Who's Who in Medieval History
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Jean, Duc de Berry was also known as:
Jean, Duc de Berry was known for:
Occupations & Roles in Society:
Places of Residence and Influence:
Important Dates:
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Born: Nov. 30, 1340, in Vincennes, France
Made Count of Poitiers: 1356
Appointed king's lieutenant for Auvergne, Languedoc, Périgord, and Poitou: 1358
Granted Berry and Auvergne by his father: 1360
Married Jeanne d'Armagnac: 1360 (until her death in 1387)
Married Jeanne de Boulogne: 1389
Commissioned the Tres Riches Heures: 1413
Died: June 15, 1416, Paris
About Jean, Duc de Berry :
Jean was the third son of King John II the Good of France. While his father was in captivity in England, Jean was appointed king's lieutenant for Auvergne, Languedoc, Périgord, and Poitou, which, together with his holdings in Poitiers, made him the most powerful man in France. After his brother became King Charles V, Jean taxed his lands heavily in order to raise funds for defense, and after his brother died and he became regent to his nephew, Charles VI, Jean was faced with a peasants' revolt that resulted from his extreme policies.
As regent, Jean worked to secure peace with England and the Burgundians, negotiating with England's John of Gaunt and calling for papal mediation. In 1412 he survived an attack by Burgundians, and proceeded to act as mediator in the peace of Auxerre and again, in 1413, in the peace of Pontoise. He also helped deliver Charles VI's plan to end the papal schism, which failed.
When Jean, duc de Berry, died in 1416 at the age of 75, there was not enough money to pay for his funeral.
