THE
CHRONICLES
OF
ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET.
_H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge-Street, Blackfriars, London_
THE
CHRONICLES
OF
ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET;
CONTAINING
AN ACCOUNT OF THE CRUEL CIVIL WARS BETWEEN THE HOUSES OF
ORLEANS AND BURGUNDY;
OF THE POSSESSION OF
PARIS AND NORMANDY BY THE ENGLISH;
_THEIR EXPULSION THENCE_;
AND OF OTHER
MEMORABLE EVENTS THAT HAPPENED IN THE KINGDOM OF FRANCE,
AS WELL AS IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
_A HISTORY OF FAIR EXAMPLE, AND OF GREAT PROFIT TO THE
FRENCH_,
_Beginning at the Year_ MCCCC. _where that of Sir JOHN
FROISSART finishes, and ending at the Year_ MCCCCLXVII. _and
continued by others to the Year_ MDXVI.
TRANSLATED
BY THOMAS JOHNES, ESQ.
IN THIRTEEN VOLUMES.... VOL. VI.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER-ROW;
AND J. WHITE AND CO. FLEET-STREET.
1810.
CONTENTS
OF
_THE SIXTH VOLUME_.
PAGE
CHAP. I.
Charles VI. king of France, dies in his hôtel
of St Pol, and is interred at Saint Denis
with his ancestors 1
CHAP. II.
Information of the death of king Charles
the well-beloved is carried to his only son
Charles the dauphin. Other matters 8
CHAP. III.
Charles the dauphin is crowned king of
France, in consequence of his father's
death 11
CHAP. IV.
The Parisians send an embassy to England, to
young king Henry and to his ministers.
Other matters 13
CHAP. V.
The captains of king Charles assemble in
great numbers to raise the siege of Meulan.
The duke of Bedford treats with
the garrison 17
CHAP. VI.
A copy of the treaty of Meulan 19
CHAP. VII.
The French take the fortress of Dommart in
Ponthieu by scalado. And many other
events 24
CHAP. VIII.
The dukes of Bedford, Burgundy and
Brittany, meet at Amiens, and form a
triple alliance 29
CHAP. IX.
Poton de Saintrailles and Lyonnel de Wandonne
perform a combat at arms at Arras,
in the presence of the duke of Burgundy 35
CHAP. X.
The earl of Salisbury besieges the castle of
Mont-Aquilon, which surrenders to him.
Other matters 39
CHAP. XI.
King Charles of France has the town of
Crevant besieged by the constable of
Scotland and the count de Ventadour 43
CHAP. XII.
Many events briefly spoken of 51
CHAP. XIII.
Sir James de Harcourt holds a conference
with sir Raoul le Bouteiller for the surrender
of Crotoy 55
CHAP. XIV.
Several events briefly touched upon 62
CHAP. XV.
The town of Compiègne is delivered up to
the English. The town and castle of
Crotoy are surrendered to the duke of
Bedford 69
CHAP. XVI.
Two masters of arts are sent to Tournay to
admonish the people, and to keep alive
their affection to king Charles 73
CHAP. XVII.
Sir John de Luxembourg besieges the castle
of Wiege. He lays an ambush, in which
Poton de Saintrailles and his companions
are made prisoners 76
CHAP. XVIII.
A large body of English arrive at Calais.
Sir John de Luxembourg besieges the
town of Guise. Other matters briefly
spoken of 78
CHAP. XIX.
The lord de Longueval and many other
French lords turn to the party of king
Charles 83
CHAP. XX.
The duke of Bedford marches a large army
to keep his appointment before Ivry.
That town and castle surrender to him 86
CHAP. XXI.
The duke of Bedford combats the French
before Verneuil 90
CHAP. XXII.
The inhabitants of Tournay rebel against
their magistrates 97
CHAP. XXIII.
The garrison of Guise capitulate to sir John
de Luxembourg and sir Thomas Rampstone 98
CHAP. XXIV.
The dukes of Bedford and of Burgundy
endeavour to make up the quarrel between
the dukes of Glocester and of
Brabant 109
CHAP. XXV.
The duke and duchess of Glocester leave
Calais for Hainault, to receive the allegiance
of the principal towns of that
country. The duke of Burgundy makes
preparations to aid his cousin the duke of
Brabant 113
CHAP. XXVI.
The duke of Glocester sends a letter to the
duke of Burgundy. A copy thereof 117
CHAP. XXVII.
Copy of the answer of the duke of Burgundy
to, the letter from the duke of
Glocester 122
CHAP. XXVIII.
Copy of the second letter sent by the duke
of Glocester to the duke of Burgundy 128
CHAP. XXIX.
The duke of Burgundy returns to Flanders,
whence he sends his answer to the duke
of Glocester's letter. A copy thereof 132
CHAP. XXX.
The town of Braine in Hainault taken and
destroyed by the allies of the duke of
Brabant 136
CHAP. XXXI.
Pope Martin sends his bull to duke John of
Brabant. Its contents 144
CHAP. XXXII.
After the departure of the duke of Glocester,
a war takes place in Hainault. The
duchess Jacquiline writes to the duke of
Glocester for assistance. The contents
of her letter 146
CHAP. XXXIII.
The dukes of Bedford and of Burgundy
meet in the town of Dourlens. Other
matters 156
CHAP. XXXIV.
The sultan of Egypt and Saracens determine
to conquer the whole kingdom of Cyprus 159
CHAP. XXXV.
The duke of Burgundy makes great preparations
to combat the duke of Glocester.
Other matters 162
CHAP. XXXVI.
The duchess Jacqueline of Bavaria escapes
in disguise from Ghent, and goes to
Holland 166
CHAP. XXXVII.
