The chronicles of Enguerrand de Monstrelet, Vol. 08 [of 13]

THE

CHRONICLES

OF

ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET.

H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge-Street, Blackfriers, 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. VIII.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER ROW; AND J. WHITE AND CO. FLEET-STREET.

1810.

CONTENTS

OF

THE EIGHTH VOLUME.

HERE BEGINNETH

THE EIGHTH VOLUME

OF THE

CHRONICLES

OF

ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET.

CHAP. I.

JAMES I. KING OF SCOTLAND IS MURDERED IN HIS BED-CHAMBER DURING THE NIGHT BY HIS UNCLE THE EARL OF ATHOL.—OTHER MATTERS.

About this time, a very cruel and surprising event took place in Scotland, while the king resided at Perth in the middle of his realm, and held his court at an abbey of Jacobins, situated on the river Tay, a conspiracy was formed against his life by some who hated him. The leader was his own uncle the earl of Athol[1].

The earl came to Perth the second Wednesday in Lent, which was one of the ember weeks, accompanied by about thirty men, and, an hour after midnight made for the king's bed-chamber, who was unsuspicious of what was intended. They instantly broke open the door, and having gained an entrance, most barbarously assassinated him with upward of thirty wounds, some of which went through his heart. During this transaction, his queen, sister to the earl of Somerset, endeavoured to save him, but was villainously wounded in two places by some of the murderers. When the deed was done, they hurried away, to save themselves by flight.

The cries of the queen, and of her attendants, soon made the matter publicly known throughout the palace and town, when crowds hastened to the king's bed-chamber, where they found him mangled and dead, and the queen wounded. Great sorrow and lamentations were shown on the occasion,—and on the morrow the king was interred at the Carthusians.

Shortly after, the nobles and great lords of Scotland were summoned, and agreed with the queen, that the murderers should be immediately pursued, which was instantly executed,—and the assassins were arrested, and put to death in various ways, and with divers torments.

The earl of Athol, as principal, although uncle to the king, had his belly cut open, his bowels taken out and burnt before his face: his body was then quartered, and the four parts sent to four of the greatest towns of the realm. Sir Robert Stuart, having been very active in the business, was hung on a gibbet and then quartered. Sir Robert Graham was put into a cart, having a gallows erected within it, to which was fastened one of his hands, namely, that with which he had assassinated the king, and thus led through the streets. He was surrounded by three executioners, who kept pinching his thighs, and other parts of his body, with red hot pincers, and was afterwards quartered. All the rest were horribly tormented before they were executed; and this act of justice was done within forty days of the king's murder.

The reason of the earl of Athol's committing this atrocious deed was, that on the king's return from his imprisonment in England, where he had been for a long time detained, as mentioned in my first book of this history, he had put to death many great lords, (as well those related to him by blood as others) who had been members of the regency during his absence, for not having exerted themselves more expeditiously for his ransom. In this number were some very near relatives to the earl of Athol, who, though before this act he kept up the appearance of loyalty, had for a considerable time been plotting this assassination, which he put in practice as you have seen.

King James left a son about twelve years old, who was crowned king of Scotland, with the unanimous assent and approbation of the three estates of the realm. He was placed under the governance of a knight of great renown, called sir William Crichton[2], who had been his tutor during the life of the king his father. This young monarch had a vermilion mark down one cheek, and a white one down the other.

Within a short time, the queen carried away suddenly, from the knight above named, the king her son, out of the castle of Edinburgh, and put him under other governors, namely, the great lords of the country. This regency put to death the earl of Douglas[3] and his brother, called David de Combrebant[4], for having as they said, formed a conspiracy against the young king, to depose him from his throne. King James had six sisters, the eldest of whom was married to the dauphin of France, son to king Charles; the duke of Brittany had another; the third married the duke of Savoy's son; the fourth married the lord de Vere in in Holland. The queen also married a young scots knight called sir James Stuart and had by him several children[5].

It has happened, that since I had written the foregoing account, I have received more authentic information respecting the execution of the earl of Athol. It was as follows. He was stript quite naked, all but his drawers in the streets of Edinburgh, and hoisted several times up and down a high gibbet by means of a pulley, and then let fall to within two feet of the ground. He was then placed on a pillar and crowned with a coronet of hot iron to signify that he was king of the traitors. On the morrow, he was seated on a hurdle, naked as before, and dragged through the streets; after which, he was put on a table, his belly cut open, and his entrails drawn out, and thrown into a fire before his face and while he was alive. His heart was then cast into the fire, his body quartered, and the quarters sent to the four principal towns in the kingdom as has been mentioned before. The rest of his accomplices were grievously tortured prior to their execution,—and several of their near relations and intimates, though perfectly innocent, were executed with them; and such severe punishments were not remembered to have been ever before inflicted in a Christian country.

The duke of Burgundy, at this time held many councils with the three estates of his dominions, to consider on the best means of opposing the English, whom he expected daily to invade them. It was determined to garrison every town as well those inland as on the sea-shores; and all the nobles, and others who had been accustomed to bear arms, were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march with their captains in defence of their country, under the orders of John of Burgundy, count d'Estampes commander in chief.

Many of the inhabitants of the city of Lyons now rebelled against the officers of the king of France, because they were overloaded with taxes and gabelles; but several of them suffered death for it, and others were imprisoned by the royal officers.

The Parisians were also accused of intending to betray that city to the English, when master James Joussel and master Mille des Faulx advocates in the parliament together with a pursuivant, were beheaded, and their effects confiscated to the king.

In this year also the ghent men rose in arms in considerable numbers and slew one Gilbert Pactetent, head deacon of the trades, for having, as they said, prevented Calais from being stormed; and they moreover accused him of treason, because their cannon and other engines had fired but little during that siege.

They also insisted, among other extravagant demands, that an order should be proclaimed, forbidding any beer to be brewed within three leagues of Ghent; but as the sheriffs and other municipal officers had intermixed among them, with the banner of France displayed, in the Friday market-place, and had addressed them in moderate and good-humoured terms, telling them, that they would consider on their demands, and provide for them in such wise that they should be contented, the mob dispersed quietly to their homes, and laid down their arms.

Many councils were held by the sheriffs and magistrates on these requisitions, which were declared useless, and impossible to be carried into effect. They likewise resolved to leave things in the state in which they had prospered so long, without making any unreasonable reformation.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] 'Walter earl of Athol had innumerable favours and honours conferred upon him by the king and royal family, yet he was the chief actor in that horrid murder of his nephew king James I. for which he was most justly condemned and executed, and all his estates and honours were forfeited to the crown. The title of Athol was suspended till king James II. bestowed it upon his uterine brother, sir John Stewart of Balveny,' &c.—Douglas's Peerage of Scotland.

[2] Lord chancellor of Scotland.

[3] 'William VI. earl of Douglas, third duke of Touraine, &c. a youth of a fine genius and noble spirit, and of great expectation. Soon after his father's death, he came to a meeting of the parliament at Edinburgh with a splendid and numerous retinue, and behaved with all due obedience and submission. He was in great favour with the young king, and gave all the marks of a sincere, generous and loyal disposition. However, it seems his grandeur made him be looked upon with a jealous eye by the faction at the time, though he was then only about sixteen years of age. He and his young brother were invited to an entertainment in the castle of Edinburgh by chancellor Crichton. They went without the least suspicion or distrust, and were both barbarously assassinated, with their trusty friend sir Malcolm Fleming of Cumbernauld, in the king's presence, who had the tragical event in the utmost abhorrence, and wept bitterly, but had not the power to prevent it. This happened on the 24th November 1440.'—Douglas's Peerage of Scotland.

[4] Combrebant. This must be meant for sir Malcolm Fleming of Cumbernauld.

[5] Mr Pinkerton says, that Margaret was married to the dauphin,—Isabel to Francis duke of Brittany,—Eleanor to Sigismund archduke of Austria, Mary to the count de Boucquan, son to the lord of Campvere,—Jean to the earl of Angus, and afterwards to the earl of Morton.

See note p. 142. Hist. of Scotland.

CHAP. II.

LA HIRE, POTON, WITH MANY OTHER FRENCH CAPTAINS, ARE NEAR TAKING ROUEN. THEY ARE ATTACKED AND DEFEATED BY THE ENGLISH, WHO SURPRISE THEM IN THEIR QUARTERS.

