Jean Le Fèvre de Saint-Remy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean Le Fèvre de Saint-Remy
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Depiction of Jean le Fèvre de Saint-Remy as Toison d'Or King of Arms, dated c. 1450
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| Born | c.1394 |
| Died | 16 June 1468 |
| Occupation | chronicler |
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Jean le Fèvre de Saint-Remy (born around 1394 – died June 16, 1468) was a famous historian and official from the Duchy of Burgundy. He was born in Abbeville. During his life, Europe was in the middle of the Hundred Years' War, a long conflict between England and France.
Jean le Fèvre was also known by a special title: Toison d'or, which means "Golden Fleece." This was because he worked as the main official, called the King of Arms, for a very important group of knights known as the Order of the Golden Fleece. He was also the lord, or seigneur, of several lands, including Saint Remy, la Vacquerie, Avesnes, and Morienne.
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Life of Jean le Fèvre
Jean le Fèvre came from a noble family. He chose to become a soldier and fought in battles. For example, he fought alongside the English army in the famous Battle of Agincourt.
Working for the Duke of Burgundy
In 1430, Philip the Good, who was the powerful Duke of Burgundy, created the Order of the Golden Fleece. This was a special group of knights. In 1431, at a meeting of the Order in Lille, Jean le Fèvre was chosen to be its King of Arms. This was a very important job.
As King of Arms, he became a highly respected person at the Duke's court. He helped Duke Philip III with many things, like talking to leaders from other countries. He was also an expert on knightly traditions and rules. He often helped settle disagreements in knightly tournaments. His deep knowledge of heraldry, which is the study of coats of arms and noble families, was greatly admired.
Later Life and Recognition
Jean le Fèvre received special honors later in his life. He was given the title of knighthood for his long service. A medieval historian named Georges Chastellain wrote about a touching moment in May 1468. At a meeting of the Order of the Golden Fleece in Bruges, Jean le Fèvre decided to retire because he was very old. The Order honored him for his many years of service.
Soon after this tribute, Jean le Fèvre passed away peacefully in Bruges on June 16, 1468.
Jean le Fèvre's Writings
Besides his work as King of Arms, Jean le Fèvre was also a chronicler, which means he wrote down historical events.
His Chronicle of Charles VI
He wrote a long history about Charles VI of France. Much of his work continued what another historian, Enguerrand de Monstrelet, had already written. However, Jean le Fèvre added new and important information for the years between 1428 and 1436. His writings are especially helpful for understanding the knightly culture of the Burgundian court. He wrote in a more direct way than Monstrelet, but he also showed a strong loyalty to the dukes of Burgundy in his writings.
His chronicle was later published as Chronique de Jean le Fèvre Seigneur de Saint Rémy.
Biography of Jacques de Lalaing
Jean le Fèvre is also believed to be the author of another important book called Livre des Faits de Jacques Lalaing. This book tells the story of the life and adventures of a famous Burgundian knight named Jacques de Lalaing.
