A WAR TAKES PLACE BETWEEN SIR JOHN AND SIR ANTHONY DU VERGY AND THE LORD DE CHASTEAU-VILAIN.
In this same year, a great discord arose between sir John and sir Anthony du Vergy, burgundian knights, and the lord de Château-Vilain, which ended in an open war. The lord de Château-Vilain, the more to annoy his enemies, turned to the party of the king of France, together with sir Legier d'Estouteville, Jean de Verpelleurs, and some other gentlemen, who had long been his allies and wellwishers. By this conduct they broke their oaths to the duke of Burgundy, their natural lord, with whom the lord de Château-Vilain had been on the most intimate terms.
This lord also returned the badge of the duke of Bedford which he had long worn, which made the duke very indignant; and he blamed him greatly in the presence of the person who had brought the badge, saying that he had thus falsified the oath he had made him.
The duke of Burgundy was likewise very much displeased when it came to his knowledge, and he sent pressing orders to all his captains in Burgundy to exert themselves to the utmost in harrassing the lord de Château-Vilain. In obeying these orders, the country of Burgundy suffered much,—for the lord de Château-Vilain had many castles in different parts of it, which he garrisoned with his friends.
By the forces of the duke, assisted by the lords du Vergy and others of the nobles of Burgundy, he was so hardly pushed that the greater part of his castles were conquered and demolished, namely, Graussy, Flongy, Challancy, Villiers le Magnet, Nully, the castle of St Urban, Blaise, Saint Vorge, Esclaron, Varville, Cussay, Romay, Vaudemont, and Lasoncourt.
The siege of Graussy lasted more than three months under the command of Jean du Vergy, the principal in this quarrel, having with him sir William de Baufremont, William de Vienne, sir Charles du Vergy, and twelve hundred combatants. The lord de Château-Vilain, with the heir of Commercy and Robert de Vaudricourt, and sixteen hundred fighting men, marched to raise the siege, when a grand skirmish took place, but only one man was killed.
The lord de Château-Vilain, however, finding that he could not attempt to raise the siege without very great danger from the strength of his enemies, retreated to the place whence he had come; and shortly after, sir Denis de Sainct-Flour, who commanded within the castle, capitulated to surrender the place, on the garrison being allowed to march away in safety with their lives and baggage.
Having concluded this treaty, sir Denis went to the king of France, who had him beheaded for several charges that had been made against him, and also for having put his wife to death.
At this time, some captains of the duke of Burgundy took by storm and by scalado the town of Epernai, belonging to Charles duke of Orleans, a prisoner in England, in which every disorder was committed as in a conquered town.
A TREATY OF PEACE IS CONCLUDED BETWEEN THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY AND THE LIEGEOIS.
At the end of this year, a peace was concluded between the duke of Burgundy and the Liegeois. Many meetings had been held before the two parties could agree on terms: at last, it was settled that the Liegeois should pay the duke one hundred and fifty thousand nobles by way of compensation for the damages they had done to his country of Namur by demolishing his castles, and other mischiefs. They also consented to raze to the ground the tower of Mont-Orgueil, near to Bovines, which they held, and which indeed had been the chief cause of the war.
They completely fulfilled all the articles of the treaty; and the pledges for their future good conduct were John de Hingsbergh their bishop, Jacques de Fosseux, and other nobles of the country of Liege. For the more effectual security of this treaty, reciprocal engagements were interchanged between the parties; and thus the Liegeois who had been in very great alarms and fear, were much rejoiced to have peace firmly established throughout their territories.
[A.D. 1433.]
THE DUKE OF BEDFORD, WHO STYLED HIMSELF REGENT OF FRANCE, MARRIES THE DAUGHTER OF THE COUNT DE SAINT POL.
At the commencement of this year, John duke of Bedford espoused, in the town of Therouenne, Jacquilina, eldest daughter to Pierre de Luxembourg count de St Pol, and niece to Louis de Luxembourg bishop of Therouenne, chancellor of France for king Henry, and also to sir John de Luxembourg.
This marriage had been long negociated by the bishop, who was very eager to bring it about, and he was at that time the principal minister and adviser of the said duke. The duke of Burgundy was not in that country when it was solemnized,—but hearing of it on his return, he was displeased with the count de St Pol for having thus, without his knowledge or advice, disposed of his daughter.
The wedding-feasts were celebrated in the episcopal palace of Therouenne; and for the joy and happiness the duke felt in this match (for the damsel was handsome, well made and lively), and that it might be long had in remembrance, he presented to the church of Therouenne two magnificent bells of great value, which he had sent thither from England at his own cost.
Some days after the feasts were over, he departed from Therouenne.
THE TOWN OF ST VALERY, IN PONTHIEU, IS WON BY THE FRENCH.