The duke of Bedford prevents the combat
between the dukes of Burgundy and
Glocester. Other events 168
CHAP. XXXVIII.
The lord Fitzwalter arrives in Holland to
the aid of the duchess Jacquiline 172
CHAP. XXXIX.
The duke of Burgundy returns to Holland,
and besieges the town of Zeneuberche,
which surrenders to him. Other matters 178
CHAP. XL.
The Saracens return to Cyprus. A battle
between them and the Cypriots, in which
the king is made prisoner, and carried to
the sultan 181
CHAP. XLI.
The castle of Moyennes in Champagne surprised
by the French. The pope gives
sentence in favour of the duke of Brabant.
The fortress of Oripecte in Provence
won by treachery 196
CHAP. XLII.
The duke of Bedford lays siege to Montargis.
The siege is raised by the French.
Other events briefly touched on 199
CHAP. XLIII.
The castle of Malmaison, belonging to the
bishop of Cambray, is taken by sir John
Blondel. Other events 205
CHAP. XLIV.
Sir John Blondel surrenders the castle of
Malmaison, which he had taken from the
bishop of Cambray 208
CHAP. XLV.
The duke of Burgundy returns to Holland,
and attacks the town of Hermontfort.
Other events 211
CHAP. XLVI.
The sultan of Babylon writes letters to the
princes in Christendom. The tenour of
these letters 214
CHAP. XLVII.
The English invade Brittany, where they do
great damages. Other matters 216
CHAP. XLVIII.
Sir John de Luxembourg besieges Beaumont
in Argonne 224
CHAP. XLIX.
A treaty concluded between the duke of
Burgundy and the duchess Jacquiline,
which ends the war in Holland. The
contents of this treaty. 226
CHAP. L.
The earl of Salisbury arrives in France with
great reinforcements to the duke of Bedford.
The duke of Burgundy escorts
the duchess Jacquiline into Hainault 228
CHAP. LI.
The townsmen of Tournay again rebel 231
CHAP. LII.
The earl of Salisbury conquers Gergeau and
other places near Orleans. The duke of
Bedford wants to lay hands on the revenues
of the church 232
CHAP. LIII.
The earl of Salisbury lays siege to the town
of Orleans. He is there slain 234
CHAP. LIV.
A preacher called friar Thomas, converts
many persons, and inveighs against the
extravagant dresses of the women, in
different places 239
CHAP. LV.
A grand tournament in the city of Brussels 244
CHAP. LVI.
The count de Namur dies, and makes the
duke of Burgundy his heir 246
CHAP. LVII.
The English, marching to reinforce the
siege of Orleans, are met and attacked by
the French 249
CHAP. LVIII.
A maiden, named Joan, waits on king
Charles at Chinon, where he resided.
The king retains her in his service 254
CHAP. LIX.
Ambassadors are sent by king Charles, and
the burghers of Orleans, to Paris, to negotiate
a treaty with the regent, that
the town of Orleans may remain in
peace 257
CHAP. LX.
The maid with many noble French captains
of great renown reinforce and revictual
the town of Orleans, and afterward raise
the siege 260
CHAP. LXI.
The king of France, at the requests of the
maid Joan and the noble captains in Orleans,
sends them a large reinforcement
of men at arms to pursue his enemies 265
CHAP. LXII.
The maid Joan, with the constable of France,
the duke d'Alençon, and their men, conquer
the town of Gergeau. The battle
of Pataye, when the French defeat the
English 268
CHAP. LXIII.
The duke of Burgundy, at the request of
the duke of Bedford, comes to Paris,
when they renew their alliances 276
CHAP. LXIV.
King Charles of France takes the field with
a numerous body of chivalry and men
at arms. Many towns and castles submit
to him on his march 280
CHAP. LXV.
King Charles of France with a noble chivalry
and a numerous body of men at arms,
arrives at Rheims, where he is crowned
by the archbishop of Rheims 283
CHAP. LXVI.
The duke of Bedford assembles a large army
to combat king Charles. He sends a
letter to the king 287
CHAP. LXVII.
The armies of Charles king of France and
of the regent duke of Bedford meet near
to Mont Epiloy 292
CHAP. LXVIII.
King Charles of France sends ambassadors
to the duke of Burgundy at Arras 296
CHAP. LXIX.
The lord de Longueval conquers the castle
of Aumale from the English 299
CHAP. LXX.
The town of Compiègne surrenders to the
French. The return of the French embassy
which had been sent to the duke of
Burgundy 301
CHAP. LXXI.
The king of France makes an attack on the
city of Paris 303
CHAP. LXXII.
The duke of Burgundy sends ambassadors
to Amiens, to keep up his interest with
the inhabitants 307
CHAP. LXXIII.
Charles king of France returns to Touraine
and Berry 309
CHAP. LXXIV.
Duke Philip of Burgundy conducts his sister
back to Paris, in great pomp to her lord
the duke of Bedford 310
CHAP. LXXV.
The French and Burgundians attack each
other, notwithstanding the truce 315
CHAP. LXXVI.
The lord de Saveuses and the bastard de St
Pol are made prisoners by the French,
near to Paris. A party of French gain the
town of St Denis by scalado 318
CHAP. LXXVII.
The English make many conquests 321
CHAP. LXXVIII.
The duke of Burgundy marries, for the
third time, the lady Isabella, daughter to
the king of Portugal 325
CHAP. LXXIX.
Estienne de Vignolles, surnamed La Hire,
surprises and takes the town of Louviers,
in Normandy 327
CHAP. LXXX.
