Joan of Navarre

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Joan of Navarre (c.1370–1437), queen of Henry IV. A daughter of Charles the Bad, king of Navarre, Joan married John IV, duke of Brittany, in 1386; they had eight children. After his death in 1399, she acted as regent for Duke John V until his inauguration in 1401. Henry ( IV) had visited the Breton court during his exile, which may partially account for his suit. Joan came to England and was crowned in 1403; the marriage was childless. She chose to remain in England after Henry's death. Relations with her stepson Henry V were amicable until 1419, when she was accused of plotting his death by witchcraft. She was confined without trial until 1422, and her revenues seized but restored by Henry's death-bed wish. She was buried with Henry IV, under their effigies in Canterbury cathedral.

R. L. Storey

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