Grand Dukes of the West: A History of Valois Burgundy

Episode 48: The Road to Arras Nov 11, 2024

Philip the Good is tired of the Hundred Years War. He's tired of the destruction, he's tired of the death, and he's tired of his ally's inability to defend his lands. But the Duke of Burgundy finds himself trapped by an oath not to make a separate peace with the increasingly powerful French Court of Charles VII.

Time Period Covered: 1431-1435

Notable People: Philip the Good, Charles VII of France, Cardinal Niccolo Albergati, Arthur de Richemont, Yolande of Anjou, Charles of Anjou Count of Maine, Charles I Duke of Bourbon

Notable Events/Developments: Peace Conference of Auxerre (1433), Peace Conference of Siene-Port (1433), Fall of Georges de la Tremoille, Peace Conference of Nevers (1435)

Episode 47: Allies and Enemies Oct 28, 2024

In the years after the capture of Joan of Arc, the French continued their resurgence while the English struggled to hold on to what they had. As the tables began to turn, the Duke of Burgundy began to worry that he had chosen the wrong side in the Hundred Years War.

Time Period Covered: 1430-1434

Notable People: Philip the Good, Charles VII of France, Henry VI of England, John Duke of Bedford, Arnaud-Guilhem de Barbazan, Antoine de Toulongeon, Charles I Duke of Bourbon

Notable Events/Developments: French Coronation of Henry VI, Deterioration of Anglo-Burgundian relationship, Death of Anne of Burgundy Duchess of Bedford

Episode 46: Imperial Machinations Oct 14, 2024

As Philip the Good expanded his reach into the Holy Roman Empire, some Imperial Princes greeted him as a new ally, but others saw Burgundian expansion as a threat. Sigismund of Luxembourg, the Holy Roman Emperor, fell into the latter category, and throughout his long career he was a determined, if mostly ineffective opponent of Burgundy.

Time Period Covered: 1421-1437

Notable People: Philip the Good, Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg, Rene of Anjou, Antoine de Vaudemont, Louis de Chalon Prince of Orange, Jean de Neufchatel, Arnold of Egmond Duke of Guelders, Adolph I of Cleves, Frederick of the Empty Pockets

Notable Events/Developments: Battle of Anthon, Battle of Bulgneville, The Hussite Wars

Episode 45: Bickering Bishops and Papal Politics Sep 30, 2024

Philip the Good was a prince of a European stature, and as such he interacted with the Church in a number of ways and on a number of levels. The Duke of Burgundy did his best to control the Church in his lands, influence the Bishoprics which neighbored his territories, and make his voice heard in Rome and in the emerging Council of Basel.

Time Period Covered: 1428-1440

Notable People: Philip the Good, Pope Martin V, Pope Eugenius IV, John of Heinsberg, Rudolf von Diepholz, Guillaume Fillastre

Notable Events/Developments: Utrecht Schism, Dinant-Bouvignes Conflict, Council of Basel

Episode 44: All That Glitters Sep 16, 2024

1430 was a banner year for Burgundian magnificence. Philip the Good's marriage to Isabella of Portugal and his founding of the Order of the Golden Fleece demonstrated the wealth, influence, and power of Burgundy.

Time Period Covered: 1430

Notable People: Philip the Good, Isabella of Portugal, John of Luxembourg, Hugh de Lannoy, Antoine de Croy, Jan van Eyck

Notable Events/Developments: Marriage of Philip the Good and Isabella of Portugal, Founding of the Order of the Golden Fleece

Episode 43: The Burgundian Union Sep 02, 2024

The late 1420s and early 1430s saw the rapid expansion of the Burgundian State. In this episode we'll trace the course of that expansion and explore just how the Duke of Burgundy was able to unite these disparate territories.

Time Period Covered: 1430-1433

Notable People: Philip the Good, Jacqueline of Bavaria, Frank van Borselen, Philip of Saint-Pol

Notable Events/Developments: The Treaty of Delft, Mortgage of Holland and Zeeland to the Borselen, Marriage of Jacqueline of Bavaria and Frank van Borselen, Death of Philip of Saint-Pol, Burgundian acquisition of Namur

Supplemental 9: Joan of Arc Part 4 - The Myth Aug 05, 2024

Joan of Arc is gone, but she certainly is not forgotten. In this episode we'll explore the legend of Joan of Arc as well as the legacy of the Maid.