The duke of Burgundy institutes, this year,
the order of the golden fleece 328
CHAP. LXXXI.
The lord de Crevecoeur and sir Robert de
Saveuses are attacked by the French on
their march to Clermont in the Beauvoisis 331
CHAP. LXXXII.
Five Frenchmen combat five Burgundians at
Arras, and other matters 332
CHAP. LXXXIII.
The duke of Burgundy quarters his army at
Gournay sur Aronde 336
CHAP. LXXXIV.
The duke of Burgundy lays siege to the
castle of Choisy, which he conquers in a
few days 339
CHAP. LXXXV.
Joan the maid overthrows Franquet d'Arras,
and has his head cut off 342
CHAP. LXXXVI.
Réné duke of Bar lays siege to Chappes,
near to Troyes in Champagne 343
CHAP. LXXXVII.
The maid is taken prisoner by the Burgundians
before Compiègne 345
CHAP. LXXXVIII.
Young king Henry of England disembarks
at Calais and comes to France 348
CHAP. LXXXIX.
After the capture of the maid, the duke of
Burgundy encamps his army before Compiègne 349
CHAP. XC.
The Liegeois raise a large army, and invade
the country of Namur 352
CHAP. XCI.
The duke of Burgundy sends the lord de
Croy to the county of Namur against the
Liegeois 355
CHAP. XCII.
The earl of Huntingdon comes to the aid of
the duke of Burgundy before Compiègne 357
CHAP. XCIII.
An adventurer named Toumelaire, with
some of the townsmen of Rheims, lays
siege to the castle of Champigneux 361
CHAP. XCIV.
The death of Philip duke of Brabant. The
duke of Burgundy takes possession of his
duchy 362
CHAP. XCV.
Sir John de Luxembourg takes the command
of the siege of Compiègne. The orders
he gives, and other events 366
CHAP. XCVI.
The prince of Orange is conquered by the
French 370
CHAP. XCVII.
The French march to Compiègne and raise
the siege 373
CHAP. XCVIII.
The marshal de Bousac lays siege to the castle
of Clermont in the Beauvoisis 387
CHAP. XCIX.
A large body of English and Burgundians,
on their march to besiege Guerbigny, are
attacked and conquered by the French 388
CHAP. C.
The French offer battle to the duke of Burgundy
and his army, which the duke, by
advice of his council refuses 393
HERE BEGINNETH
THE SIXTH VOLUME
OF THE
CHRONICLES
OF
ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET.
CHAP. I.
CHARLES VI. KING OF FRANCE, DIES IN HIS HÔTEL OF SAINT POL, AND IS
INTERRED AT SAINT DENIS WITH HIS ANCESTORS.
In these days, Charles king of France was confined to his bed by
illness; and on the 22d day of October, the feast of the eleven
thousand virgins, he departed this life at his hôtel of St Pol. Only
his chancellor, his first chamberlain, his confessor, almoner, and a
very few of his household, were present at his decease.
Shortly after his death was made public, the lords of his council, the
members of his parliament, the chamber of accounts, the university of
Paris, many of the colleges, the sheriffs, burghers, and multitudes of
the common people, went to see him as he lay on his bed.
His attendants placed the body in a leaden coffin, when it was very
reverently borne by knights and esquires to the chapel within his
hôtel, where it remained for twenty whole days, until the duke of
Bedford were returned to Paris from Normandy in the following month of
November. During these twenty days, masses were daily celebrated in the
king's chapel, in the same manner as in his lifetime by the priests
attached to it,--after which, the service for the dead was celebrated.
The four orders of mendicant friars, and the canons from the different
colleges, daily performed alternate services. The university caused one
grand one to be celebrated, as did the college of the Quatre Nations,
and in general this was done by all the parishes in Paris.
On the 10th of November, the king's body was carried from his hôtel of
St Pol to the cathedral of Nôtre Dame, in grand procession, preceded
by the members of the different churches dressed in their robes, each
according to his rank. The prelates were on the right hand, namely,
the bishops of Paris, of Chartres, of Terouenne,--the abbots of St
Magloire, of St Germain des Pres, of St Maur, and of St Genevieve. On
the left hand were the heads of the universities and doctors, equally
near as the prelates to the body, which was borne by the king's
foresters and by those of his stable. Then followed the maitres d'hôtel
and the esquires of the stable.
On the left of the body were the provosts of Paris and of the
merchants, having sergeants at arms between them; and near to the body
was the king's first valet de chambre. The members of the court of
parliament bore the pall, at the head of which was the king's first
chamberlain, and the others in succession. After them came the king's
pages, and then at a little distance, the duke of Bedford, as regent
of the Kingdom. None of the princes of the royal blood of France
attended the funeral, which was a melancholy consideration, when it was
remembered what great power and prosperity the king had enjoyed during
the early part of his reign.
Then came, after the duke of Bedford, the chancellor of France,
the masters of requests, the members of the chamber of accounts,
secretaries, notaries, burghers, and a great multitude of the
commonalty of Paris.
The body was placed on a handsome litter, over which was a canopy of
cloth of gold on a ground of vermilion and azure, besprinkled with
flowers de luce. Over the coffin was an image of the late king, bearing
a rich crown of gold and diamonds, and holding two shields,--one of
gold, the other of silver: the hands had white gloves on, and the
fingers were adorned with very precious rings. This image was dressed
with cloth of gold on a vermilion ground, with close sleeves, and a
mantle of the same lined with ermine: the stockings were black, and the
shoes of blue velvet besprinkled with flowers de luce.
