Ruler: Duke Francis II of the House of Dreux, born 1435, succeeded 1458, married Margaret de Dreux. No children.

Technically a part of France, Brittany is nearly autonomous with its own army, diplomacy, control over appointments to bishoprics and freedom from homage to the French King. This freedom irks France, which has done its best to bribe, beg or coerce Brittany into accepting Royal authority. Therefore, the recent history of Brittany has seen successive dukes veer between supporting and opposing France in a continual effort to maintain independence. Lacking the immense resources of Burgundy and with its only border being with France, this is difficult.

1365-1399: John IV the 'Conqueror' supported England against French authority, resulting in the duke's exile in England from 1373 until his triumphal return in 1379.

1399-1442: John V the 'Wise' followed a tortuous policy, changing sides to suit himself. After Charles VII's recovery, his neutrality was at least friendly to England.

1442-1450: Francis I followed his father's line but his pro-English stance was rudely reversed by the Duke of Somerset's attack on the Breton town of Formigny. Francis lived to see the English driven out of northern France.

1450-1457: Pierre II the 'Simple Minded' merely watched as Charles consolidated his hold on France by taking Gascony.

1457-1458: Arthur III the 'Dispenser of Justice' was brilliant and friendly to England but died too soon to affect politics.

1458-1488: Francis II succeeded to the insecure duchy. To strengthen his claim he married his cousin Margaret, daughter of Duke Francis I. He seems cautious and conciliatory to Charles VII but clearly has plans for Brittany: he created a university at Nantes only this year. Francis' biggest problem in maintaining Breton independence is the lack of an heir. He's young and recently married but only God can provide an heir and some reckon his marriage unnatural.