Episode 42: Joan of Arc Part 3 - The Martyr Jul 22, 2024

Joan of Arc's run of uninterrupted successes stalled before the walls of Paris in September 1429. Now there were those in the Court of Charles VII who wanted to sideline the Maid, but Joan was determined to continue the fight.

Time Period Covered: 1429-1431

Notable People: Joan of Arc, Charles VII, Georges de la Tremoille, Pierre Cauchon Bishop of Beauvais, John of Luxembourg, Philip the Good

Notable Events/Developments: The Siege of La Charite (1429), The Siege of Compiegne, The Inquisition of Joan of Arc

Episode 41: Joan of Arc Part 2 - The Militant Jul 07, 2024

Joan of Arc had arrived at the Dauphin's court claiming that she would relieve the Siege of Orleans and lead the prince to Reims to be crowned. After successfully chasing the English away from Orleans, it was time to get Charles VII his crown.

Time Period Covered: 1429

Notable People: Joan of Arc, Charles VII, John II of Alencon, La Hire, Poton de Xaintrailles, Georges de la Tremoille, John Duke of Bedford, The Bastard of Orleans, Arthur de Richemont

Notable Events/Developments: The Loire Campaign, The Battle of Patay, The Coronation of Charles VII, The Siege of Paris (1429)

Episode 40: Joan of Arc Part 1 - The Maid Jun 24, 2024

The fortunes of the Dauphin were at a low point, Brittany had capitulated to the English, Maine had been conquered, and now Orleans was under threat. The collapse of Charles' cause seemed imminent, but he would receive a second wind when a peasant girl named Joan arrived at his court claiming to be sent by God.

Time Period Covered: 1429

Notable People: Joan of Arc, Charles VII, Yolande of Aragon, The Bastard of Orleans, La Hire, Poton de Xaintrailles, John II of Alencon, Robert de Baudricourt

Notable Events/Developments: The Battle of the Herrings, Rise of Joan of Arc, Relief of Orleans

Episode 39: Meanwhile Back in France Jun 10, 2024

While Philip was occupied in Hainault, Holland, and Zeeland the Hundred Years War still raged in France. The steady advance of the English continues while the Dauphinists, consumed by internal conflict, attempt to stem the tide.

Time Period Covered: 1424-1429

Notable People: Arthur de Richemont, Yolande of Aragon, Charles VII, Jean Louvet, Tanneguy du Chatel, Georges de la Tremoille, John Duke of Bedford

Notable Events/Developments: Defection of Richemont to the Dauphin, Fall of Jean Louvet, Rise of Georges de la Tremoille, The Siege of Orleans

Episode 38: The Battle for Holland May 27, 2024

Philip the Good and his cousin Jacqueline of Bavaria are locked in a struggle for the Counties of Holland and Zeeland. But this conflict between cousins is only one part of the partisan clash between the Hook and Cod Factions which has been going on for decades. Now the dynastic and factional strife has combined and a brutal civil war is being fought for the Counties.

Time Period Covered: 1425-1428

Notable People: Philip the Good, Jaqueline of Bavaria, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, Walter Lord Fitzwalter

Notable Events/Developments: Jacqueline's flight to Holland, Hook and Cod Wars, Battle of Brouwershaven, Treaty of Delft

Episode 37: Matrimonial Mayhem and Havoc in Hainaut Apr 29, 2024

Jacqueline of Bavaria is back in the Low Countries with a new husband. While Philip the Good, John IV of Brabant, and John the Pitiless are all arrayed against her, the Countess of Hainaut-Holland-Zeeland is going to fight for her Counties and now she has the English backing her up...right?

Time Period Covered: 1421-1425

Notable People: Philip the Good, Jaqueline of Bavaria, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, John IV of Brabant, Philip of Saint-Pol, John Duke of Bedford, John the Pitiless

Notable Events/Developments: Marriage of Jacqueline of Bavaria and Humphrey of Gloucester, Death of John the Pitiless, The Hook and Cod Wars

Episode 36: Bedford, Bourges, and Beyond Apr 15, 2024

The King is dead, long live the King...whoever that might be. After the deaths of Henry V of England and Charles VI of France, the Duke of Bedford took the lead in continuing the Lancastrian conquest of France. Bedford's opponent, Charles VII, led a rump state in the south, known derisively as the Kingdom of Bourges. Philip the Good remained with the English after the death of Henry V, but his commitment to the cause was flagging, something noticed by both Bedford and Bourges.

