House of Montfort-Brittany

Montfort of Brittany
Arms of the house of Montfort-Brittany, Dukes of Brittany.
Parent houseHouse of Dreux
House of Montfort (maternal)
CountryFrance
Founded1322; 702 years ago
FounderJohn of Montfort
Final rulerAnne of Brittany
Titles
Estate(s)Brittany
Dissolution1514

The House of Montfort-Brittany was a Breton-French noble family, which reigned in the Duchy of Brittany from 1365 to 1514. It was a cadet branch of the House of Dreux; it was thus ultimately part of the Capetian dynasty. It should not be confused with the older House of Montfort which ruled as Counts of Montfort.

It succeeded the Brittany branch of the House of Dreux, invoking already in 1341 a right to succeed John III, Duke of Brittany. A war ensued, ultimately won by Montforts in 1364.

The dynasty was succeeded by Valois family, first Claude, the daughter of Montfortine duchess Anne, and then Claude's sons. Already from the time of Duchess Anne's marriage, however, the duchy was gradually subsumed to the French state, in practice, so it can be said that French central government succeeded the Montforts.