Gaspard Bureau facts for kids

Gaspard Bureau (died 1469) was a smart French expert in how cannons work. He was also an inventor. He owned several important lands like Montfermeil and Nogent-sur-Marne. Gaspard was the brother of Jean Bureau, who was a famous leader of artillery.

Gaspard's Life and Work

Joining the King's Army

Gaspard was the third son of Simon Bureau, a merchant from Paris. His mother was Hélène. In 1436, Gaspard and his brother Jean joined the army of Charles VII of France.

Gaspard started in the army's money department. He was a "master of accounts," which meant he managed the army's finances. Later, he became a clerk for the artillery. By 1442, he was a temporary master of artillery. On December 27, 1444, he became the "grand-master of the king's artillery." This was a very important job, like being in charge of all the king's cannons. In October 1447, the king made him a nobleman.

Improving French Cannons

Gaspard and his brother Jean were very important in making France's cannons better. They made all the cannons the same size. They also changed the cannons from being made of wrought iron to cast iron. This made the cannons stronger and more reliable.

These improvements gave the French army a big advantage over the English. It helped France win the Hundred Years' War. Gaspard took part in the siege of Bayeux in 1450. He also fought in the battle of Castillon in 1453. This battle was a major victory for France.

Later Life and Titles

On March 21, 1445, Gaspard bought the land of Villemomble. He paid 9,000 livres tournois for it. In 1464, he was made a marquis of Castillon. He also became a knight. Between 1463 and 1465, he became the captain of several important places. These included Beauté, Le Louvre, and Poissy.