Time Period Covered: 1422-1424

Notable People: Philip the Good, John Duke of Bedford, Charles VII of France, John V Duke of Brittany, Arthur de Richemont, Anne of Burgundy, Margaret of Burgundy

Notable Events/Developments: Treaty of Amiens (1423), Battle of Cravant, Battle of Vernuil

Episode 35: Disinherited Apr 01, 2024

With the Treaty of Troyes, the English and Burgundians have come together to defeat the Dauphinists. But that's easier said than done, once the actual work of war and conquest began, difficulties popped up almost immediately.

Time Period Covered: 1421-1422

Notable People: Philip the Good, Henry V of England, Charles VI of France, Charles VII of France, Jacques d'Harcourt, Tanneguy du Chatel, John Stewart Earl of Buchan, Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick

Notable Events/Developments: Creation of the Army of Scotland, Battle of Bauge, Rebellion of Jacques d'Harcourt, Battle of Mons-en-Vimeu, Fall of La Charite to the Dauphinists

Episode 34: The Treaty of Troyes Mar 18, 2024

In the wake of the assassination of John the Fearless, the Burgundians came to the conclusion that no peace could be made with the Dauphin. Instead the Duke of Burgundy and his followers decided to throw their lot in with the English and sign the controversial Treaty of Troyes.

Time Period Covered: 1419-1420

Notable People: Philip the Good, Henry V of England, Queen Isabeau, Charles VI of France

Episode 33: The Next Generation Season 2 Mar 04, 2024

Between 1415 and 1419, the third generation of Burgundians came to power in the Low Countries. In this episode we'll explore the early careers of the grandchildren of Philip the Bold: Philip the Good, Jacqueline of Bavaria, John IV of Brabant, and Philip of Saint-Pol.

Time Period Covered: 1415-1421

Notable People: Philip the Good, Jacqueline of Bavaria, John IV of Brabant, John the Pitiless, Philip of Saint-Pol, Bonne of Artois

Notable Events/Developments: Hook and Cod Wars, Conflict between John the Pitiless and Jacqueline of Bavaria, Marriage of John IV of Brabant and Jacqueline of Bavaria

Supplemental 8: Hooks and Cods Feb 19, 2024

Throughout the later Middle Ages, the County of Holland was consumed by partisan fighting. These factions, the Hooks and Cods, arose from a power struggle between Margaret of Avesnes and her son William I of Bavaria. The fight between mother and son would only last a few years, but the factional strife would continue for over a century.

Time Period Covered: 1299 - 1417

Notable People: John II of Avesnes, William II of Avesnes, Margaret of Avesnes, William I of Bavaria, Jan Van Arkel Bishop of Utrecht, Albert of Bavaria, William II of Bavaria, Jan V Van Arkel

Notable Events: Bavarian Inheritance of Hainault-Holland-Zeeland, Formation of the Hook and Cod factions, The Hook and Cod Wars, The Arkel War

Supplemental 7: Grand Dukes of the Center Part 2 - The House of Wittelsbach Feb 05, 2024

In the later middle ages, the House of Wittelsbach, rulers of Bavaria and the Palatinate, competed with the Houses of Luxembourg and Habsburg for land, power, and the Imperial Throne.

Time Period Covered: 1273 - 1410

Notable People: Ludwig IV the Bavarian, Rupert of the Palatinate, Rudolph I of Bavaria, Frederick the Fair, Pope John XXII, Pope Clement VI, Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia, Emperor Charles IV

Supplemental 6: The Rapondi Company and Ducal Finance Jan 22, 2024

The Rapondi were Philip the Bold and John the Fearless' favorite bankers. They funded everything from the day-to-day operations of the Burgundian Court to the Nicopolis Crusade to John's armies in the Civil War.

For more on the Rapondi Company check out Bart Lambert's Book The City, The Duke, and Their Banker.

