Pépin de Wierre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pépin de Wierre
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Coat of arms | Argent, a saltire gules, charged with four bezants or, between four lions sable, armed and langued gules. |
Successor | Robert (son) |
Died | 1350 Calais, France |
Occupation | French Nobleman |
Sir Pépin de Wierre (died 1350) was a French nobleman and the Lord of Maison-Ponthieu. He lived during a time of war between France and England, known as the Hundred Years' War.
Pépin de Wierre's Story
Pépin de Wierre was a brave French nobleman. He was involved in an important event during the Hundred Years' War. This war was a long conflict between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France.
The Plan to Recapture Calais
In 1349, Pépin de Wierre and other French nobles made a secret plan. They wanted to take back the city of Calais from the English. Calais was a very important port city. The French leaders tried to bribe an Italian officer named Amerigo of Pavia. Amerigo was part of the English army guarding Calais. The plan was for Amerigo to open a gate for the French soldiers. This way, they could sneak into the city.
The Betrayal and Battle
The French nobles, including Pépin de Wierre, entered the gatehouse as planned. But suddenly, the drawbridge was raised, and a heavy gate (called a portcullis) fell. This trapped the French soldiers inside the gatehouse. About sixty English soldiers quickly surrounded them. It turned out that Amerigo had tricked the French. He had told King Edward III of England about the plan.
A fierce battle then broke out just outside the gates of Calais. Many French soldiers, including Pépin de Wierre, were killed. Others were captured, including the French commander Geoffrey de Charny. This event was a big loss for the French.
His Successor
Pépin de Wierre died in 1350 during this battle near Calais. After his death, his son Robert became the new Lord of Maison-Ponthieu.