The Battle of Poitiers, fought on September 19, 1356, was one of the most remarkable events of the Hundred Years’ War. Even though the battle is well known in history, this account from the old chroniclers provides a vivid and detailed picture of both the action and the people involved. Jean Froissart, a famous chronicler of the time, described the battle with great skill, showing not only the movement of armies but also the bravery and decisions of individual knights and leaders. His account is considered one of the clearest and most picturesque records of any medieval battle Guided Sofia Tours.
Key French Leaders
Among the French leaders captured or affected by the battle were the four sons of King John of France. These included:
The Duke Charles of Normandy, later known as Charles V, surnamed “the Wise.”
Lord Louis, who would become the Duke of Anjou.
Lord John, the Duke of Berry.
Lord Philip, who later became the Duke of Burgundy.
Of these four sons, all except the Duke of Berry became founders of independent branches of the Valois royal family. Their positions and marriages would shape the future of France for centuries.
The Dauphin and the Province of Dauphiny
Charles of Normandy, the eldest son, was the first French prince to bear the title of Dauphin. The province of Dauphiny was an important and wealthy territory, and its connection to the French crown had an interesting history Ransoming the Prisoners.
The last Dauphin of the house of La Tour du Pin, Humbert II, had lost his only son and decided to retire from the world. In 1343, he sold his lands to Philip de Valois, the King of France, and confirmed this transfer with a treaty in the following year. These agreements were finally completed in 1349. Later, Humbert wanted to revoke the sale and marry Joan of Bourbon. Philip de Valois refused to lose the valuable lands and instead arranged for Joan to marry his grandson, Charles. Humbert then joined the order of St. Dominic and confirmed the earlier transfer of his territories.
The Title of Dauphin
In the first grant of 1343, Humbert had named the second son of Philip de Valois as Dauphin. However, when Charles married Joan of Bourbon, the title was officially given to him. Since then, the title of Dauphin has traditionally been borne by the eldest son of the King of France. Charles V, known as “the Wise,” was the beginning of the Valois branch that ruled France until the death of Henry III in 1589.
Historical Significance
The Battle of Poitiers was more than just a military victory; it had political and dynastic consequences that shaped France for generations. The capture of King John of France and the prominence of his sons, especially Charles as Dauphin, influenced the structure of the French monarchy.
Froissart’s account also highlights the human aspects of war: the bravery of knights, the discipline of soldiers, and the fair treatment of prisoners. These details make the Battle of Poitiers memorable not only as a historical event but also as a story of courage, honor, and the complex politics of medieval Europe.