In this state was he solemnly carried to the church of Nôtre Dame,
where a mass for the defunct was chaunted by the patriarch of
Constantinople. When the service was finished, the procession moved to
St Denis. The body was borne by the attendants of his stable as far as
a cross, half way between Paris and St Denis, when the measurers and
carriers of salt in Paris took it from them, having each a flower de
luce on his breast. They carried the body to a cross near St Denis,
where the abbot, attended by his monks and all the clergy of the town,
with great multitudes of people bearing lighted torches, received it.
Thence with chaunting and singing, recommending his soul to God, was it
carried to the church of St Denis.
During this whole time, neither the duke of Bedford nor any of
those before mentioned quitted the body. On the body being placed
in the church, another service was celebrated by the patriarch of
Constantinople; but a night intervened between the two services. No one
but the duke of Bedford went to the offering.
There were full twenty thousand pounds of wax expended at these two
services; and sixteen thousand persons attended the almsgiving, when
three blancs of royal money were given to each.
When the last service had been performed in the church of Saint Denis,
and the king's body laid in the sepulchre of his forefathers, the
patriarch gave his benediction in the usual manner,--on which the
late king's ushers at arms broke their staves and threw them into the
grave, and turned their maces downward. Then Berry, king at arms,
attended by many heralds and poursuivants, cried over the grave, 'May
God shew mercy and pity to the soul of the late most puissant and most
excellent Charles VI. king of France, our natural and sovereign lord!'
Immediately after Berry cried, 'May God grant long life to Henry by the
grace of God king of France and of England, our sovereign lord!' which
cry he again repeated. After this, the sergeants at arms, and ushers,
returned their maces, and shouted together, 'Long live the king! long
live the king!'
When the ceremony was over, the lords returned to Paris, which had been
placed under the guard of sir Guy le Bouteiller and the bastard de
Thian, with a very large body of men at arms. They had also under their
command different detachments in the environs, with able captains, to
prevent any surprise or attempts of the Dauphinois.
The duke of Bedford was now regent and sole governor of the realm, in
the name of his nephew the young king Henry, in so far as to those
parts under his obedience.
Thus ended the life of the most noble king Charles in the 43rd year of
his reign, during great part of which the kingdom was sorely troubled
and ruined by the continual quarrels of the princes of his blood with
each other. May God, through his infinite goodness, have mercy on and
receive his soul!
CHAP. II.
INFORMATION OF THE DEATH OF KING CHARLES THE WELL-BELOVED IS CARRIED
TO HIS ONLY SON CHARLES THE DAUPHIN.--OTHER MATTERS.
News of the death of king Charles the well-beloved was soon carried
to his only son the dauphin, then residing at a small castle called
Espally, near to Puy in Auvergne, and belonging to the bishop of
that place. The dauphin was very much grieved on receiving this
intelligence, and wept abundantly.
By the advice of his ministers, he instantly dressed himself in
mourning, and on the morrow, when he heard mass, was clothed in a
vermilion coloured robe, attended by several officers at arms, in
their emblazoned coats. The banner of France was then displayed in the
chapel, and all present shouted 'Vive le Roi!' After this, the service
of the church was performed without any other ceremony; but henceforth
all that were attached to the party of the dauphin styled him King of
France.
When the duke of Burgundy was returned to Artois, after the death of
the king of England, he held a council of his captains in Arras, when
it was determined, that sir John de Luxembourg should assemble a body
of men at arms to subdue the Dauphinois in the county of Guise and in
the adjacent parts,--for they were harassing greatly the Cambresis and
the Vermandois. Sir John therefore fixed his place of rendezvous for
his men at and about Peronne.
At this time, the lord de l'Isle-Adam obtained his liberty, through
the solicitations of the duke of Burgundy. He had been for a long time
prisoner in the bastille of St Anthony, by orders of the late king
of England. He was restored to his possessions, and, in part, to the
offices he had held.
Many knights and esquires of Picardy were now sent to St Valery to
summon sir James de Harcourt to surrender the place according to his
promise. The gates of the town were thrown open to their summons,--and
sir John de Blondel was made governor thereof.
On Martinmas-night, by means that had been practised before, the town
of Rue was given up to sir James de Harcourt, and the inhabitants swore
allegiance to the dauphin, thus violating the peace that had been made.
Sir James appointed the lord de Verduisant governor; and, as his force
was inadequate for its defence, he sent for a reinforcement from the
county of Guise, which, on its arrival, oppressed the country much.
About this same time, the lord de Bosqueaux, who had long been most
active to serve the Dauphin and Orleans-party, was made prisoner in the
castle of Thoisy-sur-Oise and carried to Paris, where he was beheaded
and quartered, for having, some time past, maliciously murdered sir Guy
de Harcourt, bailiff of the Vermandois.
CHAP. III.
CHARLES THE DAUPHIN IS CROWNED KING OF FRANCE, IN CONSEQUENCE OF HIS
FATHER'S DEATH.
After the death of the king of France, his only son Charles the
dauphin, by the advice of the nobles of his party, was crowned king, in
the town of Poitiers,--and from that day was called King of France by
his adherents, as his father had been before him. A short time prior to
this, he had narrowly escaped being killed; for while he was holding
a council in the town of la Rochelle, part of the chamber in which he
was sitting fell in, when John de Bourbon, lord of Prèaux, and some
more were killed. The dauphin was slightly wounded; but his attendants
hastily extricated him from his danger, and carried him to a place of
security, where he soon recovered his health.
In this year, sir Mansart d'Esne was made prisoner in the castle of
Vitry, of which he was governor, by la Hire, both of them being
adherents to the dauphin, and notwithstanding they had long been
intimate friends. Sir Mansart, however, was deprived of all his
effects, of his castle, and a high price withal fixed for his ransom,
while he was kept in close confinement for a length of time. It was
commonly reported, that John Raoullet was a party concerned with la
Hire in playing this trick.