At this time, sir Louis de Vaucourt and sir Regnault de Versailles, attached to king Charles, accompanied by about three hundred combatants, surprised about day-break, and took by scalado the town of St Valery in Ponthieu. The town was governed for the duke of Burgundy by Jean de Brimeu, and great mischiefs were done there by the French according to their custom of dealing with conquered towns.
The capture of this place alarmed the whole country round, and not without cause; for within a few days they greatly reinforced themselves with men at arms, and commenced a severe war on all attached to the English or Burgundians. The most part of those in the neighbourhood entered into an agreement for security with them, for which they paid heavy sums of money.
At this time also, by means of Perrinet Crasset, governor of la Charité on the Loire for king Henry, was that town and castle given up. It was strongly situated, and had not been conquered during the whole of the war.
THE DUKES OF BEDFORD AND OF BURGUNDY GO TO SAINT OMER.
Toward the end of May in this year, the dukes of Bedford and of Burgundy went to St Omer to confer together on several public matters, and to consider on certain angry expressions that had been used and reported on both sides. The cardinal of England was with the duke of Bedford, and very desirous to bring these two dukes to a right understanding with each other. However, though these two noble princes were come to Saint Omer for this purpose, and though it had been settled that they were to meet at an appointed time without either being found to wait on the other; nevertheless, the duke of Bedford expected that the duke of Burgundy should come to him at his lodgings, which he would not do. Many of their lords went from the one to the other to endeavour to settle this matter of ceremony, but in vain.
At length, the cardinal waited on the duke of Burgundy, and, drawing him aside, said in an amicable manner, 'How is this, fair nephew, that you refuse to compliment a prince who is son and brother to a king, by calling on him, when he has taken so much trouble to meet you in one of your own towns, and that you will neither visit nor speak to him?' The duke replied, that he was ready to meet him at the place appointed. After a few more words, the cardinal returned to the duke of Bedford; and within a short time, the two dukes departed from St Omer without any thing further being done, but more discontented with each other than before.
THE DEATH OF JOHN DE TOISY BISHOP OF TOURNAY.—GREAT DISSENTIONS RESPECTING THE PROMOTION TO THE VACANT BISHOPRICK.
In this year, died in the town of Lille, at a very advanced age, master John de Toisy bishop of Tournay, and president of the duke of Burgundy's council. John de Harcourt, bishop of Amiens, was nominated by the holy father the pope to succeed him, which much displeased the duke of Burgundy, for he was desirous to have promoted to it one of his counsellors, called master John Chevrot, archdeacon of the Vexin under the church of Rouen. The duke had spoken on this subject to the bishop of Amiens, that when it should become vacant he might not apply for it; and it was reported, that de Harcourt had promised not to accept thereof. However, when he had been translated to Tournay, the duke ordered all his subjects, in Flanders and elsewhere, not to pay him any obedience; and in addition, the whole, or greater part of the revenues of the bishoprick were transferred to the duke, to the great sorrow of the bishop. Hoping, nevertheless, to devise some means for a reconcilement, he resided a long time in Tournay as a private person, where he was obeyed, and much beloved by the burghers and inhabitants.
During this interval, the archbishoprick of Narbonne became vacant, and, through the solicitations of the duke of Burgundy, it was given to John de Harcourt by the pope, and the bishoprick of Tournay to the before-mentioned Jean de Chevrot. This translation was made by the holy father to please all parties, more especially the duke of Burgundy; but it was very unsatisfactory to Jean de Harcourt, who refused to be translated, saying, that the pope had only done it to deprive him of his bishoprick of Tournay.
The duke, seeing that he would not comply, was more angered against him and the townsmen of Tournay than before, and in consequence, forbade his subjects to carry any provisions to Tournay, under pain of confiscation and corporal punishment. He had it also proclaimed, that all persons should give to his officers information where any property lay belonging to the burghers of that town, that it might be confiscated.
Very many mischiefs were done for the space of four or five years, on account of this discord. During which time, the count d'Estampes was sent into Tournay with a large company of knights and esquires, to take possession of the bishoprick for Jean de Chevrot, although John de Harcourt was in the town. It happened therefore, that when the count d'Estampes had ordered master Stephen Vivien to take possession of the cathedral, the greater part of the townsmen, to shew their discontent at the proceeding, rose in rebellion, and advanced to the cathedral, where Vivien, seated on the episcopal throne, was going through all the ceremonies and acts that he had been ordered to do in the name of Jean Chevrot, in taking possession of the bishoprick.
The populace no sooner witnessed what he was about than they rudely pushed him from the throne, and tore his surplice and other parts of his dress. Many, in their rage, would have put him to death if the officers of justice had not laid hands on him and carried him off as their prisoner, giving the crowd to understand that he should be judicially punished to their satisfaction.
