Jean Ango French shipowner Country: France

Biography of Jean Ango

Jean Ango was a French shipowner who supplied ships for the geographical explorations of Francis I. He was born in Dieppe and inherited his father's trading business. Jean Ango Sr. was involved in the import and export trade, particularly in the prosperous spice trade with Africa and India. He launched his business during the early stages of colonization by sending two ships to Newfoundland. These ships arrived in 1508, marking the second French expedition to the new lands after John Cabot's voyage. Jean Ango Sr. passed away during the last years of Louis XII's reign, and his son distanced himself from any personal involvement in the family firm's trading affairs and settled in Dieppe.

Jean Ango was one of the first Frenchmen to challenge the trade monopoly of Spain and Portugal. He also became one of the first traders to engage in active trade in the Mediterranean region, including the British Isles and the Low Countries. Ango actively sponsored expeditions by Giovanni da Verrazzano and Jacques Cartier.

Under Ango's leadership, a small fleet of about 70 ships, including merchant vessels and fishing boats, sailed. His main activities included trade, geographical exploration, and legitimate military operations. However, there are reasons to believe that Ango also sponsored outright pirates. Ango was a close friend of King Francis I.

In 1521, Jean became the Viscount of Dieppe, and in 1533, the king personally visited his Norman estate. After the Portuguese king John III confiscated one of his ships, Jean, with the support of Francis, decided to retaliate. In 1530, Ango began periodic attacks on the Portuguese fleet, even targeting Lisbon. Eventually, John admitted his wrongdoing and agreed to pay 60,000 ducats in reparations.

During the reign of Henry II, Ango significantly lost influence. Facing bankruptcy after being forced to participate in the royal armament project, he ended up in prison for non-payment of taxes on privateering income. Jean was the first to document the use of tobacco in writing.