Louis de Sancerre facts for kids
Louis de Sancerre (born in 1341 or 1342 – died February 6, 1402) was an important French military leader. He served as a Marshal of France and later a Constable of France during the long conflict known as the Hundred Years' War. He was known for his bravery and skill in battle.
Contents
Early Life and First Battles
Louis de Sancerre was born as the second son of Count Louis II de Sancerre. His father died in 1346 at the famous Battle of Crécy. After his father's death, King Philip VI of France made sure Louis was educated alongside the children of the Duke of Normandy.
Louis got his first taste of war during the Siege of Melun in 1359. Here, he caught the eye of a famous French knight named Bertrand du Guesclin. This was the start of his military career.
Serving King Charles V
When Charles V of France became King, Louis de Sancerre helped him conquer the region of Guyenne. Because of his strong leadership, the King made him a Marshal of France on June 20, 1368. His job was to protect Paris, the capital city.
In 1369, Sancerre surprised the Earl of Pembroke and forced him to retreat. He also helped du Guesclin win the important Battle of Pontvallain. Over the next few years, Sancerre fought against the English in several French regions, including Limousin, Languedoc, and Guyenne.
By 1375, Sancerre had captured the towns of Cognac and Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte. He also fought against groups of bandits and local lords who were causing trouble in the Auvergne region. In 1377, he was back fighting in Guyenne and played a key role in the siege of Bergerac. He was very successful in capturing several local leaders there.
After du Guesclin died, both Sancerre and another noble, Coucy, were offered the top military job of Constable. However, they both turned it down. Historians believe they knew the King was ill and that a group of powerful dukes would soon be in charge. They likely didn't want the political problems that came with such a high position at that time.
Serving King Charles VI
When King Charles V died in 1380, his son, Charles VI of France, was still a child. Louis de Sancerre continued to serve France. He took part in the siege of Montguyon in 1380 and attended Charles VI's coronation in Reims.
Battle of Roosebeke
In 1382, a rebellion broke out in Flanders, and its ruler, Louis II, was driven out. Sancerre joined the royal army sent to stop the rebellion. Near the Lys River, the French army faced 900 Flemish soldiers. The only bridge was broken, so Sancerre led 400 French knights across the river by ferry. After a tense night, they fought the Flemish soldiers. Once the bridge was rebuilt, the main French army crossed, and the Flemish rebels were quickly defeated. On November 27, 1382, Sancerre helped lead the front lines at the Battle of Roosebeke, where the rebels were completely beaten.
Later Campaigns
In 1383, Sancerre and Coucy had to force their way into Paris to calm down civil unrest in the city. Later that year, Sancerre returned to Guyenne to fight the English again. In 1384, he captured Marseille and other places in Provence. The next year, he even went to England as a French envoy, or representative.
By 1386, Sancerre was made the King's captain-general in several regions, including Limousin and Guyenne. That same year, he besieged the castle of Bouteville. In 1387, Louis de Sancerre successfully drove the English out of the castle of La Rochandry and besieged other strongholds like Châteauneuf-sur-Charente and Merpins. In 1389, he took over from the Duke of Berry as governor of Languedoc.
Constable of France
After another important leader, the Count of Eu, died, Sancerre was finally made Constable of France on July 26, 1397. This was the highest military position in France. In 1398, Sancerre led an army against some powerful lords, taking several towns and castles. He then successfully convinced them to stop supporting the English and to pledge loyalty to the French King.
In 1401, an aging Sancerre resigned from his role as Governor of Languedoc due to illness. He passed away on February 6, 1402, and was buried in the famous Basilica of St Denis.