John de Harcourt, on whose account this riot had been raised, restrained them as much as he could by gentle remonstrances, and begging of them to return to their houses, for that all would end well, and he would legally keep possession of his bishoprick. After some little time, the commonalty retired, and the magistrates and principal inhabitants made the best excuses they could to the count d'Estampes for this riot,—for they were afraid they should fare the worse for it in times to come. The count d'Estampes, finding nothing effectual could be done, departed, and returned to the duke of Burgundy at Arras, and told him all that had passed in Tournay. He was much vexed thereat, and issued stricter orders than before to distress the town, so that from this quarrel respecting the two bishops very many persons suffered great tribulations.
Even after the peace was concluded between king Charles and the duke of Burgundy, the king was much displeased at the conduct of the duke respecting Tournay, and was desirous of supporting the claim of John de Harcourt.
John de Harcourt perceiving that the duke was obstinately bent on having Jean de Chevrot bishop of Tournay, and that he should not be allowed to enjoy peaceably the revenues of the bishoprick, and that withal his lands in Hainault had been seized on and confiscated by the duke, departed from Tournay, and went with a few attendants to the king, who gave him a most gracious reception, and he then continued his journey to his archbishoprick of Narbonne. Thus did Jean de Chevrot gain the bishoprick of Tournay, who sent thither, to take possession, a canon of Cambray, named master Robert d'Auclair. He was at this time very courteously received there, and obeyed as his procurator.
THE FRENCH MAKE MANY CONQUESTS ON THE CONFINES OF BURGUNDY.
About this time, ambassadors were sent from the three estates of the duchy and county of Burgundy to the duke, to remonstrate with him on the great damages the partisans of king Charles were doing to his country by fire and sword, more especially his brother-in-law the duke of Bourbon. They told him, that they had already taken by force many towns and castles, and were daily making further inroads into the country, which must be totally destroyed unless a speedy remedy was applied. They concluded by requesting most humbly, that he would, out of his grace, raise a sufficient body of men, and that he would personally march to their assistance.
The duke, having heard their harangue, assembled his council, and then determined to collect men at arms from all his dependancies in Brabant, Flanders, Artois, Hainault and other parts. Clerks were instantly employed to write letters to the different lords, knights and esquires, who had usually served him in his wars, to assemble as many men at arms and archers as they could raise, and be ready to march with him at the beginning of the month of May, whither he might be pleased to lead them. The captains, on receiving these orders from their prince, made every diligence to obey them; and several soon brought their men into the field, which harrassed much the countries of Picardy, Ponthieu, Artois, Tournesis, Ostrevant, Cambresis, Vermandois and the adjoining parts, for the duke had not been equally diligent in completing his preparations, so that these men remained wasting the countries aforesaid for upwards of a month.
At the end of May, the duke having assembled, from divers parts, a great quantity of carriages, stores and artillery, set out from the town of Arras on the 20th day of June, attended by many of his captains. He was also accompanied by his duchess, who had a numerous attendance of ladies and damsels, to the amount of more than forty; and they were lodged in Cambray, where sir John de Luxembourg met him, and requested that he would come to his castle of Bohain, to which the duke assented.
On the morrow, when the duke and duchess had heard mass in the church of our Lady at Cambray, and afterward taken some refreshment, they set out for the castle of Bohain, where they were joyfully and honourably received by sir John de Luxembourg, count de Ligny, and the countess his lady. They and their attendants were plentifully and nobly served with all sorts of provisions that were in season; and they remained there for two days, taking their pleasures in the chace and other amusements.
In the mean time, the captains and men at arms advanced into the Rhetelois. The duke and duchess, on leaving Bohain, went to Peronne, and thence through Champagne, passing near to Rheims. There were with him full six thousand combatants, as well men at arms as archers, the principal leaders of whom were the lord de Croy, sir John de Croy his brother, sir John de Hornes seneschal of Brabant, the lord de Crequi and his brother, sir John bastard de St Pol, his brother Louis, the lord de Humieres, sir Baudo de Noyelle, the lord de Crevecoeur, Robert de Neufville, Lancelot de Dours, Harpin de Richammes, and many other nobles, as well knights as esquires. When the duke marched through Champagne, he formed his troops into a van guard, a main body, and a rear guard.
Sir John de Croy commanded the first under his brother,—and he had with him Harpin de Richammes. During the march, all the baggage was placed between the van and main body; and the duchess, then far gone with child, was there also, with her women, and near to the duke.
The army marched in this array before the town of Troyes, that was held by the French, and advanced to Cappes on the line to Burgundy. Many of the burgundian lords now joined him, to whom he gave a gracious reception,—and having called a council of war, resolved on their future proceedings.
It was settled that the duchess should fix her residence with her attendants at Châtillon-sur-Seine, while the duke marched to lay siege to Mussi-l'Evêque, in the possession of the French. Great preparations were made, and many pieces of artillery were pointed against the gates and walls. The garrison once intended making an obstinate defence; but when they saw how numerous and well appointed were the duke's forces, and found they had no hope of succour, after eight days siege, they capitulated to surrender the place on having their lives and fortunes spared. On the conclusion of this treaty, they marched away under the duke's passports for St Florentin.