In this year, several french commanders assembled a body of men on the frontiers of Normandy, to the amount of eight hundred or a thousand, namely, La Hire, Poton de Santrailles, the lord de Fontaines, Lavagan, Philip de la Tour, and others. They marched toward Rouen with the expectation of entering it by means of some of the inhabitants, who had promised them admittance,—but failed, from a considerable reinforcement of English having lately arrived in the town.

The french captains, finding their enterprise could not be accomplished although they were close to Rouen, retreated with their men to refresh and quarter themselves at a large village called Ris, only four leagues distant from it. While they were there, the lord Scales, lord Talbot, sir Thomas Kiriel and other english captains, having had information where they were, collected about a thousand combatants and instantly pursued them,—and, before they were aware, attacked them on different sides, having surprised their quarters.

The French unable to collect together were very soon defeated. La Hire, however, having mounted a horse belonging to one of his men at arms, attempted to rally them, but in vain, and then fled. He was briskly pursued, and severely wounded in several places, but escaped by the aid of some of his men. The lord de Fontaines, Alain Geron, Louis de Basle, Alardin de Mousay, John de Lon, were made prisoners; and the other nobles, with the rest of the army, saved themselves chiefly in the woods, but they lost all their baggage and the greater part of their horses. With regard to the killed, they did not amount to more than eight or ten.

[A.D. 1437.]

CHAP. III.

THE TOWN OF BRUGES REBELS AGAINST ITS LORD AND HIS OFFICERS.—A GREAT CONFLICT AND SLAUGHTER IS THE CONSEQUENCE.

At the beginning of this year, the populace of Bruges revolted against the officers of their lord the duke of Burgundy, and suddenly put to death Maurice de Versenaire, and his brother, James de Versenaire, sheriffs and magistrates of the town, because they had gone to wait on the duke at Arras. They were sought for in the houses in which they had hidden themselves, on hearing that the mob intended to murder them; and this event greatly alarmed the principal inhabitants.

The duke of Burgundy was much vexed on hearing what had passed at Bruges, and held many councils to consider how he could most effectually punish this outrage against his authority. He was advised to send secretly some trusty persons to Bruges, to learn from those supposed to be attached to his party how he could punish the offenders. Those of the highest rank wrote letters, in consequence to the duke, to excuse themselves from having been any way concerned in the late business, and to offer their services to assist him in punishing those who had done these murders.

The duke now made known his intention of going to Holland on his private affairs, and that he would pass through Bruges in his way, when he should see how he could best accomplish his object. He therefore assembled a large body of men at arms, with their captains, from Picardy, to the amount of fourteen hundred combatants, and, attended by many noble lords, departed from Lille, and lay at the town of Rousselaire. On the morrow, he sent his harbingers to Bruges to prepare his lodgings, escorted, as usual, by a detachment from the above-mentioned men at arms. They entered the town, and took up their quarters as they could. The duke immediately followed them with the main army, receiving hourly intelligence from his friends in the town. In truth, the principal inhabitants would have been rejoiced to see those who had committed the before-mentioned atrocious acts properly punished,—for they were men of low degree, who wished to throw things into confusion that, they might master the richer ranks.

The commonalty were alarmed when they heard of the duke's coming, being fearful that this armament was brought, as was the truth, against them. In consequence, they assembled by companies in divers parts of the town, and gave out that the duke and his Picards were only coming thither to plunder and destroy it. The chief inhabitants, hearing this, were more uneasy than before: the whole town was now in arms.

A large party of the commonalty collected under arms, in the market place, and sent off a detachment to the gate leading to Rousselaire, through which the duke was to enter. It was on Whitsun-Wednesday; and when the duke came to the gate, thinking to enter, he was surprised to find both that and the barriers closed, and the townsmen armed and accoutred for war. They refused to admit the duke but with few attendants, which he would not agree to saying that he and his army would enter together. A long conference now took place between the two parties in the town.

The duke had with him sir Roland de Hautekirk and sir Colart de Comines, whom the men of Bruges disliked exceedingly, with many nobles of renown in war such as the count d'Estampes, the lord de l'Isle-Adam, the lord de Therouenne, the lord de Humieres, the lord de Haubourdin, the lord de Saveuses, the lord de Crevecœur, James Kiriel, the lord de Lenternelle, Pierre de Roubaix and others, who were astonished at the conduct of the bruges men toward their prince.

Some advised him to arrest those who had come through the barriers to the conference, and to behead all who had been concerned in these disturbances; but this was negatived, for fear those within the town would retaliate on the harbingers and their escort. However, after a space of two or three hours, it was concluded that the duke might enter; but before he made his entrance, he posted at the gate Charles de Rochefort, sir John bastard of Dampierre, Melides Breton, with others of his gentlemen, and a party of archers.

The duke entered the town in handsome array, attended by many nobles and warriors; but when he was about to dismount at his hôtel, and when four or five hundred of his men at arms had passed the gate, the townsmen (who, as I have said, were there under arms, and in great numbers,) closed the barriers and gate, shutting out the remainder of the duke's army. The duke was very angry when he heard of this, and caused the magistrates to be informed, that since they would not permit his people to enter with him, he would return to them,—but the magistrates excused themselves as well as they were able.

In the mean time, the duke drew up those who had been allowed to follow him, in good array, in the old market-place, when a quarrel took place between them and the townsmen, and battles ensued in different parts of the town. The duke was advised to retire with part of his men towards the gate by which he had entered, to attempt gaining it, in order that he might have the support of the rest of his army, or make his retreat should it be thought necessary.

This was done, and he detached a body to the ramparts, to attack those at the gate on the flank, while he marched in person down the great street. The enemy set up a grand shout, and made a desperate attack,—but suddenly they fled from the gate, were pursued, and many slain. The lord de l'Isle-Adam had dismounted, and was advanced beyond some of the archers, who did not behave to please him in pursuing the townsmen, concluding, at the same time that he should be followed by others, which was not the case, or at least by a very few,—so that, seeing him thus alone, a party of the townsmen surrounded him, and, before any succour could arrive, put him to death, and tore from him the order of the Golden Fleece which he had on.

The duke of Burgundy and in general all who had accompanied were much grieved at his death, but now there was no remedy for it. At this moment there was not one but was in danger of suffering the like,—for the commonalty were in multitudes under arms ready to surround them on all sides, who were but a handful of men in comparison to them.

The duke, nevertheless, was in good spirits, and only regretted that he had not the rest of his troops to give combat to these bruges men, now in absolute rebellion. Those with him were very uneasy, and those without much vexed at their situation: the last heard from some of their companions the disagreeable state their lord was in, and also saw eight or ten of their fellow-soldiers, pursued by the townsmen, leap from the ramparts to save themselves in the ditches wherein they were drowned.

This confusion and affray, in the town of Bruges, lasted a full hour and half when the duke was informed that the mob were preparing to fall on him in immense numbers, and with artillery, so that resistance would be vain. He was advised to make a desperate attempt to gain possession of the gate, cost what it would, before this mob should arrive. He advanced, therefore, to the gate, with all the men he now had; and the enemy, as before, retreated from it. Large hammers were got from a smith's house hard by, with which the bolts and bars were broken,—and on opening the gate the army rushed out with a hearty good will; but the duke, mounted on a handsome courser, had remained steady in the midst of the tumult, though nearly approached by the enemy, and, like a good shepherd, saw all his men out of the gate before him, and then took the road to Rousselaire, whence he had marched that morning, much hurt that affairs had turned out so ill, and sincerely grieved at the loss of the lord de l'Isle-Adam and others of his people.

The greater part of the army were so panicstruck with what had happened that it was with difficulty they could be marched in any order. Neither sir Roland de Hautekirk nor sir Colart de Comines had entered the town with the duke, who lost that day in killed upward of a hundred of his men. They were all interred together in a grave in the hospital church-yard, except the lord de l'Isle-Adam, who was buried apart,—and his body was afterward removed, with great solemnity, into the church of St Donât at Bruges.

Two hundred prisoners were made by the townsmen, and on the Friday following thirty two of them were beheaded; the rest had their lives saved by the intercessions of the churchmen and foreign merchants, who earnestly exerted themselves in the business. At the end of eight days, they set at liberty all the attendants of the duke, with their baggage; but they hung and quartered the blacksmith, for having given hammers to break down the gates: his name was Jacob van Ardoyen.

On the side of the townsmen, there were not more than twelve killed; and among the Picards, none of name but the lord de l'Isle-Adam and an usher of the apartments to the duke, named Herman. The bruges men remained night and day under arms and in very great bodies, not only within the town but through all parts of their jurisdiction. They shortly after pulled down the house of a citizen called Gerard Reubs.

