Anjou

Ancient French province, including the present department of Maine-et-Loire. Godfrey, its count in 12th century, was ancestor of the Plant a genets, and it belonged to kings of England 1154-1204. From Count Charles sprang kings of Naples, Sicily, and Hungary. A. became a fief of Naples, but returned to the French crown by inheritance 1328. In 1360 King John made his son Louis duke of A. Louis afterward became King of Naples. Louis XI. took A. from René II., last of that dynasty, reannexing it to France 1484. Since then A. has given honorary title to princes of the royal family.