When sir John de Luxembourg had collected his men at arms at Peronne,
he entered the country of Guise, and having soon subdued the forts
of Buissy-sur-Fontaines, Proisy and some others, and conquered that
country, he returned homeward, and disbanded his troops, when they all
retired to the places they had come from.
CHAP. IV.
THE PARISIANS SEND AN EMBASSY TO ENGLAND, TO YOUNG KING HENRY AND TO
HIS MINISTERS.--OTHER MATTERS.
In this year, the Parisians sent a solemn embassy to king Henry, and to
the queen of England, to request they would speedily order a sufficient
force to France, to oppose the daily advances of the party of the new
king of France, the late dauphin of Vienne.
The ambassadors were, the bishop of Terouenne, master John de Mailly,
sir Bourdin de Salignies, Michault Lallier, and other persons of note.
They took their road through Lille, to have a conference with the duke
of Burgundy, and thence to Calais, where they embarked for England.
They were joyfully received by the king and queen, and promised
effectual and speedy succours by their ministers. Having thus
accomplished the object of their embassy, they returned to France.
On the 14th of January in this year, the fortress on the bridge of
Meulan was surprised by the French under the command of sir John de
Grasville. He had with him some able captains and a body of five
hundred combatants who slew all the English they found there, and used
great diligence to put the place in better repair, and to revictual it;
for they intended to defend the town and castle against their enemies.
At this time, the countess-dowager of Hainault was defied by a noted
plunderer of the name of L'Escremont Castel, a native of Ligny, in the
Cambresis, and then captain of the tower of Beaumont under sir John
de Luxembourg. Having sent his defiance to the countess, he attacked
many of her towns, and made war on her subjects and vassals for a
considerable space of time.
About Christmas in this year, some of the burghers of Paris formed a
conspiracy against king Henry, with the intent to deliver up Paris to
the Dauphinois; but it was discovered, and many arrested, some of whom
were beheaded. A woman that had been concerned therein was burnt:
the rest saved themselves by flight (among the latter was Michault
Lallier), and their property was confiscated to king Henry.
At this period, the town of La Ferté-Milon was won by the French, with
the consent of the inhabitants; but the castle was well defended by the
garrison, who sent in haste for succour to the lord de l'Isle-Adam,
to the lord de Castillon, and to the bastard de Thiam. The lord de
l'Isle-Adam collected a force of five or six hundred men, and marched
them secretly in the rear of the castle, whence, at an hour previously
agreed on with the garrison, they made a joint attack on the town,
which was soon gained without any great resistance being made; and the
greater part of those found within it were put to death without mercy,
and all their effects carried off.
Shortly after the capture of Meulan, the duke of Bedford, who styled
himself regent of France, assembled a large body of combatants,
English, Normans, Picards and others, and led them to lay siege to the
bridge of Meulan on each side of the river. He had bombards, and other
warlike engines erected against the gates and walls to destroy them,
and continued this siege with great perseverance from the beginning
of January until the following March, when the besieged offered to
capitulate.
In the month of February, while this siege was carrying on, sir John
de Luxembourg conquered the forts of Franquemez, Neufville, Endorans,
Vironfosse and Canaple. He had with him the lord de Saveuses, sir
Daviod de Poix, and many expert and tried men at arms. After these
conquests, he returned before the town of Guise, and had a grand
skirmish with its garrison. Having thus succeeded, sir John returned to
his castle of Beaurevoir, where he dismissed his captains and men at
arms.
CHAP. V.
THE CAPTAINS OF KING CHARLES ASSEMBLE IN GREAT NUMBERS TO RAISE THE
SIEGE OF MEULAN.--THE DUKE OF BEDFORD TREATS WITH THE GARRISON.
Toward the end of February, a large body of combatants attached to
king Charles, from the country of Berry, assembled under the command
of the count d'Aumarle, the earl of Buchan, a Scotsman, the viscounts
de Narbonne, d'Annechy, de Châtel Breton and others: they amounted
to about six thousand men, and were marched to within six leagues of
Meulan, where they formed themselves in battle-array; but a quarrel
arose among their leaders, so that they broke up in a very disorderly
manner, and departed without advancing farther. They lost great numbers
of men from the sallies made by the garrisons of Chartres, and other
places in the hands of the English, while retreating in such disorder.
The besieged in Meulan, hearing of what had happened, were exceedingly
enraged that they had failed of having the promised succour. In their
rage, they tore down the banner of king Charles that had been displayed
over the gate, and flung it to the ground. Many gentlemen ascended the
battlements, and in sight of the English tore to pieces the crosses
they had worn as badges of king Charles, and loudly abused those who
had been sent to their relief for perjured traitors.
The garrison was not long before they held a parley with the duke's
officers; and persons were chosen on each side to conclude a treaty.
On the part of the English were deputed the earl of Salisbury, sir
John Fastolfe, sir Pierre de Fontenay, sir John de Poulligny lord
de la Motte, Richard Widville, Nicholas Bourdee, grand butler of
Normandy, and Pierre le Verrad. The deputies from the town were sir
John de Grasville, sir Louis Martel, sir Adam de Croisines, knights,
John d'Estainbourg, Jean de Mirot, Roger de Boissie, Oudin de Boissie
and Jean Marie, esquires. These deputies having met several times, at
length agreed to a treaty, the terms whereof were as follow.
CHAP. VI.
A COPY OF THE TREATY OF MEULAN.
