Jeanne de Clisson

Jeanne de Belleville was a Breton and Poitevin noblewoman who married Olivier IV de Clisson. After Olivier was arrested and executed for treason in 1343, the French crown confiscated family property and Jeanne aligned herself against Philip VI during the Breton War of Succession.

Later tradition describes her raising armed forces and operating ships against French interests with English support. Her resistance to the French crown connected personal vengeance, noble faction and maritime warfare during the Breton War of Succession. Jeanne de Clisson was born in Belleville-sur-Vie, Poitou and died in Hennebont, Duchy of Brittany.

In Gigi Griffis’ The Lioness, Jeanne de Clisson’s life is destroyed when her husband, Olivier IV de Clisson, is arrested for treason and executed on the orders of Philip VI.