Grand Dukes of the West: A History of Valois Burgundy
The story of Valois Burgundy is one of the most exciting of the Late Middle Ages. The four Valois Dukes of Burgundy used political intrigue, calculated splendor, economic power, and good old-fashioned violence to forge a state out of the many Duchies and Counties between France and the Holy Roman Empire. During Burgundy’s height its Dukes were seen by many as the equals of Kings and Emperors and their court was at the center of Western Europe’s cultural and political development. And then it all fell apart. Please join me as I explore the history and legacy of this forgotten kingdom.
After years of Civil War John the Fearless and Dauphin Charles met on a bridge over the Yonne River to make peace…
Time Period Covered: 1418-1419
Notable People: John the Fearless, Charles VII of France, Henry V of England, Tanneguy du Chastel, Lady of Giac, Queen Isabeau, Jean Louvet, Nicolas Rolin
Notable Events/Developments: English Conquest of Rouen, Treaty of Pouilly-le-Fort, Assassination of John the Fearless
After years of rising tension between England and France, the ambitious new English King Henry V decided that an expedition to Normandy was the panacea for his domestic troubles. Meanwhile in France, the squabbles between Dauphin, the Armagnacs, and the Burgundians hamstrung efforts for a united defense of the kingdom.
Time Period Covered: 1415
Notable People: John the Fearless, Louis of Guyenne, Henry V of England, John Duke of Berry, Anthony of Burgundy Duke of Brabant, Philip of Burgundy Count of Nevers, Charles Duke of Orleans, Charles d’Albret Constable of France, Marshall Boucicaut, Bernard VII of Armagnac
Notable Events/Developments: Siege of Harcourt, Battle of Agincourt, Death of Louis of Guyenne
