 |
Arthur III de RishmonConstable of France from 1425, Duke of Brittany from 1457, peer of France, prominent French statesman and commander of the Hundred Years' War.
Date of Birth: 25.08.1393
Country:  France |
Content:
- Biography of Arthur III de Richemont
- Supporter of the Armagnacs
- Alliance with the English-Burgundian Coalition
- Constable of France and Military Reformer
- Death and Legacy
Biography of Arthur III de Richemont
Arthur de Richemont, also known as Arthur III of Brittany, was born on August 25, 1393, in the castle of Suscinio. He was the second son of Duke Jean IV of Brittany and Jeanne of Navarre.
Supporter of the Armagnacs
During the conflict between the Burgundians and the Armagnacs, Richemont allied himself with the Armagnacs and opposed the English. In 1415, he participated in the Battle of Agincourt, where the French army suffered a crushing defeat. Richemont was severely wounded and left for dead on the battlefield. He was eventually found by the English, who discovered his noble lineage and placed him in a relatively comfortable captivity due to his mother's connections with the English court.
Alliance with the English-Burgundian Coalition
In 1420, Richemont was released by the English after promising to support their cause and uphold the Treaty of Troyes. He strengthened his ties with the English-Burgundian coalition after marrying Margaret of Burgundy, the daughter of Duke John the Fearless of Burgundy. However, Richemont eventually fell out with the English and switched sides to support the Dauphin Charles.
Constable of France and Military Reformer
In 1425, Richemont was appointed the Constable of France. However, due to intrigues at the Dauphin's court, orchestrated mainly by his adversary Georges de la Tremoille, a trusted advisor of the king, Richemont was forced to leave the court. In 1429, Richemont and his troops joined Joan of Arc's army before the Battle of Patay, which resulted in a significant victory for the French. Although Joan sought to reconcile Richemont with the king, he was not invited to Charles' coronation in Reims.
Richemont played a crucial role in driving the English out of France, leading the royal army and taking proactive measures. In 1436, he marched with his troops into Paris and, ten years later, actively participated in liberating Normandy. Along with the Duke of Clermont, Richemont commanded the French army, which achieved a brilliant victory over the English at Formigny in 1450.
Death and Legacy
Richemont initiated military reforms, transforming the poorly organized French knightly forces into a professional and regular army. In 1457, he became the Duke of Brittany following the death of his nephew, Pierre II. However, a year later, in December 1458, he passed away in Nantes and was buried in the city's cathedral. Richemont's military achievements and contributions to the French army endure as a testament to his legacy.