In the first place, the besieged shall surrender the bridge and
fortress into the hands of my lord duke of Bedford, or to his
commissaries, fully repaired, and with all its cannons, powder,
cross-bows and all other warlike stores, without fraud or deceit, and
without committing any damages to these articles. The said bridge and
fort shall be thus honestly surrendered three days after to-morrow;
that is to say, on the 5th day of this present month of March.
Secondly, all persons now within the fort of the bridge of Meulan,
whatever may be their rank, shall submit themselves, with the utmost
humility, to the will of my lord the regent, who, in consideration
of this their very humble obeisance, and from motives of mercy and
religion, in honour of God, and with due reverence to this holy time
of Lent, shall grant them their lives, excepting those who shall have
formerly been subjects to the late king of England, (whose soul may God
pardon!) and such as shall have sworn to the observance of the last
peace between the kingdoms of France and England; those who shall have
been in any way accomplices in the murder of duke John of Burgundy; all
Welsh, Irish and Scots, should any there be, are also excepted; and
more particularly so, John Dourdas, Savary, a bernardine monk, Olivier
de Launoy, the cannoneers, and those who formed the ambuscade by which
the bridge was surprised: all these last are to remain at the disposal
of the lord regent.
Thirdly, it is agreed, that if any gentleman or others (excepting such
as have been before excepted) be willing to submit themselves to the
obedience of the king our sovereign lord of France and of England,
and to my lord regent, as true and loyal subjects, and carry on a war
against his enemies, in the manner they had done against the king,--my
lord regent will receive them into his favour, and acquit them of all
imprisonment and ransom, provided they give sufficient pledges for
their future good conduct.
Item, all persons now within the fort of the bridge of Meulan who may
hold any towns or castles, by themselves or others, against our said
king, shall deliver them up to the lord regent, or to his commissioners
deputed for that purpose; and they shall exert themselves to the utmost
that their relations or friends shall in like manner surrender all
castles or towns they may be possessed of. And until all these things
shall be done, they are to remain at the disposal of the regent, who
engages, on their due accomplishment, to restore them to liberty.
Item, if any persons now within the fort of the bridge of Meulan
shall detain there, or elsewhere, any prisoners, english, french or
burgundians, or merchants having sworn allegiance to the king of
England, they shall release them without calling on them or their
securities for any ransom whatever.
Item, it is agreed, that the besieged shall, the day after to-morrow,
either by themselves or others, carry to one or more appointed places,
all their armours, without any way damaging the smallest article of
them; and they will also have carried to another part all gold and
silver plate, money, jewels, and every article of value within the said
fortress, without concealing any part thereof or destroying it. They
will deliver to the commissaries of the lord regent exact lists of the
same without fraud or deception, under pain of forfeiting all benefit
of this treaty, and of the grace of the lord regent.
Item, they will also deliver up their horses at an appointed place in
the state they are now in, with their armours, to the said commissaries
of the lord regent, on pain of forfeiture as above.
Item, under similar penalty, the besieged shall not, until the full
accomplishment of the treaty, suffer any person or persons to depart
from, or to enter the said fortress, without the express leave of the
lord regent first had and obtained.
Item, under pain of the above, they shall denounce and deliver up to
the said commissioners all those who have been especially named. And
in order that all these articles may be fully complied with, the
commissioners and deputies of either party have thereto set their
seals, this first day of March; in the year 1422.
This treaty was fully completed; and in consequence of it, the
fortresses of Marcoussy, of Montlehery, and several others held
by the besieged were yielded up to the regent. On the day Meulan
was surrendered, one hundred gentlemen, and two hundred others of
the garrison, took the oaths before required, and swore faith and
allegiance to the lord regent: even the lord de Grasville took these
oaths: when they were conducted prisoners to Rouen, until all the
articles of the treaty should be accomplished. The lord de Grasville
certified to the regent's commissioners, that king Charles was in full
health when he parted from him to come to Meulan,--but that he had been
hurt by the falling in of a room at la Rochelle, where he was holding a
council, as has been before mentioned.
CHAP. VII.
THE FRENCH TAKE THE FORTRESS OF DOMMART IN PONTHIEU BY SCALADO.--AND
MANY OTHER EVENTS.
On the 20th day of March in this year, the French escaladed and won the
castle of Dommart in Ponthieu,--in which were the borgne de Fosseux,
knight, and Jacques de Craon his son-in-law, who made their escape,
with a few attendants, by a postern, on hearing the tumult and the
numbers of the enemy. Sir Simon de Boulenviller, John de Douceure, and
others within the castle, with the lady of de Fosseux, were detained
prisoners.
All the effects, which were very abundant, were seized as lawful prey
and carried off.
Shortly after, the lord de Crotoy, with three or four hundred
combatants, fixed his quarters at a castle belonging to the bishop of
Amiens, called Pernois, about a league distant from Dommart, to make
head against and oppose the farther progress of the French. A treaty
was concluded with the French some days after the lord de Crotoy's
arrival, by which they were to return unmolested, with their plunder,
on condition they surrendered Dommart. The chief of this expedition was
one called Dandonet.
At this period, the duke of Glocester married Jacqueline duchess of
Bavaria, countess of Hainault and of Holland, who had for some time
resided in England, notwithstanding that Jacqueline had been married
to duke John of Brabant, then living. This marriage astonished many
persons.
In this same year, the king of Arragon went to Italy, at the request
of queen Johanna, wife to sir James de Bourbon, as her elected heir.
