Antoine d'Arces facts for kids
Antoine d'Arcy, also known as the Sieur de la Bastie, was a French nobleman. He played an important role in the government of Scotland in the early 1500s. He was from a place called La Bastie-sur-Meylan in France. He died on September 17, 1517.
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The White Knight's Adventures
Antoine d'Arcy is often called "De la Bastie" or "Labatie" in Scottish history books. People also knew him as the "White Knight" (Chevalier Blanc). This was because he often wore white clothes, white armor, or a white scarf. This scarf was a special gift from Anne of Brittany, a French queen.
Antoine first came to Scotland around 1502. He was there for exciting tournaments held by King James IV. He also attended the king's wedding to Margaret Tudor. Antoine became good friends with John Stewart, Duke of Albany.
In 1506, Antoine sent out a special challenge for a tournament to knights from different countries. He then traveled back to Scotland and stayed for 18 weeks. King James IV paid for his visit. In January 1507, he jousted (a type of knightly combat) with James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran at Stirling Castle. King James IV gave him 400 crowns, which was a lot of money! Antoine returned to France in May 1507.
He later fought in the Italian Wars. He was captured by soldiers from Venice in 1509. Antoine married Françoise de Ferrières and they had two children, Jean and Anne.
Albany's Helper in Scotland
Antoine d'Arcy returned to Scotland right after the Scottish army lost the Battle of Flodden in 1513. He came to help the Duke of Albany form a new government. Antoine also brought back some ships from the Royal Scots Navy that had been used by France.
As a French ambassador, he had important jobs from the French King, Louis XII of France. These included comforting Queen Margaret Tudor after her husband King James IV died. He also had to find out exactly how King James died at Flodden. Another task was to visit the King of Denmark to discuss the Auld Alliance, which was a long-standing friendship between France and Scotland.
Antoine also worked with a Scottish colleague, Master James Ogilvy. They represented France at a special meeting in Perth in November 1513. At this meeting, Scottish leaders asked France for help and for Albany to return as the Regent (a temporary ruler) of Scotland. In January 1514, Antoine went to Christian II of Denmark to promote a marriage between the Danish king and a French noblewoman.
Antoine was given important roles in Scotland. He became the Deputy Governor and the Warden of the Scottish Borders. He was also in charge of Dunbar Castle. In April 1517, he was made the King's Lieutenant for the areas between the Merse and Lothian. He helped design and build strong defenses for cannons at Dunbar and Edinburgh Castle. He also commanded a group of 40 spearmen.
In August 1517, there was an outbreak of plague in Edinburgh. To keep young James V of Scotland safe, he was moved to Craigmillar Castle. Antoine d'Arcy was put in charge of looking after the king there.
The White Knight's Death
In 1517, Antoine went to investigate the death of a Frenchman. This Frenchman had been killed by the Clan Home. The Clan Home was angry because the Duke of Albany had punished Alexander Home, 3rd Lord Home.
Antoine chased after David Home and George Home. He had to retreat towards Dunbar, but his horse got stuck in a marshy area. This marsh was known as 'Batty's Bog' for many years after. George Home attacked Antoine and took his head. It was said that George Home carried Antoine's head on his saddle. He then rode to Duns and put the head on a pole in the middle of the village.
Historians like Lindsay of Pitscottie and John Lesley wrote about this event in the 1570s. They both described how Antoine's horse got stuck and how he was killed. They also mentioned that his head was displayed in Duns. It is believed that Antoine's head was taken to Wedderburn Castle and stayed there for 300 years.
This event was a big deal internationally. Antoine d'Arcy was not only a Border Warden but also an ambassador from France. Francis I of France wrote to the Parliament of Scotland in November 1517, demanding that the people responsible be punished. In response, the Scottish Parliament took action. James Hamilton of Finnart reported in March 1528 that his father, the Earl of Arran, had captured the Home family's castles. One Home family member was severely punished, and others escaped to England.
There is a monument to Antoine d'Arcy near Preston, Scottish Borders. It was built in the early 1800s to honor him. It's a stone monument with a special urn on top. Antoine's body is said to be buried nearby, close to where he died.
Portrait
There is a drawing of Antoine d'Arcy from the 1560s. It was made by an unknown artist and is part of a collection called the Recueil d'Arras. The drawing mentions that he was called the White Knight. It also says he traveled to Scotland with other Frenchmen, including one who died in a jousting match.
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