Eustace d'Aubrichecourt facts for kids

Eustace d'Aubrichecourt (born around 1334 in Bugnicourt, died around 1373 in Normandy) was a brave French knight. He chose to fight for the English army during the long Hundred Years' War. A famous writer named Froissart wrote about his exciting adventures and battles.

Eustace's Family

Eustace had an older brother named Sanchet D'Abrichecourt. Sanchet was born in 1330 and passed away in 1349. He was very important because he was one of the first members of the Order of the Garter. This is a very old and respected group of knights in England. Sanchet was the 25th knight to join this special order in 1348.

Fighting in the Hundred Years' War

Eustace served under Edward the Black Prince. The Black Prince was the oldest son of Edward III of England, the king. Eustace joined the Black Prince's big raid in 1355. This kind of raid was called a "chevauchée" (say: she-vo-SHAY). It was a fast attack to cause damage.

He fought in the famous Battle of Poitiers in 1356. During this battle, he was captured for a short time. Later, he led English and Gascon soldiers. They attacked the city of Carcassonne.

Raids and Riches

Between 1356 and 1359, the war was a bit quieter. Eustace was in a region called Champagne in France. He fought for himself and for the English. He controlled about ten to twelve forts or cities. These included places like Nogent-sur-Seine and Arcis-sur-Aube. His main base was in Pont-sur-Seine.

During this time, Eustace also fought for Charles II of Navarre, who was known as Charles the Bad. Eustace became rich by taking over villages and cities. He also made money by asking for "ransom" from prisoners. This means he would release them only if their families paid him. This made him famous and wealthy.

On June 23, 1359, Eustace led an army of English and Navarrese soldiers. They were defeated by the bishop of Troyes, Henri de Poitiers, near Nogent-sur-Seine. In this battle, French foot soldiers beat Eustace's archers. This allowed the French knights on horseback to win the day.

After the Treaty

After 1359, Eustace d'Auberchicourt became a leader of "routiers." These were groups of soldiers who often roamed around and plundered. He settled in Attigny in the county of Rethel. From there, he raided and took things from Champagne. He went to areas near Laon, like Épernay and Château-Thierry.

The Treaty of Brétigny in May 1360 brought an end to these raids. The English and their allies had to leave Champagne. Eustace managed to sell some of his properties. He sold them to Louis de Male, the Count of Rethel, and to Robert I, Count of Bar.

He then went to Normandy to guard the town of Carentan for Charles the Bad of Navarre. In October 1360, he was one of the people who signed the agreement in Calais. This agreement confirmed the Treaty of Brétigny.

Later Campaigns

In 1362, Eustace was made governor of Mons. In 1364, he fought in the battle of Auray. In this battle, Charles de Blois was killed. After this, Eustace became the captain of Bouchain.

In 1366, he went with English knights to support King Peter of Castile in Spain. The Treaty of Brétigny was broken in 1369. So, Eustace went back to fighting. In 1369, he raided Agenais and passed through Anjou.

In 1370, he was in Limousin. He took part in the siege and capture of Limoges. After that, he attacked the château de Rochechouart. The same year, French soldiers captured him. They asked for a ransom of 12,000 francs. Once this money was paid, Eustace began to serve King Charles II of Navarre again.

Eustace d'Aubrichecourt died around 1373 in Normandy. He lived a life full of battles and adventures.

Marriage

Eustace married Isabelle de Juliers on Michaelmas (September 29) in 1360. They were married in Wingham, Kent. Isabelle passed away in 1411. She was the daughter of William V, Duke of Jülich. She was also the niece of Queen Philippa of Hainaut of England. Before marrying Eustace, Isabelle was married to John, 3rd Earl of Kent. Eustace and Isabelle had one son, named William.