Jeanne de Belleville

Jeanne de Belleville, known as the Lioness of Brittany, is one of the most striking and fearless figures in medieval French history. Born into a noble Breton family in the early 14th century, she lived a privileged life until tragedy transformed her into a relentless avenger. After her husband Olivier IV de Clisson was executed by King Philip VI of France on charges of treason—widely believed to be politically motivated—Jeanne vowed revenge against the French crown.

Selling her lands to raise funds, she outfitted a fleet of ships and launched a personal war at sea, turning pirate to strike directly at French vessels. For over a decade, her black-sailed ships terrorized the English Channel, seizing French supply ships and executing noble prisoners without mercy. Her campaign earned her both fear and grudging admiration, marking her as one of history’s earliest and most formidable female privateers.