Bernard VII, Count of Armagnac facts for kids
Bernard VII, Count of Armagnac (born around 1360 – died June 12, 1418) was an important French nobleman. He held the titles of Count of Armagnac and later became the Constable of France. Bernard was the son of John II, Count of Armagnac. He took over as Count of Armagnac in 1391 after his brother, John III, passed away. After some long battles, he also became the Count of Comminges in 1412.
Bernard helped his brother, John III, in a military campaign in 1389. His brother wanted to claim the Kingdom of Majorca. They invaded northern Catalonia to try and take control of some lands there. Bernard was in charge of a part of the army during this time.
Bernard married Bonne, who was the daughter of John, Duke of Berry. She had been married before to Count Amadeus VII, Count of Savoy. Bernard started to gain influence at the French royal court. This happened when Louis, Duke of Orléans married Valentina Visconti. Valentina was the daughter of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the Duke of Milan. Bernard's own sister, Beatrice, married Valentina's brother, Carlo. This created important family connections.
Leading the Armagnac Faction
After Louis, Duke of Orléans, was killed in 1407, Bernard d'Armagnac remained loyal to the Orléans family. He arranged for his daughter, Bonne, to marry the young Charles, Duke of Orléans in 1410. Bernard d'Armagnac then became the main leader of the group that opposed John the Fearless, the Duke of Burgundy. This conflict was part of a larger civil war in France, known as the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War. Because Bernard was their leader, this group became known as the "Armagnacs."
Becoming Constable of France
In 1415, Bernard became the Constable of France. This was a very high military position. He was also in charge of the government for the Dauphin, who was the young prince and future king, Charles VII. Bernard held this important role until the Burgundians took control of Paris. This happened during the night of May 28–29, 1418.
His Final Days
Sadly, Bernard VII was one of the first people to die in the violent events that followed. On June 12, 1418, many people who were thought to be his supporters were killed in Paris. These killings continued for several weeks throughout the summer.
Bernard's Family
Bernard and his wife, Bonne of Berry, had several children:
- John IV, Count of Armagnac: He married Blanche of Brittany and later Isabella of Navarre.
- Anne of Armagnac: She married Charles II of Albret.
- Bonne of Armagnac: She married Charles, Duke of Orléans.
- Bernard, Count of Pardiac: He married Eleanor, who inherited the County of La Marche.
