Jeanne De Montfort Daughter of Jean, Count de Montfort-l'Amaury, and Jeanne de Dampierre Date of Birth: 01.01.1341

1. Childhood and Early Life
2. Royal Guardianship in England
3. Mysterious Marriage
4. The Richmond Affair
5. Later Life and Legacy

Childhood and Early Life

Jeanne de Montfort was born in 1341 in Brittany, likely at the fortress of Hennebont. Her parents were Jean de Montfort, who had proclaimed himself Duke of Brittany during the War of the Breton Succession, and Jeanne de Dampierre, daughter of the Count of Nevers. Little is known about Jeanne's early childhood, except that she was sent to England in 1343 with her siblings to seek help from King Edward III.

Royal Guardianship in England

After her father was taken prisoner by the French, Jeanne's mother was imprisoned in Tickhill Castle under questionable circumstances and declared insane. As orphans, Jeanne and her brother were taken into the household of King Edward III, who became their guardian. However, it seems they were raised separately from the English princes and princesses.

Mysterious Marriage

Jeanne remained unmarried for much of her life, which was unusual for a woman of her status. Eventually, she married Ralph Basset, 3rd Lord Basset of Drayton, in 1380 or 1385. The reasons behind this union are unclear, as Basset was childless and had been married before. He died around 1390, and Jeanne found herself widowed once more.

The Richmond Affair

In 1398, King Richard II granted Jeanne the Richmond Castle and its earldom. However, this grant was ignored or reversed when Henry IV Bolingbroke seized the throne the following year. Jeanne was also appointed Constable of Richmond Castle.

Later Life and Legacy

Jeanne's will, written in 1402, specifies her desire to be buried at Lavendon Abbey. She passed away on November 8, 1402, leaving behind several inherited lands. Jeanne's life remains largely a mystery, particularly her long period of unmarried status and the circumstances of her marriage to Ralph Basset.