With regard to the duke of Burgundy, he went to Rousselaire, and thence to Lille, where many councils were held to consider how he could reduce the town of Bruges to his obedience. It was proposed, in order to accomplish this the sooner, to have it proclaimed through all the adjoining towns and villages, that no persons should carry any provisions to Bruges under pain of being reputed an enemy to the prince. This was done; and the men of Bruges, though surprised and fearful of the consequences, did not relax in continuing the business they had begun.

CHAP. IV.

THE BASTARD DE LA HIRE MAKES AN EXCURSION THROUGH THE COUNTRIES OF PERONNE, ROYE, AND MONDIDIER, WHERE HE COMMITS GREAT WASTE.

At this season, the bastard de la Hire was posted in the castle of Clermont in the Beauvoisis, with about sixty or four score combatants, with whom he sorely harrassed the adjoining countries, more particularly the castlewicks of Peronne, Roye, and Mondidier, belonging to the duke of Burgundy. Thither they made frequent excursions, carrying away each time to their garrison great plunder in cattle and other effects, notwithstanding the peace concluded at Arras between the king of France and the duke.

One day, they came before the town of Roye, and drove off cattle, and whatever else they could lay hands on, to the castle of Clermont. They were usually accompanied by several garrisons as well from Mortemer[6], belonging to William de Flavy, as from others. The governor of Roye for the duke of Burgundy, was a valiant noble man, called Aubert de Folleville, who, hearing of their enterprise assembled with all speed as many men at arms as he could collect, and instantly pursued them, in the hope of recovering the plunder they were carrying away. He overtook them at a village called Boulogne, and immediately charged them; but they had seen him coming, and had placed an ambuscade, who sallied out against sir Aubert, and, from their superior numbers, defeated him and put him to death. Many gentlemen were likewise killed, such as the souldan de la Bretonnerie, his nephew Hugh de Bazincourt, the bastard d'Esne, Colart de Picellen, Jacques de Bruyiere, Jean Basin, Simon le Maire, and several more: the rest saved themselves by the fleetness of their horses.

The duke of Burgundy was greatly vexed at this defeat, and at similar inroads being made on his territories,—and to oppose these pillagers, the count d'Estampes reinforced the garrisons of Peronne, Roye, and Mondidier with men at arms.

FOOTNOTES:

[6] Mortimer,—a village in the election of Mondidier.

CHAP. V.

KING CHARLES OF FRANCE ORDERS HIS CAPTAINS TO RECONQUER SOME TOWNS AND CASTLES FROM THE ENGLISH.—HE MARCHES IN PERSON AGAINST MONTEREAU-FAUT-YONNE, AND RECAPTURES IT.

In these days, king Charles sent orders to his nobles and captains, scattered throughout the realm, to meet him, on an appointed day, at Gien sur Loire, as he was resolved to regain some of the towns and castles the English held near to Montargis and in the Gâtinois.

The king was met at Gien by the constable of France, sir Jacques d'Anjou, the count de Perdiac, the count de Vendôme, the bastard of Orleans and others. It was there determined in council, that the constable and the count de Perdiac should advance to Château Landon[7] with their men, and besiege it. This was instantly executed, and the place surrounded on all sides, to the great alarm of the English garrison. They were so far inland that they had little hopes of being relieved, and were beside badly provided with provision and stores: notwithstanding, they made show as if they meant to defend themselves to the last.

When the constable summoned them to surrender on having their lives spared, they made answer, that they were not so advised, and that it would cost him dear before such an event happened. However, on the third day, they were so courageously attacked that the place was taken by storm, when the greater part of those within were hanged, especially such as were natives of France: the rest had their liberties, on paying ransoms.

When this business was finished, the two lords marched their army to besiege Nemours; which held out for about twelve days, when it surrendered, on the inhabitants and garrison having their lives and effects spared, and being allowed to march off to Montereau.

While these things were passing, sir Gascon de Logus, bailiff of Bourges, in Berry, in company with other captains, laid siege to the town and castle of Terny, held by the English, which, after a few days, surrendered, on the garrison having their lives and fortunes spared. When they marched away, sir Gascon, mounted on a spirited courser, escorted them part of the road; but, on spurring him, the horse turned short round, and the knight fell with such force that he was killed on the spot,—and Poton de Saintrailles was, by the king, appointed bailiff of Bourges in his stead.

Shortly after, the king, with his company, went from Gien to Sens in Burgundy, and thence to Braye-sur-Seine. From this place, he sent the lord de Gaucourt, sir Denis de Sailly, Poton de Saintrailles, Boussac, the bastard de Beaumanoir, with other captains, and about sixteen hundred fighting men, to Montereau-faut-Yonne. They posted themselves on an eminence opposite the castle, on the side toward Brie, and raised there a large blockhouse, which they fortified as strongly as they could, placing therein a numerous garrison.

The constable, the count de Perdiac, the bastard of Orleans, sir James de Chabannes, with their men, advanced on the side toward the Gâtinois, and took up their quarters near to the town. After them came the lord de Valogne, sir Anselm de la Tour bailiff of Vitry, Regnault Guillaume bailiff of Montargis, who posted themselves on the island, between the two rivers, so that the place was surrounded on all sides by the army of the king of France; and they pointed so many cannons against the walls that they were soon greatly damaged.

The commander in chief, within the town and castle, for the king of England, was sir Thomas Gerard, having under him Mondo de Montferrant, Mondo de Lausay, and other valiant captains, together with three or four hundred combatants, who made as vigorous a resistance against their enemies as their circumstances would permit. They had great hopes of succour from the english commanders in Normandy, according to their promises.

The king of France now arrived at Montereau from Bray-sur-Seine, grandly accompanied, and was lodged in the blockhouse before mentioned. He had with him six or seven thousand, well tried and well equipped, fighting men. On his arrival, the greatest exertions were made to approach the town,—and the cannons, and other engines, were continually in action; the king even did not spare himself in the labours of this siege.

At the end of six weeks, or thereabouts, from the commencement of the siege, the town was won by storm, with little loss to the assailants. With regard to the besieged, from twenty to thirty were killed, and as many made prisoners, the greater part of whom were hanged. The king, on making his entry, strictly forbade any mischief being done to the persons of the inhabitants, men, women or children, who had retired within churches or monasteries; but as for their effects they were plundered, as is usual when any place is taken by storm.

Many new knights were made at the storming, namely, the young count de Tancarville, son to sir James de Harcourt, Robert de Bethune lord de Moreul, and others.

The king and most of the princes were lodged in the town; and, about fifteen days afterward, those in the castle surrendered to the king, on having their lives and fortunes spared. The bastard of Orleans was then appointed governor, who regarrisoned it with his own men.

When this business was settled, the king and dauphin, with great part of the princes, went to Melun. The men at arms separated, in companies, to divers places, but most of them went to Paris.

FOOTNOTES:

[7] Château Landon,—in the Gâtinois, three leagues from Nemours.

CHAP. VI.

THE MEN OF BRUGES MAKE FREQUENT EXCURSIONS FROM THEIR TOWN, AND LAY THE LOW COUNTRIES UNDER CONTRIBUTIONS.

We must now return to what was going forward at Bruges, the inhabitants of which continued their mad and foolish rebellion against their prince.

They made frequent sallies in large bodies to forage the low country, and to destroy the houses of all whom they suspected as enemies. Among others, they took the castle of Koecklare, held by the bastard of Bailleul, and did great damage to it.

On the other hand, when they remained within the town, they committed many acts of injustice on such as they knew were of a contrary way of thinking to themselves. In the number of their wicked deeds, they caused the deacon of the handicraft trades to be beheaded, on a charge which they made against him of intending to deliver up the town to the ghent men. But all the principal and most wealthy citizens had left Bruges, and gone to other places for fear of them.

The commonalty next collected a body of three or four thousand, and marched against Sluys, with every implement of war to lay siege to it, for they had an implacable hatred against it. The duke of Burgundy and sir Simon de Lalain were in that place, with a certain number of combatants: notwithstanding this, the men of Bruges remained before it three and twenty days, and made many attacks on the barriers and gates,—in which numbers were killed and wounded on each side, but more especially on that of Bruges.

The duke of Burgundy, during this time, was assembling a large force of the nobles and men at arms in Picardy, and in his lordships near to St Omer, with intent to give them battle. But in the interim, the bruges men, fearful of the consequences, prevailed on those of Ghent to mediate between them and the duke, and returned quietly to Bruges.

