3/4 January 1239 - 18 November 1305
House: House of Dreux
Titles: Duke of Brittany, Earl of Richmond
John II reigned as Duke of Brittany from 8 October 1286 until his death and was also Earl of Richmond in the Peerage of England. Before becoming duke, he participated in two crusades. His tenure as duke was marked by his involvement in the conflicts between France and England. His death occurred due to an accident during the papal coronation celebrations.
As the eldest son of Duke John I of Brittany and Blanche of Navarre, John II married Beatrice of England and was closely allied with his brother-in-law, Edward I of England. After participating in crusades and military campaigns, he switched allegiances from England to France, culminating in his grandson’s marriage to a French royal and his own elevation into the French peerage. He met his end at the coronation of Pope Clement V in Lyon when a wall collapsed on him.
Death: Died at age 66 from an accident, buried at Notre-Dame des Carmes.
Reign: 19 years and 41 days
Children: Arthur II, John, Marie, Peter, Blanche, Eleanor
Marriages: Married to Beatrice of England
Parents: Son of John I, Duke of Brittany and Blanche of Navarre