CHAP. LXXXI.
THE DUCHESS OF BURGUNDY DIES IN THE TOWN OF GHENT.—THE DUKE OF BEDFORD IS MADE REGENT OF FRANCE.—SEVERAL FORTS ARE DEMOLISHED.
THE DUCHESS OF BURGUNDY DIES IN THE TOWN OF GHENT.—THE DUKE OF BEDFORD IS MADE REGENT OF FRANCE.—SEVERAL FORTS ARE DEMOLISHED.
Duringthe absence of the duke of Burgundy, and while he was making his preparations for the expected battle of Cône, his duchess, daughter to the king of France and sister to the dauphin, fell ill at Ghent, and died there. All her attendants, and indeed the whole of the inhabitants of Ghent and Flanders were much grieved at her death, for she was greatly beloved by all who knew her, and adored by the subjects of her lord, duke Philip, and not without reason, for she was of high extraction, and adorned with every good qualification, as it was reported by those who from their situations, must have been perfectly acquainted with her. Her body was solemnly interred in the church of the monastery of Saint Bavon near to Ghent.
It was, however, commonly reportedand believed in Ghent, that her death had been hastened; and one of her ladies called Ourse, wife to Coppin de la Viefville, born in Germany, was suspected of having done it. She had been the great confidante of the duchess, who had intrusted her signet to her, but, during her illness, had dismissed her from her service; and she had retired to the town of Aire. The municipality of Ghent sent six score men thither to arrest and bring her back; but, on their arrival at Aire, they were met by sir Gauvain de la Viefville, and some other gentlemen of name, friends to her husband, who promised to deliver her up to the duke of Burgundy, for him to deal with her as he pleased. On receiving a solemn promise to this purpose, the Ghent men returned to their town; but the municipality were very angry that their orders had not been obeyed, and confined several of them prisoners. They were also much displeased with the mayor, sheriffs and jurats, for not having delivered up the said Ourse, according to their mandate.
Notwithstanding the lord de Roubaix had never quitted the duke since he firstset out for Burgundy, the Ghent men banished him their town and Flanders, believing him to be concerned in the above business. When the duke returned, he restored to him his lands, and soon after made his peace with those of Ghent; for he had not the least suspicion of the lord de Roubaix, knowing that he had never left his company.
Thus ended this affair, and nothing more was done in it, nor were any further inquiries made.
By authority from the kings of France and of England, and their grand council, the duke of Bedford was appointed regent of France, in consequence of the duke of Burgundy not wishing to undertake that office.
A little prior to this, the following castles had been razed to the ground by royal command, namely, the castle of Muyn, Cressensac, Mortemer, Tilloy, Araines, Hericourt, Louvroy, and others, to the great vexation of their owners,—but they could not any way prevent its being done.
END OF VOL. V.
H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge-street,Blackfriars, London.