CHAP. VII.

THE ENGLISH RECOVER THE TOWN OF FÊCAMP IN NORMANDY.

At this period, the English laid siege to the town of Fêcamp in Normandy. They remained before it about three months, when it capitulated, on the garrison and townsmen having their lives and fortunes spared. It was, however, within a few days after, reconquered by the French. A severe warfare was now carrying on throughout Normandy, and frequent skirmishes took place between the parties, one of which deserves notice[8].

La Hire, Poton de Saintrailles, the lord de Fontaines, L'Avagan, and other captains, had one day collected about six hundred fighting men, and advanced toward Rouen, in the expectation of gaining some advantage over their adversaries the English. Having failed, they returned toward Beauvais; but as they and their horses were much fatigued, they halted at a village called Ris, to refresh and repose themselves.

During this time, sir Thomas Kiriel, with a body of English, surprised the village, and defeated them completely, with little loss, before they could arm and collect together. The lord de Fontaines, Alardin de Moussay, with numbers of others, were made prisoners, La Hire, with difficulty, escaped by the goodness of his horse,—but he was severely wounded in many places. Poton de Saintrailles, and others, escaped also,—but they lost the greater part of their horses and arms. The English, after this victory, returned to Rouen: joyful at their success, however, they soon after lost the town of Fêcamp, as has been related.

FOOTNOTES:

[8] This expedition and failure have been before related in chap. ii. with very little variation: in the first, it was to gain Rouen by surprise and treachery.

CHAP. VIII.

THE LORD D'OFFEMONT MAKES LA HIRE HIS PRISONER WHILE HE WAS PLAYING AT BALL AT BEAUVAIS.

While these matters were passing, the lord d'Offemont, who had not forgotten the ill treatment he had suffered from La Hire, when he was made prisoner and ransomed at Clermont in the Beauvoisis, as has been mentioned, assembled a body of about six score combatants, under his brother-in-law the lord de Moy the bastard de Chauny, and other captains.

By means of the lord de Moy he led them to the city of Beauvais, of which La Hire was governor, and was at this moment playing at ball in the court of an inn having the sign of St Martin. The lord d'Offemont hastened thither with his men, for he had learnt where La Hire was, from his spies; but La Hire hearing of his approach, had hidden himself in a stable under the manger, where he was found and taken, after some search, by the lord d'Offemont's men, together with one called Perret de Salle-noire.

They were instantly mounted behind two men at arms, and told, that if they made the slightest noise, or cry to be rescued, they would that moment be put to death. Without further delay, they were carried through the gates of the town; but several of his men, and the common people, assembled to pursue them and attempt their deliverance, when some skirmishing took place with arrows. They were first carried to the castle of Moy, and thence to Meulan, where they were detained a considerable time. They were afterwards removed to the castle of Ancre[9], belonging to the lord d'Offemont, and kept prisoners.

The king of France and many of his officers were very angry at this capture, for it had taken place on the territories of France; but the nobles who had accompanied the lord d'Offemont excused themselves by saying, that they had done this service to the lord d'Offemont from their near relationship in blood to him. The king wrote very pressing letters to the duke of Burgundy in favour of la Hire, that he might be set at liberty, and that no personal harm might be done to him.

In short, the matter was so strongly urged that the duke of Burgundy found means, partly by threats, that the whole of their quarrel should be submitted to his decision, after it had been discussed before his council. The discussion lasted for several days, in the presence of the duke at Douay, when, as well perhaps to please the king (who had very strongly written to him,) as because he did not think the mode of making La Hire prisoner fair or honourable, but just the contrary, the duke made up the quarrel, and the lord d'Offemont had his castle of Clermont restored to him, and a sum of money paid, but not so much as he had been forced to give for his ransom. Perret de Salle-noire was ordered to pay one thousand crowns for his liberty. Thus were all differences settled between them, and they were made friends.

At the same time, peace was made between La Hire and sir John de Luxembourg, who had hated him mortally, as well for his having taken Soissons as for other damages he had done to different parts of his territories; and they remained to all appearance good friends ever after.

La Hire soon returned to the king of France, and related all the kindness and favour the duke of Burgundy had shown him, from his regard to his majesty. This was very agreeable to the king, who entertained La Hire very splendidly, and gave him, at the same time, wherewithal to discharge the greater part of his ransom, and the other expences he had incurred.

When La Hire's men heard that they were to quit the castle of Clermont, they set about repairing an old fortress called Thoys, belonging to the lord de Crevecœur, wherein they placed themselves, and again began to harrass all the country near to Amiens and Pecquigny, more especially the lordships of those who had been assisting in the capture of la Hire, their captain. The principal leader, both in the reparation of the castle and in their oppressions of the country, was one who called himself Philip de la Tour.

FOOTNOTES:

[9] Ancre,—or Albert, a small town in Picardy, diocese of Amiens, four leagues from Peronne.

CHAP. IX.

CHARLES KING OF FRANCE MAKES HIS FIRST ENTRY INTO PARIS AFTER ITS REDUCTION,—THE PREPARATIONS FOR IT.

On Tuesday the 12th of November, in this year, king Charles of France was lodged in the town of St Denis. He was accompanied by his son the dauphin of Vienne, the constable of France, the lord Charles d'Anjou, the counts de Perdiac, de Vendôme, and the young count de Tancarville, sir Christopher de Harcourt, the bastard of Orleans, and a very great number of nobles, great lords, knights and esquires. La Hire was also there in very grand state.

The provost of merchants and the sheriffs of Paris came out as far as La Chapelle to meet him, attended by the citizens, cross-bows, and archers of the town, dressed in robes similar to those of the peers. When they met the king, the provost presented him with the keys of Paris, which the king delivered to the care of the constable. The provost and sheriffs, then expanded a blue canopy, studded with flowers de luce of gold, over the king's head, and thus supported it as he proceeded.

He was next met by the governor of Paris, attended by his common sergeants, having each of them a hood half green and half crimson. After the sergeants came the notaries, attornies, advocates and commissaries of the Chastelet. Then came persons representing the seven virtues and the seven deadly sins, dressed in character, and on horseback: they were followed by the judges of the parliament, of the court of requests, the presidents and by crowds of people.

Thus nobly accompanied did the king make his entry into the city of Paris by the gate of St Denis. Three angels supported a shield bearing the arms of France over the gate above which were placed angels singing and underneath was written in large characters,

'Most excellent and noble king,
The burghers of this loyal town
To you their grateful offering bring,
And bow before your royal crown.'

At the little bridge was a fountain, over which was a pot having a flower de luce, whence spouted good hippocras, wine and water: two dolphins were playing in the fountain,—and above the whole was a terrace, vaulted with flowers de luce, which exhibited a representation of St John Baptist pointing to the Agnus Dei, surrounded with angels singing melodiously.

In front of Trinity-church was a pageant of the passion of our Lord, and how Judas hanged himself. Those who exhibited this did not speak, but acted as in a pantomime. The acting was good, and very affecting.

At the second gate were the figures of St Thomas, St Denis, St Maurice, St Louis of France, and Ste Genevieve in the middle. There was likewise a representation of the holy sepulchre, of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and of his meeting Mary Magdalen.

Item, at St Catherine's, in the street of St Denis, was a representation of the descent of the holy Ghost on the Apostles. Before the Châtelet was the annunciation of the angel to the shepherds, singing, 'Glory be to God on high,' &c. Suspended below the gate were represented the attributes of justice with divine law, the law of nature, and the law of man. On the opposite side, against the slaughter-houses, were exhibited the last judgement, paradise, and hell: in the centre was St Michael weighing souls in a balance.

Item, at the foot of the great bridge, behind the Châtelet, was represented the baptism of our Lord, and St Margaret issuing out of the mouth of a dragon.

When the king came to the front of the church of Nôtre Dame, he dismounted, and was shortly harangued by the members of the university. The following prelates were waiting for his arrival before the great door: the archbishop of Toulouse and of Sens, the bishops of Paris, of Clermont, of St Mangon, near Montpellier, the abbots and superior clergy of St Denis, of St Maur, of St Germain near Paris, of Sainte Magloire and of Sainte Genevieve.

The king made the usual oaths in the hands of the bishop of Paris, and then entered the church,—where had been erected three arches, like to those at Amiens the last day of the year, covered with tapers and wax lights.

When the king had offered up his prayers, he went to the palace, where he lay that night. He was escorted on his entrance by about eight hundred archers, well equipped and in handsome array, under the command of the count of Angoulême.