On his arrival he drove the duke of Anjou, who styled himself king of
Sicily, and all his people, out of that country. He then attached to
his service all the great captains of the queen of Naples, namely,
Sforza, Braccia-Monte and Tartaglia, with others of the leading men in
Italy, who, uniting with the king of Arragon, made the queen Johanna
prisoner. Thus was she punished in the same way she had treated her
former lord sir James de Bourbon. The king of Arragon, by these means,
remained for a considerable time master of great part of Italy: even
the pope joined his party, and sent the cardinal of St Angelo to
conclude a treaty of friendship with him. This cardinal, while on the
journey, fell from a plank, as he entered a fort, into the ditch, and
was so grievously bruised that he died soon after.
News was now brought to France that the heretics at Prague were in
great force, and attempting to subdue all the Christian castles and
fortresses. Their heresy was more powerful and extended than it had
ever been, in so much that the emperor, unable to resist them, was
returned to Hungary without effecting any thing.
About this time also, sir James de Harcourt's men made several secret
inroads to the countries of Vimeu, Ponthieu and Artois, and seized and
carried away many ploughs from the farmers of Mont St Eloy, near to
Arras, which they sold, with other booty, in the town of Crotoy, so
that the farmers were afraid of residing on or working their lands.
On the other hand, the French, quartered at Guise, made frequent visits
to Crotoy and Rue, by which the country was sorely harrassed by each
party,--and justice was no where obeyed.
The Burghers and commonalty of Tournay had, at this time, great
dissentions, and assembled in arms under the banners of the different
trades, that is to say, the great against the small. The commonalty
admitted the lord de Moy into the town, who was attached to the party
of king Charles, as well as themselves; and they elected several men
of low degree for their captains, in place of the provost and their
rulers. This time, however, the quarrel was appeased without coming
to blows; but similar agitations and changes frequently took place
afterward within the town of Tournay.
Two thousand five hundred English were now assembled in Normandy
under the command of the lord de la Pole, sir Thomas Berry and other
captains, who marched them through the country of Maine, wasting every
part they passed through, to Angers, where they did much damage, and
made numbers of prisoners. They returned with them and their plunder to
a large town, called Busignes de la Graville, where they halted many
days.
While these things were passing, John count d'Aumarle, who had received
from the country people intelligence of this expedition together with
the baron de Colilouvre, the lord de Fontaines in Anjou, and sir Peter
le Porc, collected a large body of men at arms and common people, and
lay wait for the enemy in handsome array not far from La Graville. When
the English perceived them, they dismounted, and posted the baggage in
their rear. The French were mounted, and began the attack with great
vigour, but the English defended themselves with such courage, the
conflict was very severe and doubtful; but at length the English were
conquered, and left full twelve hundred men on the field. The lord de
la Pole, was made prisoner, and thirty other gentlemen at the least.
Of the commonalty on the side of the French, six score persons were
killed.
[A.D. 1423.]
CHAP. VIII.
THE DUKES OF BEDFORD, BURGUNDY AND BRITTANY, MEET AT AMIENS, AND FORM
A TRIPLE ALLIANCE.
In the beginning of this year, the dukes of Bedford, Burgundy and
Brittany, met in the town of Amiens, attended each by a large company
of knights and esquires. With the duke of Bedford, who styled himself
regent of France, came the great council of the young king Henry of
England; and with the duke of Brittany was his brother Arthur count de
Richemont.
These princes, on their arrival at Amiens, paid each other the utmost
respect, and every outward symptom of affection; and the duke of
Bedford splendidly and royally entertained them at dinner at the
bishop's palace, where he lodged. When this had been done, they formed
a triple alliance, in the form and manner following, signed with their
hands and sealed with their seals.
'John, governor and regent of the kingdom of France, Philip duke of
Burgundy, and John duke of Brittany, to all to whom these presents
shall come, greeting.
'Know ye, that in consideration of our friendships, and the approaching
near connection about to take place by the marriages concluded between
us, John duke of Bedford, regent of France, on the one part, with our
very dear and well-beloved companion and cousin Anne of Burgundy on the
other part; and between our very dear and well-beloved brother Arthur
count de Richemont, de Montfort and of Ivry, on one part, with our
very dear and well-beloved sister and cousin, Margaret of Burgundy,
on the other part; and for the general welfare of the king our lord,
and of his kingdoms of France and England, for ourselves and for our
lordships, lands and vassals, do faithfully swear and promise to
each other eternal friendship and love so long as we shall live, as
affectionate brothers ought to do; and we will defend the honour of
each both publicly and in private, without fraud or any dissimulation,
and we will mutually inform each other of whatever may be for the
advantage or disadvantage, the glory or disgrace, of ourselves or of
our territories and subjects.
'Should any persons make evil reports to us of either in his absence,
we will not put any belief in such reports, but detain all those who
shall make such in safe custody, and give immediate notice to him of
whom such reports shall have been made.
'Should either of us feel himself bound in honour, or for the safeguard
of his inheritances, to make war, each of us binds himself to aid
the other, when called upon, with five hundred men at arms, or with
an equivalent number of archers, according to the will of the person
making such demand for aid. He who shall send the succour shall be
obliged to pay them for the first month, and the supplicant to pay
them for so long as they shall remain with him more than the time of
one month.
'Should a greater number of men be required by either of us, the others
shall furnish him therewith to the utmost of their power, without,
however, leaving their countries defenceless.
'Item, we engage to exert ourselves to the very utmost to the relief
of the poor of this realm who have suffered, and are now suffering
greatly, from poverty,--and to the driving out all foreign bands from
the kingdom, so that peace and tranquillity may be restored, that God
may be properly served and honoured, and commerce and labour be renewed.
