Louis de Gruuthuse facts for kids
Louis de Bruges, Lord of Gruuthuse (born around 1427 – died November 24, 1492), was a very important nobleman from Flanders. He was a brave soldier, a smart advisor, and loved collecting books. He even received a special title, Earl of Winchester, from the King of England in 1472. Louis also served as the governor, or Stadtholder, of Holland and Zeeland from 1462 to 1477.
Contents
Early Life and Tournaments
Louis was born around 1422. His father was Lord Jean IV of Bruges. His mother was Margriet of Steenhuyse. Young Louis grew up in Flanders, a very rich area at the time. He learned how to be a soldier and how to act at court.
Louis loved taking part in medieval tournaments. These were like sports competitions for knights. He joined the "Tournament of the White Bear" in Bruges many times. He often won prizes! This caught the eye of Philip the Good, the powerful Duke of Burgundy. Philip made Louis his squire and a special wine server. These were important honorary jobs.
As a courtier, Louis traveled with the Duke. He met many important nobles and princes. This helped him learn about diplomacy. He became a key person in the Duke's court.
A Time of War
After his last tournament in Bruges, Louis faced a real war. The city of Ghent had a big argument with Philip the Good. It was about a salt tax. Ghent declared war on the Duke. This was called the Salt War.
During this war, Louis became the governor of Bruges. He showed great courage and loyalty to the Duke. In the winter of 1452–1453, the war caused much damage. When spring came, the Duke gathered his army. Louis de Gruuthuse was one of the commanders.
On July 23, 1453, Louis was knighted on the battlefield of Gavere. He was given command of the rearguard. The battle was a terrible defeat for Ghent. Its army was destroyed. The river Scheldt turned red with blood. Louis worried that Ghent would be destroyed. He asked the Duke to spare the city. The Duke agreed, saying, "If I would destroy this city, who is going to build me one like it?!"
Trusted Advisor and Knight
After the war, Louis became a very trusted advisor to the Duke. He even helped arrange the wedding of the Duke's son, Charles de Charolais. Charles married Margaret of York, who was the sister of the King of England.
In 1455, Louis married Margaretha of Borssele. Her family was very important in Zeeland. They were even related to royal families. Louis and Margaretha had several children. Their first son, Jean V, was born in 1458.
In 1461, Louis became a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. This was a very high honor. He now had many titles. He was "Lord of Bruges" and "Prince of Steenhuijse." He was also lord of other towns like Avelghem and Oostkamp.
From 1463 to 1477, Louis was the Duke's top official in Holland, Zeeland, and Frisia. He was like a governor, or stadtholder. In the winter of 1470–1471, Louis hosted King Edward IV of England. The King was in exile because of the Wars of the Roses. Later, King Edward gave Louis the special title of Earl of Winchester. This was a rare honor for someone not from England.
Working for Charles the Bold
Charles the Bold became Duke in 1467. He was Philip the Good's son. Louis de Gruuthuse also became a trusted advisor to Charles. When Charles died suddenly in battle, Louis helped his daughter, Mary of Burgundy. She was also known as Maria the Rich.
Mary was thankful for Louis's help. She made him a special helper for her young son, Philip. Mary died young in 1482. Her husband, Maximilian I, then tried to gain more power. He often disagreed with the nobles and cities in Flanders.
Louis de Gruuthuse had serious conflicts with Maximilian. This made the last years of Louis's life difficult. Louis de Gruuthuse died on November 24, 1492, in his palace in Bruges. People say a big thunderstorm happened during his burial.
A Lover of Books and Art
Louis de Gruuthuse was one of the biggest buyers of illuminated manuscripts. These were beautiful, handwritten books with colorful pictures. He bought them from the best workshops in Flanders. His collection had about 190 books. Most were about everyday life, not religion. More than half were new, decorated copies. His collection was twice as big as the English Royal collection at the time!
Louis sometimes had his own portrait put into the pictures in his books. He would appear as an extra person, wearing his special Golden Fleece collar. Many of his books are now in the Bibliotheque nationale de France in Paris. This includes his four-volume Froissart. This book has 112 amazing pictures. The best artists in Bruges painted them.
Louis was one of the last people to order so many new manuscripts. He started collecting books in the late 1460s. Many of his biggest orders were in the 1470s. By the end of his life, many books were being printed. This made handwritten books less popular. The fall of the Burgundian state also hurt the art of making these books. Louis even helped King Edward IV of England buy some Flemish manuscripts. He wanted to help the artists during this difficult time.
See also
- House of Gruuthuse
- Jacob van Brugge
- Jean III d' Aa of Gruuthuse
Images for kids
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Louis de Gruuthuse's family coat of arms.
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The English coat of arms given to Louis by the King of England.