When the duke had appointed a new garrison, he went to the duchess at Châtillon, and his men at arms advanced toward the county of Tonnerre.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY RECONQUERS SEVERAL PLACES WHICH THE FRENCH HAD WON IN BURGUNDY.
When the duke of Burgundy had sojourned some days at Châtillon, he ordered the duchess to go to Dijon, where she was most honourably received, and he himself went after his army. He had Lussigines and Passy besieged; and the first was so hard pressed that the garrison surrendered on having their lives spared, but giving up their effects. Those of Passy also gave hostages to surrender on the first day of September following, unless the duke and his army should be fought "withal and beaten by his adversaries before that time.
Many other castles and forts held by the French, who were much alarmed at the great power of the duke of Burgundy, were yielded up to him, namely, Danlermoine, Herny, Coursaint, Scealefloug, Maligny, Saint Phalle, Sicry, Sabelly and others, to the amount of twenty-four. After these surrenders, the duke went to Dijon, and his captains and men at arms were quartered over the country. Sir John de Croy was the commander in chief at all these sieges of places that submitted to the obedience of the duke of Burgundy.
GILLES DE POSTELLES IS ACCUSED OF TREASON TO THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, AND BEHEADED.
In this year, a gentleman of Hainault was accused of treason against the duke of Burgundy. His name was Gilles de Postelles, who had been brought up as a dependant on the dowager-countess of Hainault, aunt to the said duke. He was charged with having practised with divers of the nobles of that country to put the duke to death by shooting him with an arrow, or by some other means, while hunting in the forest, whither he would accompany him.
For this cause, he was arrested in the mansion of the countess, at Quesnoy, by sir Willian de Lalain bailiff of Hainault. When he had been strictly examined and tortured, he was beheaded and quartered in the market-place of Mons, and his quarters were sent to be placed in the four principal towns of that country. One of his servants was beheaded with him; but John de Vendeges, to whom he had discovered his plot, fled the country, and afterward, by means of different excuses, and through the interest of his friends, was pardoned by the duke. The countess of Hainault was strongly suspected of being implicated in this affair, but nothing was clearly proved against her.
THE FRENCH WIN BY SCALADO THE TOWN OF CRESPY IN THE VALOIS.—OTHER MATTERS.
While these things were passing, a party of king Charles's adherents won by scalado at day-break, the town of Crespy in the Valois from the English. The bastard de Thian was governor; and he, with part of the garrison, and the inhabitants, were made prisoners: innumerable mischiefs were done to the town, for the French treated it in their usual manner to a conquered place.
On the eve of the feast of the Ascension, in this year, the commonalty of Ghent rebelled against the duke's officers and the magistrates. But the principal sheriff posted himself with the banner of the counts of Flanders in the market-place well accompanied, before the rebels had time to collect together, who, perceiving that they could not now carry their intentions into effect, fled from the town: some of them, however, were taken, and punished by the magistrates of Ghent.
In these days, the town of Bruyeres, in the Laonnois, was won from king Charles by sir John de Luxembourg's men, commanded by Villemet de Hainau, governor of Montagu. This capture caused great alarm in the adjoining places, for they expected a strong garrison would be posted therein to attack them; and they, consequently, reinforced themselves as much as they could, to be enabled to resist them.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY KEEPS HIS APPOINTMENT BEFORE PASSY.—HE BESIEGES THE TOWN AND CASTLE OF AVALON.
When the first day of September was come, the duke of Burgundy (having previously sent his orders to all those who had been accustomed to serve under him) made his appearance before Passy, according to the terms of the capitulation.
He was there joined, by orders of king Henry, by the lord de l'Isle-Adam, marshal of France, and sir John Talbot, with sixteen hundred combatants. The duke received them joyfully, and made very handsome presents to these lords and to their men. The French, however, did not appear; and the garrison, in consequence, surrendered the place to the duke of Burgundy, and marched away under his passports.
The duke then sent a detachment to surround Avalon, of which was captain one called Fort Espice, having under him two hundred men at arms, the flower of the army and renowned in war. They made an obstinate defence.
The principal burgundian lords among the besiegers were the lord de Charny, Philibert de Vaudray, and others,—from Picardy were sir John bastard de St Pol, the lord de Humieres, and many noblemen, who advanced with great courage and encamped near to the ditches. Several engines were pointed against the gates and walls, and damaged them greatly, breaches being made in divers parts.
The besiegers now thought to take the place by storm, and made a vigorous attack, but were gallantly repulsed. However, the garrison, foreseeing that they could not hold out longer, and having no hopes of succour, they fled by night in much disorder, through a postern that had been neglected by the enemy. Their flight was soon known, and the Burgundians lost no time in arming and pursuing them, so that falling courageously upon them, they took and slew many. Fort Espice and some others saved themselves by flight. The town was now suddenly attacked, and won without resistance. The wife of Fort Espice was made prisoner, with many of his men and some peasants,—and every thing that was found in the place was plundered and carried away.