The king and the dauphin were dressed in plain armour, all but their heads: on that of the king was a tourmole[10] covered with silversmith's work. His horse's housing was of dark blue velvet, richly embroidered with large flowers de luce in gold, which reached to the ground. The head-piece was of polished steel, bearing a handsome plume of feathers. He was preceded a few paces by Poton de Saintraille, carrying the royal helmet on a staff supported by his thigh, having a rich crown on the top, and in the centre was a double flower de luce. His horse was led by a gentleman on foot, named Jean d'Olon,—and the canopy was all the while borne over his head. The king was followed by his pages, very richly dressed, and ornamented with silversmith's work, as well as their horses.

A little before Poton rode the constable of France, the counts de Vendôme and de Tancarville, and others of the high nobility, handsomely mounted and richly dressed. At a short distance behind the king was the dauphin, his armour covered over with silversmith's work, as well as his horse, and his pages and their horses also. He was accompanied by his uncle the lord Charles d'Anjou, the counts de Perdiac and de la Marche, and followed by the bastard of Orleans in plain armour,—but his horse's accoutrements were highly ornamented. He had on a rich scarf of gold, which fell down on the back of his horse. He commanded the king's battalion consisting of about a thousand lances, the flower of the men at arms, most handsomely dressed out, themselves and horses.

With regard to the other knights, esquires, and gentlemen present at this ceremony, they were very numerous, and richly equipped at all points, and their horses loaded with silversmith's work. Among these, but after the princes, sir James de Chabannes and the lord de Restelant had the reputation of being most handsomely dressed, themselves their attendants and horses.

The crowd of common people was so great that it was difficult to walk the streets; and they sang carols in all the squares, and other places, as loud as they could, for the welcome return of their natural lord and king, with his son the dauphin. Many even wept for joy at this happy event.

The king and the dauphin, as I have said, when the ceremonies were over, went to the palace, where they were lodged,—and the lords, knights, and others in different houses in Paris as well as they could. It was proclaimed in the king's name, by sound of trumpet, that no one, whatever his rank, should ill treat the Parisians in body or effects, on pain of instant death.

On the morrow, the king displayed to the populace, in the holy chapel, the relics of the true-cross of our Saviour, and the lance which had pierced his side while on the cross: after which, he mounted his horse, and went to lodge at the new hotel, near the bastille,—and the dauphin did the same at the Tournelles.

They remained for a considerable time in Paris,—during which, many new regulations were made for the better government of the realm: and several new offices were created at Paris, as well as in the court of parliament as elsewhere.

Some days after the king's entry into Paris, the counts de la Marche and de Perdiac (sons to Bernard count d'Armagnac, formerly constable of France, who had been basely murdered by the Parisians) went to the spot where their father had been buried, attended by many lords, as well spiritual as temporal, and had the body taken up, put into a leaden coffin, and carried to the church of St Martin des Champs, where a solemn service, attended by the members of the greater part of the colleges and university of Paris, was performed for his soul. On the morrow, the coffin was placed on a car covered with black, and conveyed out of the town with much solemnity, and thence conducted by his two said sons, and a numerous company of friends and attendants, to the county of Armagnac.

FOOTNOTES:

[10] Tourmole. Q. Not in any of my dictionaries.

CHAP. X.

THE COMMONALTY OF BRUGES BECOME MORE MODERATE IN THEIR PROCEEDINGS, AND SEND AMBASSADORS TO THE DUKE OR BURGUNDY TO SUE FOR PEACE.

The men of Bruges now began to feel that they had greatly offended their prince the duke of Burgundy, and were much alarmed; for, as none of the great towns in Flanders would afford them support or assistance, they could not long withstand the duke.

They knew also, that they were not in great favour with the ghent men; and each day brought them intelligence of the mighty preparations their lord was making to subjugate them, in which he would have the aid of Ghent. For these and other reasons, they found means to send ambassadors to the duke at Arras, to endeavour to conclude a peace. The business was discussed at length, and occupied much time,—during which, those of Bruges relaxed in their excursions, and ceased harrassing the country as they had hitherto done.

CHAP. XI.

THE LORD D'AUXY AND SIR FLORIMONT DE BRIMEU, SENESCHAL OF PONTHIEU AND OF ABBEVILLE, MARCH TO LAY SIEGE TO CROTOY.

About the middle of October, in this year, the lord d'Auxy, commander in chief, on the frontiers of Ponthieu and Abbeville, together with sir Florimont de Brimeu, seneschal of the same, and a bold and hardy knight of Rhodes, called sir John de Foix, assembled a certain number of combatants. These they marched before the castle of Crotoy, held by the English, with the hope of conquering and putting it under the obedience of the duke of Burgundy within a short time, from the intelligence of a peasant,—who had lately, as he said, been in the castle, and the garrison had so wasted their corn and flour that he gave them to understand they would not be able to hold out, from famine, more than one month.

On this report, which was afterward found to be untrue, they fixed their quarters in front of the castle, within the old inclosure of the town. They demanded assistance from different lords, who sent them some men at arms. They were also much aided with provisions and money from Abbeville, the inhabitants of which were very desirous that Crotoy should be conquered, for the garrison had frequently done them great mischief. They sent intelligence of what they were about to the duke of Burgundy, and required his support. The duke dispatched some of his household to examine into the matter, and they reported to him, that unless the place were blockaded by sea, it would be impossible to reduce it by famine. Upon this, the duke wrote letters to the governors of Dieppe, St Valery, and of the adjoining sea-ports, to hire as many vessels as they could to blockade the entrance of the river Somme; and went himself to the castle of Hêdin, whither he sent for sir John de Croy, bailiff of Hainault, who had been formerly governor of Crotoy, to ask his opinion as to the probability of its being conquered.

The duke ordered sir John to join the lord d'Auxy and his companions, with a body of men at arms, and to take the chief command of the siege. He went thither also himself, with few attendants, to examine into the state of the business, but made no long stay. That his men might be undisturbed by the English in their quarters, either by sea or land, from Crotoy, he ordered a large blockhouse to be erected, wherein they might be more securely lodged. It was very substantially built, and surrounded with ditches, under the directions of a knight called sir Baudo de Noyelle. When this was done, other works were erected, and the whole provided with a sufficiency of all sorts of stores and provision. In the interim, several skirmishes passed,—and in one of them the lieutenant governor of Crotoy was taken prisoner by the lord d'Auxy.

Intelligence of these preparations of the duke of Burgundy was carried to king Henry of England and his council, who were not well pleased thereat; for they were sensible of the great advantage of Crotoy to facilitate their landing a force in Picardy. It was therefore resolved to provide a speedy remedy against them; and letters were instantly dispatched to the governor of Rouen, ordering him to collect as large a body of men at arms as he could in Normandy, and to march to the relief of Crotoy. This order was immediately published, and four thousand combatants, as well horse as infantry, speedily assembled, under the command of lord Talbot, lord Faulconbridge, sir Thomas Kiriel and others. They advanced to the abbey of St Valery, where they quartered themselves, having brought provision with them.

While this army was collecting, the duke of Burgundy, having had information of the intentions of the English, had previously summoned from Picardy and his other dominions the greater part of his nobility and men at arms, who might amount to eight hundred or a thousand fighting men. They marched from Hêdin, and had arrived at Abbeville the day before the English came to the abbey of St Valery.

The duke of Burgundy was attended on this expedition by the count d'Estampes, his nephew of Cleves, the count de St Pol, and other nobles. Sir John de Luxembourg had also, in obedience to his summons, joined him at Hêdin,—but he excused himself to the duke for not bearing arms, because he had not then sent back his oath of alliance with the English, and could not therefore with honour then take part against them: but this excuse, as I was informed, was not well received by the duke of Burgundy, who remonstrated with him on the occasion,—how he was bound by his oath to serve him, as his vassal; that he wore his order, and had always been attached to his party; for all these reasons, therefore, he could not honourably refuse to serve him, more especially as it was to repulse his enemies, who had invaded several parts of his dominions. Notwithstanding the duke's arguments, sir John de Luxembourg returned home with his permission, and obtained from the duke letters of remission to this effect. When the duke, on his arrival at Abbeville, was assured of the coming of the English, he reinforced that town with all sorts of stores and provision, and there might be with him from eight hundred to a thousand expert and well tried men at arms. When the duke asked them if they thought they could hold out the place against the enemy, they replied, that they had no doubt of so doing.

