John of Brittany | |
|---|---|
| Earl of Richmond | |
 Arms of John of Brittany | |
| Tenure | 1306–1334 |
| Predecessor | John II, Duke of Brittany |
| Successor | John III, Duke of Brittany |
| Other titles | Count of Treguier |
| Other names | Jean de Bretagne |
| Years active | 1294–1327[1] |
| Born | c. 1266 |
| Died | 17 January 1334 Duchy of Brittany |
| Buried | Church of the Franciscans, Nantes |
| Nationality | English, French, Breton[a] |
| Locality | Yorkshire[2] |
| Wars and battles | First War of Scottish Independence • Battle of Falkirk (1298) • Siege of Caerlaverock (1300) • Battle of Old Byland (1322) (POW) |
| Offices | Guardian of Scotland Lord Ordainer |
| Parents | John II, Duke of Brittany Beatrice of England |
John of Brittany (French: Jean de Bretagne; c. 1266 – 17 January 1334), 4th Earl of Richmond, was an English nobleman and a member of the Ducal house of Brittany, the House of Dreux. He entered royal service in England under his uncle Edward I, and also served Edward II. On 15 October 1306 he received his father's title of Earl of Richmond.[3] He was named Guardian of Scotland in the midst of England's conflicts with Scotland and in 1311 Lord Ordainer during the baronial rebellion against Edward II.
John of Brittany served England as a soldier and as a diplomat but was otherwise politically inactive in comparison to other earls of his time.[b] He was a capable diplomat, valued by both Edward I and Edward II for his negotiating skills. John was never married, and upon his death his title and estates fell to his nephew, John III, Duke of Brittany. Although he was generally loyal to his first cousin Edward II during the times of baronial rebellion, he eventually supported the coup of Isabella and Mortimer. After Edward II abdicated in favour of his son Edward III of England, John retired to his estates in France and died in his native Brittany in 1334 with no known issue.
- ^ Jones 2004.
- ^ Given-Wilson 1996, p. 186.
- ^ Fryde 1961, p. 446.
- ^ Phillips 1972, pp. 9–10.
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