Gadifer Shorthose facts for kids
Gadifer Shorthose (also known as Gadifier Shartoise in French) was an English mayor of Bordeaux, a city in France. He served as mayor from 1434 until 1451. During his time as mayor, Bordeaux, which had been under English control, became part of France.
Gadifer Shorthose faced many challenges during his time as mayor. In 1442, he did not follow the orders of Robert Roos, who was the regent (a person who rules when the king is too young or absent) of Gascony.
The Battle of La Male Journade
On November 1, 1450, a French army led by Amanieu of Albret approached Bordeaux. Mayor Shorthose led a mixed group of English soldiers, Gascon knights, and local city guards to meet them. However, his army was not well-organized. Because of this, Amanieu's forces easily defeated them. Many citizens of Bordeaux lost their lives that day. This sad event became known as La Male Journade, which means "The Bad Day."
Bordeaux Falls to France
In 1451, the French general Jean de Dunois attacked Bordeaux. His army broke through the city walls. The English soldiers and their commanders, including Shorthose, went back to the castle. Inside the castle, Shorthose and other leaders had only a small group of soldiers. They were supposed to have more, but they had fewer men than planned. On May 23, the castle also fell to the French. Gadifer Shorthose was the last mayor of English Bordeaux for a short time. The next year, John Talbot helped to free the city again.
Sources
- Labarge, Margaret Wade. Gascony, England's First Colony 1204–1453. London: Hamish Hamilton, 1980.