The duke determined not to make any engagement of fighting the English on an appointed day, and to avoid a general action; to guard all the defiles and fords, and to attack them in their quarters, or wherever they should meet them to their disadvantage, and to endeavour to cut off their supplies. These plans were not, however, carried into execution.

The English, having fixed their quarters in the abbey of Saint Valery, immediately crossed the river at a ford above Crotoy, to the number of three or four hundred, and foraged the whole of the country round the blockhouse, and even as far as the town of Rue. They made prisoners of some men at arms, with their horses and baggage, without meeting with any to oppose them.

The whole army marched on the morrow very early, and crossed the river in good order: about two thousand of the infantry had the water above their middle and drew up in battle-array on an eminence above the town, and in sight of those within the blockhouse, who were expecting an attack every moment, and in consequence made preparation for their defence. On this occasion, the following were created knights in the blockhouse: James de Craon lord of Dommart in Ponthieu, Aymon de Moucy lord of Massy, Eustache d'Inchy, the tall bastard of Renty, Anthony d'Ardentin lord of Bouchanes, Harpin de Richammes, Gilles de Fay, and some others.

The English, who had been unmolested on their march, advanced to Forest-monstier[11], two leagues distant, and there quartered themselves.—Two days after they took the field, and halted at a large village called La Broye[12], on the river Authie, which was full of all kinds of provision: they remained at this village four or five days, whence parties of a hundred or six score went daily foraging all the villages within half a league of their quarters. While they remained at la Broye, a party went to set fire to a considerable village called Angien, close to Hêdin, although the duke had detached a large body of men at arms to Hêdin for the defence of that place and the surrounding country; but, to say the truth, the English did little mischief. On their departure from la Broye, they burnt it down, and advanced to Auxi, where they staid three days, making thence excursions in small parties to forage all the country round, and without the smallest hinderance on the part of their adversaries of whom it is necessary now to speak.

The duke of Burgundy remained in Abbeville, but had detached the greater part of his men to garrison and defend the principal towns and castles in that part of his territories. He one day sent the lord de Croy and Jean de Brimeu, bailiff of Amiens, to inspect the blockhouse at Crotoy, and to learn if those within were firmly resolved to defend it.—On their arrival, they soon discovered that the greater number would gladly be out of it, could they do it with honour. It was therefore concluded by the duke and his ministers, on hearing this report, that to avoid worse happening, all the artillery and stores should be packed up, and the men at arms retreat with them to the town of Rue, after they should have set fire to the blockhouse.

The garrison, however, did not make so honourable a retreat,—for without any reasonable cause, nor seeing the enemy near them, great part mutinied, and sallied out of the blockhouse in the utmost confusion and disorder, leaving behind the artillery, the most part of their armour, and much other baggage, and thus they marched to Rue.

Some of their captains took great pains to rally and bring them back, but in vain. Fire had been secretly set to the outworks, which soon communicated with the blockhouse and consumed it. The English made a sally from the castle, shouting after them as they would have done to a ribald mob.

Shortly after, the captains, who were (as may be supposed) the most valiant and renowned belonging to the duke of Burgundy, left the place, ashamed of the conduct of their men, and went to Rue, and thence to other places under their obedience. The principal among them were, sir John de Croy, bailiff of Hainault, sir Florimont de Brimeu, sir Jacques de Brimeu, sir Baudo de Noyelle—all four bearing the order of the Golden Fleece; sir Waleran de Moreul, the lord d'Auxi, sir Galois de Renty, the lord de Fremesen, sir Robert de Saveuses, sir Jacques de Craon, sir Jean d'Arly, with a great number of knights and esquires from Picardy who were much blamed for this dishonourable retreat.—They excused themselves by throwing the fault on the archers, whom they said they could not restrain.

The English heard of this event the day it happened, and were greatly rejoiced. In consequence, they resolved to recross the Somme and return to the places they had come from, and burnt down the town of Auxi, which was a fair and considerable place.

They took the road to Crotoy, and lodged at Nonnion[13]: on the morrow, they recrossed the Somme at the place where they had crossed it before, and quartered themselves at the abbey of St Valery, and thence returned to Rouen and other parts under their command, carrying with them many prisoners, horses, cattle, and all the plunder they had made. They had done great damage to the country by burning seven or eight towns and villages, without meeting with any opposition from their adversaries, who had hanged only thirty or forty foragers that had straggled at too great a distance from the main body.

When the English were departed, the duke of Burgundy retired to Hêdin, where he dismissed all his men at arms excepting those appointed to guard the frontiers.

FOOTNOTES:

[11] Forest-monstier,—election of Dourlens, near Abbeville.

[12] Broye,—bailiwick of Hêdin.

[13] Nonnion. Q.

CHAP. XII.

A LARGE BODY OF MEN AT ARMS, UNDER THE COMMAND OF SEVERAL FRENCH CAPTAINS, HARRASS THE COUNTRY OF HAINAULT.—THEY ARE NICKNAMED SKINNERS.

When king Charles had resided some time in Paris, he departed for Tours in Touraine. After he was gone, several of his captains set out for the frontiers of Normandy, as they found great difficulty to maintain themselves,—namely, Anthony de Chabannes, Blanchefort, Gaultin de Bron, Floquet, Pierre, Regnault Chapelle, Mathelin d'Escouvet, and others. On assembling together, they mustered about two thousand horse, and took the road through the country of Vimeu, to cross the Somme at Blanchetaque, and quarter themselves in the country of Ponthieu. Thence they advanced toward Dourlens, and stationed themselves at Orville, and in the villages round, belonging to the count de St Pol. They went next toward Braye, and recrossed the Somme at Cappy, to lodge at Lihons in Santerre, committing great mischiefs wherever they passed.

They were not satisfied with seizing on provision but ransomed all they could lay hands on, peasants and cattle. They even attacked the castle of Lihons; but it was well defended by sir Waleran de Moreul and his men within it.

After remaining there some time, and committing the greatest disorders and waste, they advanced toward the lands of sir John de Luxembourg count de Ligny, in the Cambresis, who had not yet taken the oaths of allegiance to king Charles. Nevertheless, they did him no mischief, because he was always well provided with men at arms,—and they mutually exchanged sealed agreements not to molest each other. The French, however, committed much waste in other parts of the Cambresis, and thence went to fix their quarters at Solesmes[14], in Hainault.

Sir John de Croy, at that time bailiff of Hainault, assembled the nobles of Hainault, and sent to the principal towns for reinforcements to defend the country against these French, who, in the vulgar tongue, were called Skinners. The reason why this name had been given them was, that whoever was met by them, whether French, Burgundian or English, he was indiscriminately stripped of all his clothes to his shirt; and when he, thus naked, returned to his home, he was told that he had been in the hands of the Skinners, and much laughed at for his misfortune. This name was in vogue a long time,—and thus the name of Armagnac was forgotten which had lasted so long.

While these Skinners were quartered at Solesmes, and in the adjoining villages a party of them advanced farther into Hainault, beyond Quênoy, to seek for pillage. In the course of this expedition they accidentally met the bailiff of Lessines named Colart de Sennieres, with three or four hundred men whom he had assembled in his village, and was marching them toward Quênoy le Comte, in obedience to the summons of the countess-dowager and of the before mentioned bailiff of Hainault, who was there collecting all his forces together.

It was very early in the morning when the French fell in with these men, and instantly charged them most courageously. The Hainaulters were much surprised at the suddenness of the attack, and although some of them made a resistance and prepared for the combat, they were very soon defeated, and the greater part made prisoners or cruelly put to death. Colart was killed on the field, with about eight score of his men. The prisoners were ransomed as if they had been enemies to France: the rest escaped by the nimbleness of their heels.

The nobles of Hainault were greatly alarmed at this defeat, in so much that the bailiff sent information of what had happened to the duke of Burgundy requiring from him aid, when the duke sent him a strong reinforcement of men at arms. The bailiff again assembled a greater force than before in Quênoy, as well from Valenciennes, as from the other great towns, to pursue and combat these Skinners; but they, hearing of it, quitted the country and made for Guise, and thence proceeded toward Champagne, committing waste wherever they passed.

Before they left Hainault, they gave up several prisoners without ransoms, in consequence of the duke of Burgundy's writing to request it. He had also sent to them a gentleman of his household, called Meliades, who was a Breton, and much beloved by these french captains.

FOOTNOTES:

[14] Solesmes,—a village of Hainault under the government of Quesnoy.

CHAP. XIII.

A GREAT FAMINE IN FRANCE.

