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.
The late 1420s and early 1430s saw the rapid expansion of the Burgundian State. In this episode we'll trace the course of that expansion and explore just how the Duke of Burgundy was able to unite these disparate territories.
Time Period Covered: 1430-1433
Notable People: Philip the Good, Jacqueline of Bavaria, Frank van Borselen, Philip of Saint-Pol
Notable Events/Developments: The Treaty of Delft, Mortgage of Holland and Zeeland to the Borselen, Marriage of Jacqueline of Bavaria and Frank van Borselen, Death of Philip of Saint-Pol, Burgundian acquisition of Namur
The Armagnac-Burgundian Civil War is at a fever pitch yet again. John the Fearless has launched a major expedition into the Ile de France while the Count of Armagnac struggles to maintain Armagnac control of Paris. Meanwhile, King Henry V of England has taken advantage of the chaos in France and launched another invasion of Normandy.
Time Period Covered: 1417-1418
Notable People: John the Fearless, Bernard VII Count of Armagnac, Charles VII of France, Henry V of England, Tanneguy du Chastel, Queen Isabeau
Notable Events/Developments: Armagnac-Burgundian Civil War, Burgundian Seizure of Paris, John the Fearless’ Hesdin Manifesto, English Invasion of Normandy
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