PIERRE DE LUXEMBOURG, COUNT DE ST POL, BESIEGES THE TOWN OF ST VALERY.—THE DEATH OF THE COUNT DE ST POL.
In the month of July of this year, Pierre de Luxembourg, count de Saint Pol, accompanied by lord Willoughby, an Englishman, and twelve hundred combatants of the two nations, laid siege to the town of Saint Valery; in which were, on the part of king Charles, sir Louis de Vaucourt, Philip de la Tour and sir Regnault de Versailles, with a garrison of three hundred men.
They pointed artillery against the walls and gates; and after the siege had lasted for three weeks, the before-named knights entered into treaty with Robert de Saveuses, who had been commissioned by the count de St Pol for the purpose, and agreed that they would surrender the place at a fixed day, should they not be relieved before then, on receiving a sum of money, and liberty to depart in safety with their prisoners and baggage. As no one appeared to their succour, they marched away, under passports, to Beauvais.
Shortly after, sir Louis de Vaucourt and sir Regnault de Versailles were met by one called Le Petit Roland, on the road to Senlis, who, though of the same party, from a private quarrel, attacked them with the men he was leading to Chantilly; and in the end he defeated and robbed them, making sir Regnault his prisoner.
The count de St Pol, having re-garrisoned St Valery, gave the command of it to sir Robert de Saveuses. On marching thence, he fixed his quarters at a large village called Blangy, in the county of Eu, with the intent to besiege the castle of Monchas, held by sir Regnault de Fontaines for king Charles. Sir Regnault, not wishing to wait the event of a siege, capitulated with the commissioners of the count to surrender the place on the 15th day of next October, provided that neither king Charles nor any of his partisans should be in sufficient force to offer him combat on that day before the castle of Monchas, or on the plains of Santhois near to Villiers-le-Carbonel, one league distant from Haplaincourt. This treaty was confirmed, the 26th day of August, by the count, and hostages given on each side for its due performance.
On the last day of this month of August, while the count was encamped near to Blangy, and giving his orders for besieging the castle of Rambures, he was taken suddenly ill, and died almost instantly.
His men and all the English captains were grieved at heart for his loss, and retired to the garrisons whence they had come. His household had the body transported to St Pol, where it was interred in front of the great altar of the abbey-church of Cercamps, of which his ancestors had been the founders. His eldest son, Louis de Luxembourg, then about fifteen years of age, took possession of all his estates and lordships, and thenceforth was styled the Count de St Pol.
THE LORD DE LA TRIMOUILLE IS ARRESTED IN THE KING'S PALACE, AND MADE TO SURRENDER HIS PRISONER THE VISCOUNT DE THOUARS.
While these things were passing, king Charles resided chiefly at the castle of Chinon, and with him was the lord de la Trimouille, his principal adviser, but who conducted public affairs much to the dissatisfaction of Charles d'Anjou, and many other great lords.
They also hated him from their friendship to the lord d'Amboise viscount de Thouars, whom he had detained in prison from the time the lord de Lessay and Anthony de Vivonne had been beheaded through his means at Poitiers, and also because the constable, by reason of his interference, could not regain the good graces of the king.
Having therefore formed their plan, the lord de Bueil, sir Peter de Verseil, Pregent de Coetivy and other barons, to the number of sixteen, entered the castle of Chinon, and went to the chamber of the lord de la Trimouille, whom they found in bed. They made him prisoner, and carried him away, taking from him the government of the king. He afterward, by treaty, surrendered to them the lord d'Amboise, and promised never to return to the king, yielding up many forts that he held as security for keeping the said treaty.
Shortly after, the constable was restored to the good graces of his monarch, who was well satisfied to receive him, although he was much vexed at the conduct that had been held to the lord de la Trimouille: nevertheless, new ministers were appointed for the management of his affairs.
At this time, Philip lord de Saveuses resided in Mondidier with a sufficient garrison to oppose the French in Compiègne, Ressons, Mortemer, Bretueil, and other places. These had made an excursion to the amount of about one hundred and fifty combatants into the country of Santhois, where they were met by the lord de Saveuses, who slew or made prisoners the greater part: the rest saved themselves by flight.
In this year, died in his town of Avesnes, in Hainault, the count de Penthievre, who had been deprived of the duchy of Brittany, as has been elsewhere fully related. A great mortality took place throughout almost all France, as well in large towns as in the country; and there prevailed also great divisions between the nobles and gentlemen against each other, so that neither God, his church, nor justice, were obeyed or feared, and the poor people were grievously oppressed in various ways.
WILLIAM DE COROAM PUTS TO FLIGHT JOHN BEAURAIN.—SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG RECONQUERS THE CASTLE OF HAPHINCOURT.
