Jean de Villiers de L'Isle-Adam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean de Villiers
Seigneur of L'Isle-Adam
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| Born | c. 1384 |
| Died | 22 May 1437 |
| Resting place | St. Donatian's Cathedral, Bruges |
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| Awards | Marshal of France Knight of the Golden Fleece |
Jean de Villiers, also known as the Seigneur of L'Isle-Adam, was an important French nobleman and military leader. He was born around 1384 and passed away on May 22, 1437. Jean de Villiers played a big part in the Hundred Years' War, a long conflict between England and France.
He was a strong supporter of the Duke of Burgundy. This meant he sometimes fought alongside the English and sometimes with the French. He earned the high rank of Marshal of France. He was also one of the very first members of a special group of knights called the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Life of a Medieval Knight
Jean de Villiers, whose full name was Jehan de Villers, Seigneur de l'Isle-Adam, came from an old and respected French noble family. His father was Pierre II de Villiers.
In 1415, during the siege of Harfleur, the English army captured him. He was later set free after a payment was made for his release.
Becoming a Marshal of France
During a civil war in France, called the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War, Jean de Villiers joined the side of the Burgundians. He quickly became one of their most important officers.
On May 29, 1418, he successfully helped capture the city of Paris. That same year, John the Fearless, who was the Duke of Burgundy, made him a Marshal of France. This was a very high military position.
Later, he bravely defended the city of Beauvais against the English. However, in 1420, when Thomas Beaufort, Duke of Exeter took control of Paris, Jean de Villiers was put in prison in the Bastille. After being released in 1422, he even fought for the English army for a time. He served under John of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Bedford.
Joining the Golden Fleece Knights
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Jean de Villiers was again made a Marshal. He then started working for Philip the Good, who was the Duke of Burgundy. He became a trusted advisor to the Duke.
In October 1426, he became the governor of County of Holland. He helped Duke Philip the Good gain control of this area during a conflict known as the Hook and Cod wars.
In 1429, he became the governor of Paris once more. He successfully defended the city from an attack by the French army led by Joan of Arc.
In 1430, he received the special title of Knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece. This important group of knights was created by Philip the Good on January 10, 1430. It celebrated the Duke's rich and powerful lands. Only a small number of knights could join, and Jean de Villiers was one of the first 24 chosen.
In 1432, he led a siege against Lagny-sur-Marne. He also captured Saint-Denis in 1435. After France and Burgundy made peace with the Treaty of Arras (1435), Jean de Villiers returned to serve the French King, Charles VII of France. He helped push the English out of Pontoise and Paris.
Jean de Villiers was killed on May 22, 1437, in the city of Bruges. This happened during a fight between the people of Bruges and a group of soldiers with Philip the Good. He was buried in the St. Donatian's Cathedral in Bruges.
