Breton War of Succession

The Breton War of Succession was a conflict between the Houses of Blois and Montfort for control of the Duchy of Brittany. It was fought between 1341 and 1364.

Background

In the middle of the 14th century, Brittany was ruled by the House of Dreux. The dukes had a historical connection to England and were also Earls of Richmond in Yorkshire. Duke Arthur II of Dreux married twice, first to Mary of Limoges (1260-1291), then to Yolande of Dreux, countess of Montfort (1263-1322) and widow of king Alexander III of Scotland. From his first marriage he had three sons, including his heir John III and Guy, count of Penthievre (d. 1331). From Yolande, Arthur had another John who became count of Montfort. (See Dukes of Brittany family tree)

Related Topics:
14th century - Brittany - House of Dreux - Earls of Richmond - Arthur II of Dreux - Alexander III of Scotland - John III - Dukes of Brittany family tree

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John III strongly disliked the children of his father?s second marriage. He spent the first years of his reign attempting to have this marriage annulled and his half-siblings bastardized. When this failed, he turned to make sure that John of Montfort would never inherit the duchy. Since John III was childless, his heir of choice became Joanna of Dreux, la Boiteuse, daughter of his younger brother Guy. In 1337 she married Charles of Blois, the second son of a powerful French noble house and sister-son of king Philip VI of France. But in 1340, John III changed his in mind and reconciled himself with his half-brother and a will was made that appointed John of Montfort the heir of Brittany. 30 April, 1341 John III died. His last word on the succession, uttered on his deathbed, was ??For God?s sake leave me alone and do not trouble my spirit with such things.??

Related Topics:
John of Montfort - Joanna of Dreux - 1337 - Charles of Blois - Philip VI of France - 1340 - 30 April - 1341

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