Battle of Montmuran facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Montmuran |
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| Part of the Breton War of Succession | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 House of Montfort, Brittany.svg){kind=small} Kingdom of England |
House of Blois, Brittany.svg){kind=small} Kingdom of France |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
.svg){kind=small} Hugh Calveley |
 Bertrand du Guesclin |
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After a tough loss at the Battle of Mauron, the French and their allies from Brittany (called the Blois Party) got their revenge at the Battle of Montmuran. This important fight happened on April 10, 1354. It was a key moment in the long-running Breton War of Succession, a war over who would rule Brittany. The French forces were led by the famous knight, Bertrand Du Guesclin.
The Battle Unfolds
During the Breton War of Succession, many English soldiers fought in Brittany. One of them was a young knight named Hugh Calveley. He supported Jean de Montfort, who was backed by England. Jean de Montfort was trying to become the Duke of Brittany. His opponent was Charles de Blois, who had the support of France.
A Daring Plan
In 1354, Hugh Calveley was in charge of the English fortress of Bécherel. He came up with a bold plan. He wanted to raid the castle of Montmuran on April 10. His goal was to capture Arnoul d'Audrehem, who was a very important French military leader called the Marshal of France. Arnoul d'Audrehem was visiting the lady of Tinteniac at the time.
Du Guesclin's Clever Move
However, Bertrand du Guesclin was very smart and guessed that an attack might happen. He was just starting to become famous for his military skills. Du Guesclin placed archers (soldiers who use bows and arrows) as sentries. Sentries are guards who watch for danger. When Calveley's soldiers got close, the sentries quickly raised the alarm.
Du Guesclin and d'Audrehem rushed out to meet the attackers. A fierce fight began. During the battle, Calveley was knocked off his horse by a knight named Enguerrand d'Hesdin. Calveley was captured and later set free after a payment was made. This payment was called a ransom. The Blois Party, led by Du Guesclin, won this battle.
See also
