alongside his brother, Francis I, and his uncle, Constable de Richemont. Together, they captured several cities. These included Coutances, Saint-Lô, and Ferns.

In 1450, his brother Francis I passed away. Francis did not have any sons. According to an old rule called the Treaty of Guerande (1365), daughters could not inherit the title. So, Peter became the new Duke of Brittany. He was chosen over Francis's daughters, Margaret and Marie. After becoming Duke, Peter also sought justice for his other brother, Gilles.

Planning for the Future

By 1455, Peter II and his wife, Frances d'Amboise, did not have any children. Peter II also had some health problems. This made people worry about who would rule Brittany next. To keep Brittany strong and independent, the Duke made an important decision. He decided to marry his niece, Margaret, to his cousin, Francis, Count of Étampes. Margaret was the oldest daughter of his deceased brother, Francis I.

To make this marriage official, the Duke called a special meeting. It was called the Estates of Brittany, a powerful court. They met in Vannes on November 13, 1455. Important lords, bishops, and city representatives attended. They all approved the marriage.

A Royal Wedding

The wedding celebrations began on November 16. A grand mass was held in Saint Peter's cathedral in Vannes. The Bishop of Nantes, Guillaume de Malestroit, led the service. After the ceremony, there were many celebrations. These included big banquets, lively dances, and exciting jousting tournaments.

The Duke's reign was quite short. People at the time described Peter II as a simple person. They said his wife gave him good advice. He was not always seen as well-suited for being a Duke. He was described as heavy in both mind and body. He also had mood swings. Peter II did take part in the Battle of Castillon in 1453.

Family Life

The tomb of Peter II and Françoise d'Amboise.

In June 1442, Peter II married Françoise d'Amboise. She was born in 1427 and passed away in 1485. Françoise was the daughter of Louis d'Amboise, who was the Viscount of Thouars. She was later honored by the Catholic Church. Peter and Françoise were married for many years. However, they never had any children together.

Succession and Legacy

Peter II passed away in 1457. Since he had no children, his uncle, Arthur, became the next Duke. Peter II had ordered a tomb to be built for himself in Notre-Dame de Nantes. This tomb was later lost during the French Revolution.

See also

• Dukes of Brittany family tree