Joanna of Flanders

Joanna of Flanders
Duchess consort of Brittany
Tenure	30 April 1341–16 September 1345
Born	c. 1295
Died	September 1374 (aged 78–79)
Spouse	John of Montfort
Issue	John IV, Duke of Brittany Joan, Baroness of Drayton
House	Dampierre
Father	Louis I, Count of Nevers
Mother	Joan, Countess of Rethel

Joanna of Flanders (c. 1295 – September 1374) was Duchess of Brittany by her marriage to John of Montfort. Much of her life was taken up in defense of the rights of her husband and, later, son to the dukedom, which was challenged by the House of Blois during the War of the Breton Succession. Known for her fiery personality, Joanna led the Montfort's cause after her husband had been captured by King Phillip, and began the fight-back. There, she displayed considerable skill as a military leader. Aside from her astounding skills as a military leader, Joanna functioned as a leader that the people loved.

Joanna of Flanders did not invent the concept of women in warfare, she revolutionized the role of women in power. Joanna was able to rally the House of Montfort and functioned immaculately as a social, political, and military leader.

Shortly after taking refuge in England, she was confined to Tickhill Castle by order of King Edward III.

Joanna was highly praised by the chronicler Jean Froissart for her courage and energy. Because of her feats of leadership, David Hume described her as "the most extraordinary woman of the age".

Joanna of Flanders has continuously been overlooked by historians, who have focused far more on any of the men that were around Joanna instead of her. The house of Montfort often gets credit for actions taken solely by Joanna. It is imperative to give Joanna credit to her own actions taken.