Page 48 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Brittany

46  INTRODUCING BRIT T AN Y

and who was crowned in Rennes
Cathedral, took up residence in Nantes.
Surrounded by courtiers, he inaugu rated
a new age, patronizing artists and
encouraging an interpretation of his tory
that exalted Breton culture.
Government (the council, chancel lery,
court of exchequer, parliament and law
court) was shared between Nantes, Vannes
and Rennes. Every year, the States of
Brittany held a meet ing at which they
voted on taxes. Complex and burdensome,
The Battle of Thirty, 1351, in which 30 Bretons, these taxes were not sufficient to finance
led by Beaumanoir, fought 30 Englishmen
the duke’s ever more extravagant tastes,
the dukedom. This con flict became part of nor to cover the upkeep of fortresses and
the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453) fought the maintenance of an army. But, raising the
between the kings of France and England. necessary funds himself, the duke managed
While the former supported Charles of to keep his distance from the king of France.
Blois and his wife, Joan of Penthièvre, the During the reign of Jean V (1399–1442),
latter aided Jean of Montfort and his wife, Brittany remained relatively neutral in the
Joan of Flanders. This war, in which both Hundred Years’ War. This allowed Bretons to
women were closely in volved, gave rise enjoy a certain prosperity: maritime trade
to such isolated inci dents as the Battle of developed, with Breton seamen acting as
Thirty (1351).
The war ended in victory for the
Montforts and their English allies: Charles
of Blois was killed at the Battle of Auray
(1364) and Bertrand du Guesclin was taken
prisoner. Jean IV of Montfort’s victory was
ratified by the Treaty of Guérande and, for
over a century, his dynasty held power in
an almost independent Brittany, which
could rely on English support to foil the
ambitions of the king of France.

Apogee of the Breton State
The Breton state reached the peak of its
power in the 15th century. The Duke of The Battle of Auray (1364), at which the Montforts and their
Brittany, who enjoyed the status of ruler English allies overcame the French

1341 Start of 1364 Death of 1378 Charles V 15th century The duchy of
the War of the Charles of Blois attempts to secure Brittany reaches its peak.
Breton Succession at the Battle the dukedom of Flowering of the Breton
of Auray Brittany Gothic style
1340 1360 1380 1400 1420 1440
1380 Death of famous
1351 Battle 1365 Treaty mercenary Bertrand du 1440 Execution of
of Thirty of Guérande: Guesclin 1399–1442 Reign of Jean V. child-murderer
the Montforts Shifting allegiance between Gilles de Rais
are victorious Equestrian statue of Breton France and England
mercenary Olivier de Clisson

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