History - OnThisDay -November 30th. 1340 - John, Duke of Berry

November 30th. 1340 marks the birth of John of Berry also called
John the Magnificent.

Family

John of Berry was born as a son of King John II of France and
Bonne of Bohemia.

His siblings were inter alia:

King Charles V of France;
Philip II, Duke of Burgundy;
Joan, Queen of Navarre;

Love and Marriage

John, Duke of Berry first was married to Joan of Armagnac
(1346-1387). They would have 5 children.

He also had one illegitimate son with a Scottish
woman.

In 1389 he married his second wife Joan II, Countess of
Auvergne. They would have no children together.

Duty

By his birth, his father granted him the title:
Count of Poitou.

In 1360, Poitiers was ceded to England. John was
created Duke of Berry and Auvergne.

The Treaty of Brétigny declared that John became
hostage to the English crown. He remained in England
till 1369.

In 1380, Johns older brother died and he became
one of the regents for King Charles VI of France, who
was then a minor.

Besides his duties, John, Duke of Berry also was an
important art patron.

Death

John, Duke of Berry died on June 15th. 1416 at the age
of 75 in Paris.

Source pictures: Wikipedia