Pierre de Brézé facts for kids

Pierre de Brézé's tomb

Pierre de Brézé (born around 1410 – died July 16, 1465) was an important French soldier and courtier. He served two kings of France, King Charles VII and Louis XI.

Pierre's Early Career

Pierre de Brézé became well-known during the Hundred Years' War. This was a long conflict between England and France.

Helping the King

In 1433, Pierre helped remove a powerful official named Georges de La Trémoille. This showed his loyalty to the king. The next year, in 1434, he was made a knight. He then joined the king's special council, which advised the king.

Becoming a Seneschal

Pierre de Brézé became a "seneschal" in different regions. A seneschal was a high-ranking officer who managed the king's lands and justice. He became seneschal of Anjou in 1437. In 1440, he became seneschal of Poitou.

Facing the Dauphin

Pierre fought alongside King Charles VII against rebellious nobles. He also fought against the Dauphin Louis, who was the king's son and heir. Louis would later become King Louis XI. Because of these fights, Louis held a grudge against Pierre for a long time.

Fighting for France

Pierre de Brézé was a key military leader. He helped France win important battles.

Battles Against England

He fought against the English in Normandy from 1440 to 1441. He also fought in Guienne in 1442. His actions helped push the English out of French lands.

Earning a Title

In 1441, Pierre helped King Charles VII win the Siege of Pontoise. This victory was very important. It finally drove the English out of the Île-de-France region. For his bravery and skill, Pierre was given the title of Count of Évreux.

A Powerful Advisor

The next year, Pierre became a "chamberlain" to King Charles VII. This meant he was a top advisor and manager of the king's household. He became very powerful, even more so than some of his older allies. This was partly due to the influence of Agnès Sorel, a close friend of the king. The years from 1444 to 1450 were a very successful time for King Charles VII. Pierre de Brézé played a big part in this success.

Facing Accusations

Pierre's biggest rival was the Dauphin Louis. In 1448, Louis made accusations against Pierre. This led to a formal trial. However, Pierre was found innocent and returned to the king's favor.

Later Military Roles

He continued to fight in Normandy from 1450 to 1451. After Agnès Sorel died, Pierre's influence at court decreased. He then became the seneschal of Normandy.

Later Life and Return to Favor

Pierre de Brézé continued to be involved in important events.

Expeditions to England

In 1457, he led a small raid on the English coast at Sandwich. He was also planning a larger trip to England. This trip was meant to support Margaret of Anjou. She was a supporter of the House of Lancaster in the Wars of the Roses, a civil war in England.

Changes with Louis XI

When Louis XI became king, Pierre de Brézé faced trouble. He was disgraced and even briefly put in prison. However, things changed in 1462. Pierre's son, Jacques, married Charlotte de Valois. Charlotte was Louis XI's half-sister and Agnès Sorel's daughter. This marriage helped Pierre get back into the king's good graces.

Helping Margaret of Anjou

In 1462, Pierre went with Margaret of Anjou to Scotland. He led a force of 2,000 men. After the House of Lancaster lost the Battle of Hexham, Pierre helped Margaret return to Flanders. When he came back, he made up with King Louis XI. He was then given back his role as seneschal of Normandy.

Inheritance

In 1454, Pierre inherited the Château du Bec-Crespin from his brother-in-law, Antoine Crespin. A château is a large French country house or castle.

Death and Legacy

Pierre de Brézé died in battle.

Battle of Montlhéry

He was killed in the Battle of Montlhéry on July 16, 1465. His eldest son, Jacques, took over his role as seneschal of Normandy.

Historical Accounts

One of the best accounts of Pierre de Brézé's life comes from Georges Chastellain. Chastellain was a Burgundian writer who had worked as Pierre's secretary. He wrote a special plea to King Louis XI on Pierre's behalf when Pierre was in trouble.

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