In this year of 1437, wheat and all sorts of corn were so extravagantly dear throughout all France and several other countries in Christendom, that what had usually been sold for four sols french money was now sold for upwards of forty. This dearth created a famine, so that very many poor died of want,—and it was a pitiful sight to witness the multitudes in the large towns dying in heaps on dunghills.

Some towns drove the poor out of them, while others received all, and administered to their wants as long as they were able. The foremost in this act of mercy was the city of Cambray. This dearth lasted until the year 1439, and was the cause of many strict regulations respecting corn, which by many lords and towns was forbidden to be carried out of their jurisdictions under the most severe penalties.

A proclamation was made in Ghent ordering a stop to be put to the brewing of beer, and other liquors, from corn, and all the dogs of poor people to be killed, and that no one should keep a bitch-dog unless splayed. Such and other like ordinances were issued in several parts, that the poor, and beggars, might be supplied with a sufficiency to support nature.

CHAP. XIV.

THE POPULACE OF GHENT AGAIN TAKE UP ARMS, EXCITED THERETO BY THE ARTISANS.

At this time, the ghent men, in great numbers rose in arms, through the instigation of the artisans. The reason they gave for this was, that the garrison of Sluys had plundered the flat country round,—the inhabitants of which had made their complaints to them, at the same time requesting them to punish the pillagers.

They had also taken up arms against Bruges, to know whether they would peaceably separate from those of the Franc[15], and allow them to become one of the four departments of Ghent. They wanted likewise to march against Sluys, and carry away the posts that had been placed in the bed of the river Lieve, to prevent merchandise from passing up or down. They had further designs of visiting all Flanders, to see who were their friends and willing to support them in the maintenance of peace in the country, that the poor might have work in all the towns. Should the sheriffs and inhabitants of Ghent refuse to co-operate with them, they had resolved to undertake the matter themselves, with the aid of their allies. They declared, they would not lay down their arms until they should have accomplished their undertaking. The deacon of these artisans, at this time, was one Pierre Hemubloc. The sheriffs explained the whole of this business to the townsmen, to the deacon of the weavers, and to those of the other trades, at the usual place, before the town-house, that they might fully consider it, each with their brother-tradesmen, and lay the whole of their deliberations, on the morrow, before the magistracy. Each trade, in consequence, had a meeting at their different halls; and the deacons waited on the magistrates on the 9th day of October.

After many debates, the demands of the artisans were acceded to, owing to their own importunities, and those of their supporters, but not without great murmurings on the part of the principal inhabitants, because Bruges was at that time treating for peace with the duke of Burgundy at Lille, whither Ghent had sent ambassadors, and because they thought that this was only a pretext to seize the properties of the rich.

The artisans, having carried their point, immediately hastened to the corn-market, with displayed banners, and were instantly joined by the tailors, old clothes-sellers, and all the inferior tradesmen. They were followed by the twenty-seven banners of weavers, the bailiff with the magistracy, preceded by the banner of Flanders, and crowds of common people, so that, in the whole there were eighty-two banners.

The magistrates soon departed, and the other banners after them in the usual procession; but the artisans and their friends withdrew to the friday market-place, in front of the hall of appeals where they remained all night, in the resolution of taking the field on the morrow.

The better part of the weavers, however, and the more substantial inhabitants were of a contrary opinion, and left the artisans, being averse to go to war. Upon this, a quarrel arose between them, which nearly caused a battle, the artisans retired to one side of the market-place from the others, telling those to follow them who were of the same opinion.

Several joined them,—and they then all marched away in handsome array for Marienkirk, on the road to Bruges, were they encamped under tents and pavilions. At this time also, there were great riots in several places, on account of the debasements of the new coinage of 1433 as well as the old coinage, and for the heavy taxes which had been imposed for the expedition to Calais.

No english wool was now exported to Flanders, which threw very many out of work and bread: more especially the town of Ypres suffered from this, as their principal manufacture was working up these wools into cloth. On the other hand, corn and every necessary of life were extravagantly dear; and provision became more scarce in Flanders from the war carrying on by those of Bruges: moreover, the townsmen of Sluys had fixed stakes in the bed of the Lieve, so that a stop was put to the transport of merchandise on that river.

The rich took every care of their money, for they perceived that the poorer sort, now having arms, would probably live by plunder, and that few of them would return to their trades or cultivate the fields. They also made as little show of wealth from expecting daily that a general war would take place in one quarter or another.

The men of Ghent next issued a summons to all the inhabitants of towns and villages throughout their jurisdictions, to appear there immediately in arms, and the same number as when ordered to march to Calais. The sheriffs laid this summons before the commonalty and inhabitants, for them to advise thereon. As this was not willingly attended to, some went to the sheriffs to obtain a delay, or that they might send fewer in number,—but the sheriffs told them they must immediately obey.

During this time, the ghent men chosen a commander named Rasse Rouven, a citizen of Ghent, of about thirty years old; to assist whom they appointed a council of twelve persons, who had never been in the magistracy of that town. Four of these councellors were selected from the citizens at large, four from the weaver's company, and four from the artisans; but the person whom they had chosen for commander refused to take the office.

Item, on the 9th day of October, it had been proclaimed in the sheriff's court, that all foreign merchants must appear within three days in the town of Ghent sufficiently well armed, under pain of corporal punishment and confiscation of effects. Several did appear within the time prescribed; but others sent excuses that urgent and lawful business prevented them, and entered into a treaty to pay a sum of money to be excused.

Those who had, in obedience to the summons, gone to Ghent, after remaining there three days without being any way employed, returned to their homes. On the 27th day of this same month of October, they were again summoned to appear under pain of losing their citizenship, and paying the forfeiture. On this same day, eight soldiers from Sluys were taken prisoners, who, under pretence of making war on the bruges men, had pillaged the country.

The men of St Laurence-au-bloc had taken them, under the proclamation that had been made, that all pillagers should be arrested and brought to justice, and that when they could not be taken alive they should be put to death. These they disarmed, and, retaining their armour and clothes, led them to the ghent army at Marienkirk in their pourpoints,—and, the ensuing day, they were beheaded, according to the sentence of the sheriffs. Their bodies, at the request of the head deacon, were given to the Austin-friars, who buried them. Four men were expelled the army of Ghent for having robbed some villages.

The before-mentioned Rasse, who had been elected commander in chief, went to the duke of Burgundy at Arras for his commission, provided his appointment were agreeable to the duke. He left behind him in Ghent three lieutenants: one chosen from the burghers, called Jean l'Estauble,—one from the trades, called Jean Cacialle,—and the third from the company of weavers, called Jean de Sterque.

On Monday, the 4th day of November, Rasse returned with his commission, as captain-general of the ghent men, signed by the duke of Burgundy. He had taken the oaths of allegiance before the lords of the council at Lille, and took similar oaths in the presence of the army in the hands of the bailiff and sheriffs of Ghent, to be true and loyal to the prince, to preserve his rights as well as those of the town,—to observe law and justice, and to keep the people in peace and union. The twelve councellors took the same oaths.

On the 5th of November, the captain-general Rasse, with two deputies from each banner and from the municipality, went from Marienkirk to Ghent, at the request of those who had taken up arms, and arrested several persons who had principally governed that town,—namely, Louis de Holle, who had been first sheriff, Lievin de Jagre, who had often served that office and been treasurer, Gilles le Clerc, advocate, Jean l'Apothicaire, who had been treasurer and sheriff of Ghent and Jacques la Jaschere, formerly deacon of the trades.

These they confined together, as prisoners, in the palace of the prince, calling them traitors, and would have done the same to others, but they had fled.

The commander in chief ordered proclamation to be made for all who had served any offices in Ghent for the last ten years to join, without delay, the army at Marienkirk. It was now greatly augmented, for those within their jurisdictions came handsomely equipped and attended, with the exception of those from Courtray,—and their tents and pavilions had, at a distance, the appearance of a large town.

The army appeared under arms on the 6th instant, and wanted to go to Ghent, and bring back with them the prisoners; but their captain restrained them, saying, that it had been ordered that they should remain in prison until the army were returned home, when ample justice would be done on them according to the evidence that a general investigation of their deeds through Flanders should produce.

Their commander would have been glad that his army had been diminished, saying, that he would establish peace and justice every where, with but a fourth part of the present numbers. The troops, however, would not be separated, but declared they would remain together in brotherly love.

They wanted to march and post themselves between Bruges and Sluys, and take possession of the Franc according to the judgement of their prince, and, subject the inhabitants, for their outrages and misdeeds, to the obedience of the duke and the other three members of the states of Flanders, saving their lives and privileges.

