Grand Ferré facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Grand Ferré
Monument to Grand Ferré at Longueil-Sainte-Marie
Born	c. 1330 Rivecourt, France
Died	1359

Grand Ferré (born around 1330, died 1359) was a brave French peasant. He came from a village called Rivecourt in France. Grand Ferré lived during a very tough time in history. This was the Hundred Years' War, a long conflict between France and England. He became famous for his incredible strength and courage in battle.

A French Peasant Hero

Grand Ferré was a very tall and strong peasant. His name, "Ferré," means "blacksmith," which suited him perfectly! He became known for his bravery during a peasant uprising in May 1358. This event was called the Jacquerie. It started when peasants rose up against local nobles. But soon, they also fought against the English invaders.

Grand Ferré fought alongside another peasant leader named Guillaume aux Alouettes. Guillaume was chosen as a local captain during this uprising.

Fighting for France

In 1359, Grand Ferré showed amazing courage defending a castle. This castle was in Longueil-Sainte-Marie. English soldiers from nearby Creil tried to capture it.

A writer from that time, Jean de Venette, wrote about Grand Ferré. He said that Guillaume, the peasant captain, was badly hurt during an English attack. After this, Grand Ferré fought alone. He used an ax and bravely killed eighty-five enemies by himself!

His Final Days

After his heroic fight, Grand Ferré became very ill. He got pneumonia, possibly from drinking cold water. He was taken to his small home in Rivecourt to rest.

The English heard he was sick and thought they could surprise him. They planned to attack him while he slept. But when they arrived, Grand Ferré was still strong enough to fight. He killed five of them with his ax, and the other English soldiers quickly ran away. Grand Ferré died soon after this last brave act.