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.
CHAP. XLVII.
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.
CHAP. XLVIII.
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.
CHAP. XLIX.
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.
CHAP. L.
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:
[Footnote 10: Mont St Martin. Q. If not Thun-St-Martin?]
CHAP. LI.
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.
CHAP. LII.
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.
CHAP. LIII.
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]
CHAP. LIV.
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.
CHAP. LV.
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.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 11: Moreuil,--a town in Picardy, situated between Corbie and
Mondidier.]
CHAP. LVI.
A QUARREL BETWEEN THE ROMANS AND POPE EUGENIUS, WHOM THEY WANTED TO
DETAIN AT ROME AGAINST HIS WILL.
At this period, pope Eugenius, who resided at Rome, had an inclination
to fix his abode at Florence, which, when known to the Romans, troubled
them much. They assembled in great multitudes, and went to the pope to
say that he should not depart thence, for that he could be no where
better than in Rome, the fountain of Christianity.
The pope and cardinals, perceiving the madness and obstinacy of the
people, pretended to give up their intentions of removing: nevertheless
the Romans established sufficient guards at all the gates, that they
might not depart without their knowledge. However, by means of the
beautiful queen of Sicily, who sent the pope some gallies and other
vessels, he secretly quitted Rome and went to Florence, to the great
vexation of the Romans, who instantly arrested all whom the pope
had left behind; and in the number was his nephew, the cardinal of
Venice. He afterward escaped, disguised like a monk, and thus equipped
travelled alone.
CHAP. LVII.
THE ABBEY OF ST VINCENT NEAR LAON IS DEMOLISHED.--MANY CASTLES ARE
CONQUERED BY THE BURGUNDIANS.
The duke of Burgundy now departed from Picardy, on his return to
Burgundy, attended by about two thousand fighting men, and sir Simon de
Lalain and Robert de Saveuses. He took his march through the Cambresis,
and thence to Cressy-sur-Serre, and to Provins.
The French were, at this time, assembled in great force at Laon, with
the intent to besiege the abbey of St Vincent, which was garrisoned,
as has been before said, by sir John de Luxembourg. Sir John sent
messengers to the duke at Vervins to inform him of his situation, and
to request that he would march back to Cressy-sur-Serre, and remain
there for three or four days, in order that the French in Laon, hearing
of his being so near, might give up their intentions of besieging him.
The duke complied with the request, and returned to Cressy; and in the
mean time a treaty was commenced between the count de Ligny and the
French in Laon, when it was agreed that the garrison should march from
St Vincent with their baggage and other effects, but that the place
should be demolished.
This being done, the duke continued his march through Champagne to
Burgundy; and while there he greatly reinforced himself with troops
from Burgundy and Picardy. He thence detached a party to besiege the
town and castle of Chaumont in the Charolois, held by the French: the
garrison was soon so hardly pressed that it surrendered at discretion
to the duke of Burgundy, who had upwards of one hundred of them hanged.
Sir John bastard de St Pol commanded the Picards in the duke's absence.
Among those who were hanged was the son of Rodrigue da Vilandras.
Those in the castle surrendered themselves to the duke, and were
treated in like manner as the townsmen.
This detachment afterward besieged Beuam, which also surrendered, but
on condition that the garrison should have free liberty to depart with
staves in their hands. Thus by laying siege to several castles and
smaller forts they reduced a great many to the obedience of the duke of
Burgundy.
CHAP. LVIII.
THE LORD TALBOT RETURNS TO FRANCE, AND CONQUERS MANY TOWNS AND CASTLES.
In this same year, the lord Talbot returned from England to France,
bringing with him eight hundred combatants, whom he landed at Rouen.
Marching thence toward Paris, he reconquered the fort of Jouy, situated
between Beauvais and Gisors, and hanged all the French found within
it. He continued his march to Paris, where it was determined, by
king Henry's council, that he should, in company with the lord de
l'Isle-Adam, marshal of France, sir Galois d'Aunay lord of Arville, and
the bishop of Therouenne, chancellor of France for king Henry, march
with all their troops to lay siege to the castle of Beaumont-sur-Oise,
which had been much strengthened by Amadour de Vignolles, brother to La
Hire.