Jean III de Grailly facts for kids
Jean III de Grailly (also known as John De Grailly) was a famous knight and military leader from a region called Gascony. He lived a long time ago, in the 1300s, and was a key figure in a big conflict called the Hundred Years' War. People at the time, like the writer Jean Froissart, admired him greatly for his bravery and knightly spirit. He held a special title, Captal de Buch, which was like being a powerful local lord.
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A Knight's Life
Jean III de Grailly was the son of Jean II de Grailly. His family was important in their region.
He chose to support the English side during the Hundred Years' War. Because of his loyalty, the English King Edward III made him the Count of Bigorre. Jean was also one of the very first members of a special group of knights called the Order of the Garter, which was created in 1348.
The Battle of Poitiers
Jean de Grailly played a huge part in the Battle of Poitiers (1356). He was a cavalry leader, meaning he led soldiers on horseback. Under the command of Edward, the Black Prince, Jean led a surprise attack from the side against the French army. This clever move helped the English win the battle. The French king, King John II, was captured, along with many of his nobles. King John was then taken to London by the Black Prince.
Changing Sides and Loyalty
In 1364, Jean de Grailly led soldiers for Charles II of Navarre in a region called Normandy. However, he was defeated and captured by a French general named Bertrand du Guesclin at a battle called Cocherel.
After he was set free the next year, he briefly joined the French side. The French King Charles V even made him a lord. But Jean soon returned to his loyalty to the English. In 1367, he traveled to Spain with the Black Prince. There, he fought in the Battle of Nájera. In this battle, he faced Bertrand du Guesclin again, but this time, du Guesclin was the one captured! Jean de Grailly was put in charge of guarding the important prisoner. For his continued service, he was made the Constable of Aquitaine in 1371, which was a very important military role.
Final Capture and Death
In 1372, Jean de Grailly was again fighting for the English. He was leading a group of English soldiers to help a town called La Rochelle, which the French were attacking. While trying to help another town, Soubise, his forces were surprised by a French group led by a Welsh soldier named Owain Lawgoch. Jean de Grailly and another English leader were captured.
Jean spent the rest of his life as a prisoner in Paris. The French King Charles V believed he was too dangerous to let go, even for a ransom.
The writer Froissart also wrote about Jean de Grailly's bravery during a peasant uprising in 1358 called the Jacquerie.
Jean de Grailly remained a prisoner from 1372 until his death. He was offered his freedom, but it meant he would have to fight against the King of England. He refused, as he had sworn never to do that. His loyalty to the Black Prince was so strong that when he heard the prince had died, he lost all hope. He stopped eating and passed away a few days later in Paris on September 7, 1376.
Jean de Grailly did not have any children. After his death, his special title, Captal de Buch, went to his uncle, Archambaud, Count of Foix. The title then passed down to the Counts of Foix in his family.
Images for kids
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The coat of arms of Sir Jean III de Grailly.
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