The burghers of Bruges, they said, must submit themselves and supplicate their prince to receive them in mercy, and likewise put an end to all disputes between them and Sluys, so that passengers and merchants, might travel the country unmolested. Should those of Bruges refuse compliance, they would exert themselves to force them to obedience. This was told to the forty-two deputies sent by Bruges, from the different trades, to treat with the ghent army at Marienkirk. After some debating, these deputies agreed to the terms proposed, and on the 12th day of November drew up, and presented to the captain-general, the following articles of agreement.

'We, the burgomasters, sheriffs, principal burghers, deacons, corporators and commonalty of the town of Bruges, make known to all to whom these presents shall come, that we, from respect to our redoubted lord and prince, the duke of Burgundy, earl of Flanders, &c. and at the entreaty of the three departments of the town of Ghent, and of all the free towns within its jurisdictions, have consented, and by these presents do consent, for ourselves and successors, to keep firm and stable the judgment given by our said lord and his council, in his town of Ghent, the 11th day of February in the year 1436, constituting those of the Franc a fourth department of Ghent, without fraud, and according to the literal meaning of the said judgement. In testimony whereof, we have sealed these presents with the obligatory seal of our said town of Bruges.'

When the deputies was returned to Bruges with this treaty, the magistrates assembled the commonalty before the sheriff's court, and demanded if they were willing to ratify this treaty. There were present upwards of twenty thousand persons, who, after a moment's silence, unanimously replied, 'Yes.' Then stepped forth one called Coppin de Mesinacre, who had been lately banished Ghent for his misdeeds, and said, 'All goes wrong: how are ye such cowards as to fear the ghent men? You certainly ought to suffer for your folly and want of firmness.'

In consequence of this speech the deacon of the artisans, a tailor, and some others, began to murmur, and to oppose the confirmation of the treaty, more especially to putting their assent on paper; and at last, by their tumultuous behaviour, the treaty was destroyed. Some time afterward by a legal sentence, the said Coppin, the deacon of the artisans, the tailor, and one other, were beheaded for this conduct: seventeen of their accomplices were also banished.

The negotiations for peace between Bruges and Ghent were put an end to, although seventeen hostages had been left with the army by the deputies from Bruges. The ghent men afterward set them at liberty without ransom, because they had assured them that they had done all in their power to get it ratified.

In this treaty it had been agreed, that the inhabitants of the Franc might take up their rights of burghership at Ghent or Bruges at their pleasure. The towns of Ghent and Ypres were to send ambassadors to the duke of Burgundy, to request that he would withdraw all foreign soldiers from Sluys, and order the stakes to be removed from the bed of the river Lieve, that vessels might freely pass and repass with merchandise, or permit them to take away these obstructions.

The army of Ghent now marched to fix its quarters at Ardembourg; and because Bruges persisted in refusing to ratify the treaty to which their deputies had agreed, and would not yield up their claims on the Franc, the duke's ordinance of last year, forbidding all kinds of provision to be carried to Bruges, was again proclaimed in Ghent, and throughout its jurisdictions; and also, that all debts and effects belonging to those of Bruges should be delivered up to the magistrates.

It was afterward proclaimed that, should the men of Bruges attempt to make any inroads on the territories of Ghent, all the church and other alarm bells should be instantly rung to collect a force sufficient to oppose them. After this, Clarus Boye, a native of the town of Axel, William le Boquelaire, a patten maker, and from the country of Waast, and a man of Courtray, were beheaded, for having gone to Courtray at the instigation of the artisans and petty traders of Ghent,—and for having said that the ghent men were very desirous that those of Bruges would join them in arms for the common good and union of the country of Flanders, and to punish the inhabitants of Sluys.

The 16th day of November, the army resolved to send deputies to Ghent and to the towns within its jurisdictions, to know how they would wish them to proceed,—and to inform them, that if they advised marching against Bruges, it would be necessary to send them reinforcements equal to the present state of the army.

The council at Ghent thought, that as provisions were now so dear, and winter at hand, it would be of more advantage not then to send any supplies, but disband the army; for the greater number were of the same opinion, and sought to diminish it.

The army, therefore, marched from Ardembourg to Ekeloo. While there, one of the private men of that castlewick having on his shoulders some stakes which he had taken from a hedge to dress his victuals, some ghent men would take them from him by force, when he defended himself and shouted out for aid to his countrymen,—and the ghent men shouted, 'Ghent!' both parties assembled with arms, and a grand battle would have taken place, had not Pierre Simon, sheriff of Ghent, by gentle words and with much courage, put an end to the affray. He suffered a good deal by thus interfering, but was not seriously hurt from the goodness of his armour. Many were much wounded, which caused loud murmurings among the ghent men,—for one of them, a strong active boatman of Ghent, died of his wounds. Two, who had first struck the sheriff, were banished Ghent.

On the eve of St Andrew's day, the ghent army returned home: they had taken up arms inconsiderately, and were come back with little satisfaction. Those within their jurisdictions, who had marched against their inclinations, returned cheerfully home. Shortly after, their captain-general, Rasse Rouven, was deposed, and the six persons set at liberty, on promise made to the magistracy that they would answer any interrogations, and obey any sentences that might be passed on them, within three days after they should be summoned to appear.

In the month of December, proclamations were made throughout Flanders, by order of the prince, forbidding all persons to obey Rasse Rouven, for that he had recalled his commission of captain-general.

On the eve of Christmas-day, it was ordered, by the magistracy of Ghent in full assembly, that sir Roland de Hautekerque, sir Colart de Comines, Jean de la Damme, Gilles de la Voustine, Girard de Mal-digen, Jean de Papegen, Pierre Gougebur, Pierre Bris, Josse de Beys, Martin de Sinimes and Jean de Crique, who had been banished Ghent and Flanders, might return thither.

It was also agreed, that one Coppin Coppon, who had for five years past absented himself from Ghent, and had robbed so many passengers on the high roads in Flanders that travellers were afraid of him, might return,—Coppin, thinking that every thing was pardoned, did come back; but he was arrested and condemned to be beheaded, with two others who had committed robberies on two persons near to the town of Dendermonde.

FOOTNOTES:

[15] Franc,—a part of the Low Countries, comprehending the castlewicks of Bergues, Bourbourg, and Furnes. It was thus called from being exempted from the jurisdiction of Bruges, on which it formerly depended.

CHAP. XV.

PEACE CONCLUDED BETWEEN THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY AND THE TOWN OF BRUGES.

While these things were going on, the men of Bruges, perceiving that a longer resistance to their lord would be the ruin of themselves and their town, sought every means of concluding a treaty with him. At length they succeeded, and submitted themselves to the duke and his council, on terms concluded at Arras the 4th day of March, in the presence of their lord and his council, and numbers of other people, the principal articles of which were as follows.

It was, in the first place, ordered, that when the duke of Burgundy should first visit Bruges, twenty of the chief burghers and magistracy should come out of the town one league to meet him, bare-headed, bare-legged, and bare-footed. On their approach to him, they were to fall on their knees and beg his pardon, and entreat that he would be pleased to enter their town.

Item, that the gate of the Bouverie[16] should be converted into a chapel, wherein the seven masses should be daily celebrated.

Item, that henceforward, whenever the said lord and his successors, earls and countesses of Flanders, should come to Bruges, the burghers should meet them without the gates with the keys of the town, in perpetual remembrance of their obedience.

Item, every year, on the day of their misconduct toward their prince, there shall be celebrated a solemn mass in the church of St Donast by the dean and sub-dean, attended by twenty-four of the principal burghers, each holding in his hand a burning wax taper of the weight of one pound, and of the value of four groats.

Item, all property of bastards shall no longer be free, but confiscated to the duke on their deaths.

Item, a handsome cross shall be erected to commemorate their rebellion.

Item, the burghers shall buy up and discharge all fee-farm rents from their said lord, due from the said demesnes.

Item, the burghers of Bruges shall have no further communication with those of Sluys; that is to say, those of Bruges, shall not make Sluys their principal quarters, nor join them in their disputes, nor in arms, nor have any connexions with Sluys but in respect to their commerce.

Item, in regard to the trades carried on at Sluys, which has been a matter of long quarrel between the towns of Ghent and Sluys, Bruges must no longer interfere.

Item the inhabitants of Bruges shall not be permitted to raise an army, on pain of forfeiting their lives and fortunes.