Bernard de Wisk facts for kids

Bernard de Wisk was a famous mercenary captain and sometimes a brigand during the long conflict known as the Hundred Years' War. A mercenary is a soldier who fights for money, not for a specific country or cause. A brigand is like a bandit or a robber, often part of a group.

From Soldier to Bandit

Bernard de Wisk began his career as a mercenary, fighting for whoever paid him. However, things changed after the Treaty of Brétigny was signed on May 8, 1360. This treaty was an agreement that brought a temporary end to some of the fighting in the Hundred Years' War.

When the war slowed down, many mercenaries like Wisk found themselves without jobs. With no one hiring them to fight, they had to find other ways to make a living. So, Bernard de Wisk and his men turned to being brigands. They roamed the countryside of France, attacking and pillaging towns and villages. This meant they would steal valuable things and sometimes cause damage.

The Seizure of Belleperche Castle

In 1369, Bernard de Wisk joined forces with other well-known captains, Bernardon and Hortingo de la Salle. Together, they carried out a daring plan: they seized Belleperche Castle.

This castle was a very important place because it was the home of Isabella of Valois, Duchess of Bourbon. She was the mother-in-law of the King of France, Charles V of France. Wisk and his allies took the Duchess hostage and demanded a large sum of money, called a ransom, for her safe return.

The Siege of Belleperche

The capture of the Duchess of Bourbon was a serious matter. Her son, Louis II, Duke of Bourbon, along with the Duke of Burgundy, quickly gathered their armies. They surrounded Belleperche Castle and began a siege. A siege is when an army surrounds a castle or town and tries to cut off its supplies to force those inside to surrender.

The historian John Frossart wrote that the Duke of Bourbon's siege camp was "as strong and as well fortified as a good town might have been." This shows how determined they were to get the Duchess back.

The groups of brigands, often called "Free Companies", who were inside the castle, were eventually forced out. But even as they left, they managed to take the Duchess with them. She remained their prisoner.

The Duchess's Release

The Duchess of Bourbon was held captive for a long time. She remained a prisoner until 1372. Finally, the King of France, Charles V, arranged for the ransom to be paid. Once the money was handed over, the Duchess was released and could return home safely.