'We, and each of us, do loyally promise, on the word of a prince, to
fulfil all the above articles of alliance so long as we shall live,
without doing any one thing to the contrary, under pain of forfeiting
our honour in this world and our salvation in the next. In testimony of
which, we have set our respective seals to these presents, and signed
the same with our own hands, in the town of Amiens, this 27th day of
April, in the year 1423.'
With this treaty, the intended marriages were confirmed, between the
duke of Bedford, regent, with Anne sister to the duke of Burgundy,--and
Arthur of Brittany with Margaret, sister also to the said duke, who had
been before married to the eldest son of the late king Charles, duke of
Acquitaine and dauphin of Vienne.
In truth, the duke of Burgundy gave with his sister Anne, the county of
Artois, with all its dependancies, to the duke of Bedford, to inherit
for ever, in case he had by this marriage legal heirs.
When all these things had been settled, the dukes of Bedford and
Burgundy quitted Amiens, and returned together to Paris. The count de
Richemont went to Arras; and the duke of Brittany, having received six
thousand crowns to defray the expenses of his journey, by orders from
the regent returned home with his Bretons.
During the time these dukes were at Amiens, the duke of Burgundy
requested of the regent, that in case the castlewicks of Peronne, Roye
and Mondidier were placed under subjection to king Henry, he might have
the towns of Amiens, Abbeville, Montrieul, Dourleans, Beauquesne, with
all their appurtenances, given to him in exchange. The regent replied,
that he would lay the matter before the grand council.
The duke of Bedford, after a short stay in Paris, went to Troyes
in Champagne with a very grand attendance of English,--whither was
conducted, in a most honourable manner, from Burgundy, Anne sister to
duke Philip, magnificently attended by the lady of Rochefort and the
lady of Salins, the lord de St George, and many other great barons of
Burgundy. With them came one John de Quielong, whom the duke had sent
to the duchess-dowager, to make preparations for this ceremony. The
regent espoused the lady Anne on her arrival at Troyes, and the wedding
was celebrated solemnly and royally. After some days the ladies who had
accompanied the duchess, took their leaves, but not without many tears,
and returned to Burgundy. The duke and duchess of Bedford journeyed
towards Paris; but on the road he attacked the town of Pont-sur-Seine
with such courage it was taken by storm, and all the French within it
cruelly put to the sword. He then continued his journey, and resided a
considerable time in the hôtel des Tournelles in Paris, which he had
caused to be magnificently fitted up for his reception.
CHAP. IX.
POTON DE SAINTRAILLES AND LYONNEL DE WANDONNE PERFORM A COMBAT AT ARMS
AT ARRAS, IN THE PRESENCE OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.
In these days, a combat at arms was performed at Arras, in the presence
of the duke of Burgundy as judge of the lists, between Poton de
Saintrailles and Lionnel de Wandonne. Poton had demanded of Lyonnel
to break six lances with him, and Lyonnel, in return, had required,
afterward, a combat with battle-axes so long as they should hold out.
When the preparations had been finished, and the day of combat was
arrived, Poton entered the lists first as the appellant, handsomely
accompanied by his friends, and having made his reverence to the duke,
who was seated as judge, he retired to his pavilion. Soon after,
Lyonnel, entered the lists, attended by sir John de Luxembourg, who,
during the fight, supplied him with lances, and some other lords and
friends. He, like Poton, went to make his bow to the duke, and then
retired to the end of the lists, when the combat began. Many strokes
were given with great vigour, and several lances broken and damaged on
both sides. However, toward the end, the helmet of Lyonnel was somewhat
fractured by the point of the lance of his adversary, and his head
slightly wounded. When the duke saw this, he put an end for this day to
any further combat on horseback.
On the morrow, the duke of Burgundy returned to the lists about ten
o'clock in the morning, accompanied by the count de Richemont and the
lords of his council, to be ready for the champions who were to fight
on foot. Shortly after came Lyonnel, attended, as before by sir John
de Luxembourg, and, having made his obeisance to the duke, withdrew to
his pavilion to wait for his opponent. Poton was not long in making his
appearance, and, saluting the duke retired to his pavilion also.
Upon this, the usual proclamation was made by an herald, for all
persons to clear the lists, and to give no hindrance to the champions
on pain of death. Lyonnel de Wandonne then, as appellant, issued from
his tent, his battle-axe on his wrist, and marched with long strides
toward his adversary, who, seeing him approach, advanced to meet him.
Lyonnel made a gallant attack, and gave Poton many back-hand strokes
with his battle-axe, without drawing breath. Poton coolly received and
parried them as well as he could; but, watching his opportunity, closed
with Lyonnel, and struck him such repeated blows with the point of his
axe under the vizor of his helmet that he broke it, and the face of his
opponent was clearly seen. On finding his danger, Lyonnel grappled and
seized the end of the axe under his arm, and Poton, taking hold of the
broken part of the helmet, scratched his face with his gauntlet. While
the struggle lasted, Lyonnel nearly replaced his vizor but the duke put
an end to the contest, by causing them both to be conducted to him by
those who had charge of the lists, and ordered them henceforth to be
good friends, for that they had well performed their combat. On this,
they returned to their lodgings, where Poton kept up a great expense
with his companions.
The next day a tilting took place with lances between Rifflard de
Champremy, attached to king Charles, and the bastard de Rosebecque.
They broke many lances, but, in the end, Rifflard was pierced through
his armour and side but not mortally hurt. The duke then put an end to
the business; and each party retired to his lodgings with his friends.
Within a few days after this last combat, Poton, with his companions
went back to the county of Guise.
CHAP. X.
THE EARL OF SALISBURY BESIEGES THE CASTLE OF MONT-AQUILON, WHICH
SURRENDERS TO HIM.--OTHER MATTERS.