Bertrand du Guesclin, an “ugly little man” and fierce soldier
Bertrand Du Guesclin, Grand Constable of France, is one of the most famous figures in French history. Born around 1320 at the Château de la Motte-Broons, he was the eldest of ten children.
Legend has it that Bertrand was extremely ugly, short in stature, and physically unattractive. It is said that his own mother, the beautiful Jeanne de Malemains, rejected him at first sight.
This early rejection fueled his rebellious and gruff character, forging his legendary fighting spirit and tenacity.
Bertrand’s rise began at the age of 17, at the start of the Hundred Years War in 1337. Courageous, fearless and a fierce warrior, he quickly distinguished himself on the battlefield, quickly garnering military accolades.
His popularity exploded after his victory during the siege of Dinan in 1357, when he defeated the English.
This triumph not only solidified his reputation as a formidable military leader but also made him popular with the Bretons and the French, propelling him to the highest spheres of the state.
Bertrand du Guesclin and Thomas Canterbury’s duel
In 1357, Bertrand Du Guesclin and his brother Olivier were tasked with defending Dinan, which had been under siege for several months by the Duke of Lancaster and his troops.
In the midst of the siege, Bertrand negotiated a 25-day truce with the enemy, stipulating that his men would not attempt to leave the city. However, Olivier violated the agreement by attempting to escape, which led to his capture by Thomas of Canterbury.
Canterbury demanded an exorbitant ransom for Olivier’s release, which angered the hot-tempered Bertrand Du Guesclin. Instead of giving in, Bertrand proposed a bold solution: a duel with Canterbury, overseen by the Duke of Lancaster, to guarantee his brother’s freedom!
This historic duel took place in front of a large crowd gathered in the market square. Displaying strength and cunning typical of the Middle Ages, Bertrand shed his armour and heavy weapons, opting for a more agile approach.
With fierce determination, Bertrand threw himself upon his opponent, striking Canterbury in the face with the hilt of his dagger. The violence of his assault prompted his men to intervene, preventing him from delivering the fatal blow to the Englishman. Finally, Canterbury gave in and released Olivier without demanding a ransom. This act of bravery cemented Bertrand Du Guesclin’s reputation as a formidable warrior and defender of his people.
Bertrand du Guesclin made Grand Constable of France
At the age of 43, Bertrand du Guesclin married Tiphaine de Raguenel, a 38-year-old woman known for her strong character. Despite Bertrand’s reputation for being “unappealing,” Tiphaine saw beyond appearances and recognised his courage, strength, and determination.
Bertrand continued to distinguish himself on the battlefields, despite being captured twice. Each time, the King of France intervened and paid his ransom to secure the release of this exceptional knight.
In recognition of his exemplary bravery, the king appointed Bertrand Constable of France in 1370, a prestigious and weighty responsibility. Tragically, he died ten years later during the siege of Châteauneuf-de-Randon in Lozère.
In his will, Bertrand expressed the wish to be buried “en Dinan en la chapelle de nos prédécesseurs,” meaning “in the Eglise des Jacobins in Dinan in the chapel where his ancestors were buried.”
However, only his heart reached the Jacobin convent, and it was later transferred to the Saint-Sauveur Church in 1810.
Place du Champ Clos
The former Market Square in Dinan is now called Place du Champ Clos.
A discreet commemorative plaque marks the spot where Bertrand du Guesclin and Thomas Canterbury faced each other in a duel. In the 19th century, Emmanuel Frémiet sculpted an equestrian statue of Bertrand du Guesclin to celebrate this historical event. The statue stands in Place du Guesclin, a stone’s throw from the plaque.
The two squares, Place du Champ Clos and Place du Guesclin, are separated by a paved alley, and lined with elegant 18th and 19th-century buildings housing various establishments, such as the gendarmerie, the tourist office, restaurants, banks, real estate agencies and shops.
Although the Champ Clos square serves as a parking lot the rest of the week, it transforms into a lively market every Thursday morning. This market is extremely popular, especially during school holidays. To fully enjoy the experience, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a parking space so you can have plenty of time to discover the market and the citadel of Dinan.
Department of Côtes d’Armor
Coordinates: Lat 48.452645- Long -2.044648
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: DuGuesclin made Constable of France Public Domain
