Nicolas Béhuchet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nicolas Béhuchet
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Nicolas Béhuchet
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| Born | c. 1288 |
| Died | 24 June 1340 (aged 51–52) |
| Allegiance | French |
| Service/ |
Navy |
| Rank | Constable of France |
| Battles/wars | English Channel campaign Battle of Arnemuiden Battle of Sluys |
Nicolas Béhuchet (born around 1288 – died June 24, 1340) was an important figure in French history. He was also known as Colin Béhuchet. Nicolas Béhuchet served as a French admiral, meaning he was a top commander in the navy. He also worked as a financier, which means he managed money for the government. He played a key role in the early parts of the Hundred Years' War, a long conflict between England and France.
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Who Was Nicolas Béhuchet?
Nicolas Béhuchet was a skilled leader in both naval battles and financial matters. He lived during a time when France and England were often at war. His career shows how important it was to have strong leaders in both the military and in managing the country's money.
Early Life and Role as a Financier
Nicolas Béhuchet was born around the year 1288. Not much is known about his early life. He became known as a financier. This meant he helped manage the money for the French king. This was a very important job. It helped the king pay for armies and navies.
Béhuchet became a top commander in the French navy. He worked alongside another admiral named Hugues Quiéret. Together, they led the French fleet during the start of the Hundred Years' War. This war was a long series of battles between England and France. It lasted for more than 100 years.
The Battle of Arnemuiden (1338)
In 1338, Béhuchet and Quiéret led the French fleet in the Battle of Arnemuiden. This battle took place at sea. During this battle, French forces captured English prisoners. Béhuchet was responsible for the harsh treatment of these prisoners. This action would later have serious consequences for him.
Fighting in the English Channel
After the Battle of Arnemuiden, Béhuchet and Quiéret continued to fight the English. They led naval campaigns in the English Channel. This is the body of water between England and France. Controlling the Channel was very important for both sides. It allowed them to move troops and supplies.
The Battle of Sluys (1340)
Two years after Arnemuiden, in 1340, the French fleet was gathered at a place called Sluys. They were preparing for a possible invasion of England. An invasion means sending an army to take over another country. However, the English fleet, led by Edward III, attacked them first.
The Battle of Sluys was a major naval battle. The English fleet surprised the French. The French fleet suffered a terrible defeat. Many French ships were destroyed. This was a huge loss for France.
Capture and Punishment
After the defeat at Sluys, Nicolas Béhuchet was captured by the English. Because of his earlier actions at Arnemuiden, where English prisoners were treated harshly, he faced a severe punishment. As a result, he was put to death by the English. This happened on June 24, 1340.