About this period, William de Coroam, an Englishman, in company with Villemer de Hainault, and some others of sir John de Luxembourg's captains, with three or four hundred combatants, overthrew and plundered near to Ivoy, between the Ardennes and Champagne, from five to six hundred men, whom John de Beaurain, and divers captains, had assembled in hopes of conquering them. John de Beaurain, however, and others, saved themselves by the fleetness of their horses.
In the month of September, the castle of Haphincourt, seated on the river Somme, two leagues distant from Peronne, was taken by a partisan of king Charles, called Martin le Lombard, and his accomplices. Within the castle was sir Pierre de Beausault, a noble and ancient knight, with his lady, the mother to sir Karados de Quesnes.
The whole of the country of Vermandois was much alarmed at this conquest, for the inhabitants feared it would open an easy entrance for the enemy into those parts. They, however, lost no time in sending notice of it to sir John de Luxembourg, who, in a few days, assembled eight hundred Picards, and marched them, in company with his nephew the young count de St Pol, sir Simon de Lalain, the lord de Saveuses, and other noble captains, to the castle of Haphincourt, and had his artillery instantly pointed against the walls. His attacks were so severe on the garrison that they were forced to surrender at discretion, when some were hanged and others strangled. As for Martin, Jacotin and Clamas, they obtained their liberty on paying a heavy ransom. The castle was delivered into the hands of Jean de Haphincourt, and the knight and lady sent away. After this exploit, sir John de Luxembourg returned with his nephew, and the other captains, to the places whence they had come.
THE COUNTS DE LIGNY AND DE ST POL KEEP THE APPOINTED DAY AT VILLIERS LE CARBONEL, AND AFTERWARD DEFEAT THE FRENCH FROM THE GARRISON OF LAON.
On the 15th day of October, the young count de St Pol, sir John de Luxembourg, count de Ligny, with from four to five thousand combatants, whom they had summoned from Picardy and Hainault, under the command of sir William de Lalain, sir Simon his brother, the lord de Mailly, sir Colart de Mailly his brother, the lord de Saveuses, Valleran de Moruel, Guy de Roye, and others expert in arms, marched to keep the appointment at Villiers le Carbonel, according to the capitulation signed at the castle of Monchas in Normandy. They were also joined by twelve hundred English, under the orders of the lord Willoughby and sir Thomas Kiriel.
Neither sir Regnault de Fontaines, governor of Monchas, nor any others on the part of king Charles made their appearance at Villiers le Carbonel; and thus their hostages were left in very great danger. The two counts, however, remained all that day in battle-array on the plain, and toward evening quartered themselves and their men in the adjoining villages, seeing there was not a probability of an enemy shewing himself. On the morrow, they returned, by a short march, to the place whence they had come.
Within a few days after this, when the two counts were at Guise, news was brought them, that the lord de Penesach, governor of Laon, had made an excursion, with four or five hundred combatants from different garrisons into the country of Marle, and had nearly taken Vervins, the hereditary inheritance of Joan de Bar, sir John's daughter-in-law, and had set fire to the suburbs of Marle.
Sir John was much troubled on receiving this intelligence, and instantly mounted his horse, together with the count de St Pol, sir Simon de Lalain, and those of his household. He sent in haste for reinforcements from all his garrisons that were near, and sir Simon ordered his men, who were quartered in a village hard by, to follow without delay; so that he had very soon upwards of three hundred fighting men, whom he boldly marched to meet the enemy.
He overtook them on their retreat at Disy, not far from Laon; and although they were very superior in numbers, he no sooner saw them than without waiting for the whole of his men to come up, he most gallantly charged them, and did wonders by his personal courage. The French took to flight, even under the eyes of their commander, excepting a few, who were defeated, and the most part put to death, to the number of eight score. The principals were, Gaillart de Lille, Anthony de Bellegarde, de Mony, le borgne de Vy, Henry Quenof from Brabant, and others, to the number aforestated. From sixty to eighty were made prisoners, the greater part of whom were on the morrow hanged; among them was one named Rousselet, provost of Laon. A gentleman of arms, called L'Archenciel was taken in the engagement, but given up to sir Simon de Lalain, whose life he had formerly saved at St Vincent, as has been related.
In return, sir Simon was desirous of saving his; but he could not succeed, for sir John de Luxembourg caused him to be put to death, which angered greatly sir Simon, but he could not remedy himself. The French were pursued as far as Laon, and many killed and taken. On this day, the young count de St Pol was entered a warrior,—for his uncle made him slay several, in which he took much delight. After the defeat, they all returned to Guise in high spirits on account of their happy success.
LA HIRE AND OTHER FRENCH CAPTAINS OVERRUN ARTOIS AND CAMBRESIS.
