Jean I Also called the Miser, Duke of Berry and Auvergne. Date of Birth: 30.11.1340

1. Early Life and Background
2. Military Service and Captivity
3. Marriage and Nobility
4. Royal Prisoner in England
5. Return to France and Tensions
6. Later Life and Legacy

Early Life and Background

Jean, Duke of Berry and Auvergne, was born into the Valois dynasty in 1340 as the third son of King John II of France and Bonne of Luxembourg. His mother and grandmother succumbed to the Black Death, leaving Jean an orphan at a young age. He was raised by his wet nurse, foster mother, and stepmother until he was twelve.

Military Service and Captivity

In 1352, Jean was knighted and appointed Count of Poitiers. As regent of the Dauphin Charles's lands south of the Loire, he assisted in their governance alongside Robert and Jean of Clermont. During the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, Jean fought alongside his father but was forced to flee with his elder brothers after the French defeat. He subsequently organized resistance against the English and marauders in Auvergne and southern France.

Marriage and Nobility

Jean married Jeanne, the daughter of his godfather Jean Armagnac, in 1359. Their initial union was annulled due to consanguinity, but they remarried in 1360 with papal approval. Under the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, the County of Poitiers was ceded to England, and Jean received Berry and Auvergne as compensation, becoming Duke of Berry in 1360.

Royal Prisoner in England

As a guarantor of his father's ransom, Jean was taken hostage to England, where he spent several years in London with limited freedom. He played a role in negotiations related to the Brétigny treaty and was allowed to visit France briefly in 1361. Unlike his brother Louis, Jean fulfilled his obligation and returned to London. He was present for King John II's death in 1364 but could not escort his body to its resting place due to his captivity.

Return to France and Tensions

In 1366, Jean returned to France permanently as governor of Berry and Auvergne under King Charles V. He commanded military forces during the resumption of hostilities against England and participated in the recapture of Poitiers in 1372. However, his relationship with Charles V soured around 1374, leading to a withdrawal of royal favor. Jean was forced to return domains to the king and saw his influence diminish.

Later Life and Legacy

Jean spent his later years primarily in Berry and Poitou. Despite generous gifts to his brother, he remained out of favor until Charles V's death in 1380. Jean was a prominent patron of the arts and commissioned many illuminated manuscripts, including the famous Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. He passed away in 1416, leaving behind a legacy as a complex and influential figure in French history.