In the month of September, of this year, La Hire, with others of king Charles's captains, such as Anthony de Chabannes, Blanchefort, Charles de Flavy, Regnault de Longueval, and full fifteen hundred combatants, whom they had assembled in Beauvais, crossed the Somme at Cappy into Artois, and made a number of peasants prisoners, who were unsuspicious of such an inroad, and returned with them and their plunder to Beauvais, where they were all quartered. They also made great seizures of men and cattle in the Cambresis, by whose ransoms they acquired large sums of money.
They again took the field, but after some little time they divided; and Anthony de Chabannes with Blanchefort and their men went toward Cambray, and, passing by it, they took the straight road to Haspres, as a free fair had been held the preceding day at the town of Ivoy; and because the townsmen would not compound according to their pleasure, they burnt most part of the town and the church.
They then advanced to Haspres, which was full of people and merchandize, and entered it by surprise. They made many prisoners, but several retired with some monks into a strong tower, which was long attacked in vain by the French. In revenge for not being able to gain it, they plundered all they could lay hands on in the town, and then set it on fire, by which several houses were destroyed, with the church and abbey of St Akaire. They also committed other enormous mischiefs.
Having packed up their plunder, they departed, and, traversing the Cambresis, took many prisoners, and burnt numbers of houses, and went to lodge at Mont St Martin[10], where La Hire was waiting for them. On this same day, La Hire had set fire to the town of Beaurevoir, the mill, and a very handsome country-seat called La Mothe, situated near to the town, and belonging to the countess de Ligny. Many detachments scoured the country, committing numberless mischiefs without opposition; for sir John de Luxembourg was absent with his nephew the young count de St Pol on business relative to matters that had happened in consequence of the death of sir Peter de Luxembourg his father.
This was the cause why the French met with no resistance on this expedition wherever they went. From Mont St Martin they took the road toward Laon, carrying with them multitudes of prisoners and great herds of cattle. They halted at Cressy-sur-Serre, and thence, without any loss, returned to Laon, where they divided their spoils, and went to the different garrisons whence they had come.
About this period, the lords de Croy and de Humieres returned, with about two thousand horse, from Burgundy, where they had been for a considerable time under duke Philip, assisting him in his various conquests from the French.
The duchess of Burgundy was delivered of a son at Dijon, who was knighted at the font: his godfathers were Charles count de Nevers, who gave him his own name, and the lord de Croy. He was also made a knight of the order of the Golden Fleece, and in addition the duke his father gave him the county of Charolois.
FOOTNOTES:
[10] Mont St Martin. Q. If not Thun-St-Martin?
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY HOLDS THE ANNIVERSARY FEAST OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE IN THE CITY OF DIJON.—HE ATTENDS THE MARRIAGE OF THE DUKE OF SAVOY'S SON.
At this time, the duke of Burgundy held the feast of the Golden Fleece in the city of Dijon; and, shortly after, messengers arrived from the duke of Savoy to request that he would come to the wedding of his son the count of Geneva, about to marry the daughter of the king of Cyprus, which wedding was to be celebrated in the town of Chambery in Savoy. The duke of Burgundy complied with the request; and, having arranged all his affairs about Candlemas, he left the duchess at Chalons in Burgundy, with his army in that neighbourhood, and departed for Savoy, attended by about two hundred knights and esquires.
After some days travelling, he arrived at Chambery, and was met by the duke of Savoy and the count de Geneva, who received him with every respect. On the day after his arrival, the wedding was celebrated, and the feast was most plentifully served. On the right of the great table were seated the cardinal of Cyprus, uncle to the bride, the queen of Sicily, consort to king Louis and daughter to the duke of Savoy, and the duke of Burgundy: in the center was the bride, and then the duke of Bar, the count de Nevers and the heir of Cleves.
At the second table were placed the duke of Savoy, the count de Fribourg, the marquis de Fribourg, the prince of Orange, the chancellor of Savoy, with several noble men and ladies. At other tables were many knights, esquires, ladies and damsels, from various countries, all most richly dressed; and every table was abundantly and properly served according to the rank of the guests.
This feast lasted for several days, in which the company amused themselves with dancings, and in divers sports and pastimes. The duke of Burgundy, after staying three days, presented the bride with a magnificent clasp of the value of three thousand francs,—on which occasion, he was heartily thanked by the duke of Savoy and his son,—and, taking leave of the company, returned to Burgundy.
A GENERAL COUNCIL IS HELD AT BASIL.
In the course of this year a general council was held at Basil with great pomp. The emperor of Germany, and many great lords, as well secular as ecclesiastic, from different countries, were present at the opening thereof. Their first object was to send ambassadors to endeavour to appease the quarrels between the king of France on the one hand, and the king of England and the duke of Burgundy on the other.
During the sitting of this council, the very agreeable intelligence was brought thither, that the men of Prague had been defeated, and from eight to ten thousand killed, by the nobles of Bohemia, assisted by six hundred men at arms, whom the members of the council had sent to their support.
Shortly after, two priests, the leaders of the Hussite-heretics, were slain; one named Protestus du Tabouret, and the other Lupus, together with six thousand of their sect. The rich city of Prague was conquered, and purged of heretics, as well as the greater part of the country. The Bohemians sent an embassy to the council to receive absolution, and a confirmation in the catholic faith.
The council laid a tax on the clergy of one-tenth.
Ambassadors arrived at Basil in great state from the king of Castille and the Spaniards: these were attended by full four hundred persons, and two hundred mules. The cardinals de Santa Croce and de San Pietro were sent by the council to Philip Maria duke of Milan, to recover the lands of the church which he had seized, but their labour was in vain.
THE TOWN AND CASTLE OF PROVINS IN BRIE ARE WON BY THE ENGLISH AND BURGUNDIANS.—THE FRENCH RECONQUER THE TOWN AND CASTLE OF ST VALERY.
About this time, the town and castle of Provins in Brie was won by scalado, from the French, by the English and Burgundians. Their principal captains on this expedition were sir John Raillart, Mando de Lussach, Thomas Girard, governor of Montereau-faut-Yonne, Richard Huçon, and others, with about four hundred combatants. The leader of the scalers was one called Grosse-tête.
The castle was gained at five o'clock in the morning, although the governor de Gueraines, with five hundred fighting men, defended themselves most valiantly for the space of eight hours, to the great loss of the assailants, who had six score or more killed, and in the number was a gallant english man at arms called Henry de Hungerford. The town and castle were, however, conquered and pillaged, and the greater part of the French put to death. The governor, perceiving all hopes of success were vain, escaped with some others. The command of the place was afterward given to the lord de la Grange.
In the beginning of the month of January, the partisans of king Charles regained the town and castle of St Valery, under the command of Charlot du Marests, governor of Rambures, through the negligence of the guards. It had been intrusted to the care of Robert de Saveuses, but he was then absent,—and there was such a mortality in the town that few ventured to reside therein: the bastard de Fiennes, his lieutenant, with others were made prisoners, and the whole country of Ponthieu was in great alarm at this event. Philip de la Tour was also a principal commander on this expedition with Charlot du Marests.
[A.D. 1434]
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY RETURNS FROM BURGUNDY TO FLANDERS AND ARTOIS, HAVING WITH HIM JOHN SON TO THE COUNT DE NEVERS.—OTHER MATTERS.
In the beginning of this year, Philip duke of Burgundy returned from Burgundy to his territories of Flanders, Artois, and other parts, escorted by about six hundred combatants. He left his duchess and young son behind him in Burgundy, and all his castles well garrisoned with men at arms. He carried with him John son to the count de Nevers, his cousin-german, on his visits to the principal towns, where he sought for succours in men and money to take back with him to Burgundy.
During this time, sir John de Luxembourg, who had posted himself on the frontiers of the Laonnois, conquered the strong abbey of St Vincent lez Laon from king Charles's garrison, and made prisoner a notable gentleman called Anthony de Cramailles, whom sir John caused to be beheaded and his body quartered at Ripelmonde. At this attack on the abbey of St Vincent, Jarnet de Pennesach, and Eustache Vaude lost their lives. Sir John re-garrisoned this place, which caused great fears in the town of Laon; and to be enabled to resist any attacks from thence, they had strong reinforcements quartered among them of well tried men at arms.
In consequence, daily skirmishes took place between them, when many of each party were killed or wounded; and on the side of sir John de Luxembourg, a valiant knight, called Colart de Forges, was slain by a shot from a bow, which passed through his leg.
JOHN DE NEVERS IS ORDERED TO LAY SIEGE TO MOREUIL.—HE HAS THE COUNTY OF ESTAMPES GIVEN TO HIM.
When the duke of Burgundy was returned to Picardy with John, son to the count de Nevers, the duke gave him the county of Estampes, which title he bore for a long time after, and was likewise appointed governor of Picardy, to take on him the charge of guarding the frontiers.
He assembled men at arms to lay siege to the castle of Moreuil[11], in possession of the French, and was joined by the lord d'Antoing, sir John de Croy, the vidame of Amiens, Valeran de Moreuil, the lord de Humieres, the lord de Saveuses, the lord de Neufville, sir Baudo de Noyelle governor of Peronne, and the governors of Mondidier and Roye. His force consisted of one thousand combatants, whom the count d'Estampes led to the castle of Moreuil, and quartered them before it. Not more than one hundred fighting men were in the castle, who were, within eight days, so hardly pressed that they were forced to surrender the place on having their lives spared, leaving their baggage and effects at the disposal of the count d'Estampes and his commissaries.
On the treaty being signed, the French marched away under passports from the count, and the command of the place was given to Valeran de Moreuil. The count d'Estampes conducted his army then to the castle of Mortemer, near Ressons-sur-mer, which was soon surrendered, and completely demolished. After which the count marched back with his men to the places whence they had come.