Supplemental 5: Christine de Pizan and the Body Politic Jan 08, 2024

Christine de Pizan was the favorite court writer of many of the most important Lords and Ladies of France in the early 1400s. She started her career writing Love Poetry before expanding to writing treatises on Politics, History, Gender, and Theology. In this episode I'll trace her political thought as the Armagnac-Burgundian civil war rages by focusing on three of her writings: The Book of the Body Politic, The Lament on the Evils of Civil War, and The Book of Peace.

Check out this episode's page on granddukesofthewest.com for a list of my sources and to read De Pizan's writings for yourself.

Supplemental 4: The Civil War of Words - Burgundian Propaganda and Symbolism Dec 11, 2023

I've been saying for a while that the Burgundians used propaganda and public relations much more effectively than their opponents. In this episode I'll explore how they did that and what it meant.

For more on Burgundian Propaganda check out the work of Dr. Emily J. Hutchison.

Time Period Covered: 1401-1419

Episode 32: The Bridge of Montereau Nov 14, 2023

After years of Civil War John the Fearless and Dauphin Charles met on a bridge over the Yonne River to make peace...

Time Period Covered: 1418-1419

Notable People: John the Fearless, Charles VII of France, Henry V of England, Tanneguy du Chastel, Lady of Giac, Queen Isabeau, Jean Louvet, Nicolas Rolin

Notable Events/Developments: English Conquest of Rouen, Treaty of Pouilly-le-Fort, Assassination of John the Fearless

Episode 31: The Manifesto Oct 30, 2023

The Armagnac-Burgundian Civil War is at a fever pitch yet again. John the Fearless has launched a major expedition into the Ile de France while the Count of Armagnac struggles to maintain Armagnac control of Paris. Meanwhile, King Henry V of England has taken advantage of the chaos in France and launched another invasion of Normandy.

Time Period Covered: 1417-1418

Notable People: John the Fearless, Bernard VII Count of Armagnac, Charles VII of France, Henry V of England, Tanneguy du Chastel, Queen Isabeau

Notable Events/Developments: Armagnac-Burgundian Civil War, Burgundian Seizure of Paris, John the Fearless' Hesdin Manifesto, English Invasion of Normandy

Get tickets to the Intelligent Speech Conference on November 4 at intelligentspeechonline.com

Episode 30: Picking Up the Pieces Oct 16, 2023

The Battle of Agincourt and death of Dauphin Louis upended many of the political arrangements of the past few years. The conflict between the Armagnacs and Burgundians continues, now without Louis of Guyenne to keep them in check. All the while the kings of England and Germany conspire to make their own advances at France's expense.

Time Period Covered: 1416-1417

Notable People: John the Fearless, Sigismund of Luxembourg, Bernard VII Count of Armagnac, William of Bavaria Count of Hainault-Holland-Zeeland, John of Touraine, Henry V of England

Notable Events/Developments: The Council of Constance, Death of John of Barry, Death of Louis II of Anjou, Death of William of Bavaria

Episode 29: Agincourt Oct 02, 2023

After years of rising tension between England and France, the ambitious new English King Henry V decided that an expedition to Normandy was the panacea for his domestic troubles. Meanwhile in France, the squabbles between Dauphin, the Armagnacs, and the Burgundians hamstrung efforts for a united defense of the kingdom.

Time Period Covered: 1415

Notable People: John the Fearless, Louis of Guyenne, Henry V of England, John Duke of Berry, Anthony of Burgundy Duke of Brabant, Philip of Burgundy Count of Nevers, Charles Duke of Orleans, Charles d'Albret Constable of France, Marshall Boucicaut, Bernard VII of Armagnac

Notable Events/Developments: Siege of Harcourt, Battle of Agincourt, Death of Louis of Guyenne

Check out Battle Royale's Regency of Madness!

Episode 28: On the Outside Looking In Sep 04, 2023

After the fall of the Cabochiens, John the Fearless fled Paris and left the city wide open for the Armagnacs to return. Now at the helm of government, the Armagnacs work to use France's resources to settle their scores with the Duke of Burgundy.

Time Period Covered: 1413-1415

Notable People: John the Fearless, Louis of Guyenne, John Duke of Berry, Anthony of Burgundy Duke of Brabant, Margaret of Burgundy Countess of Hainault-Holland-Zeeland, Philip the Good, Louis de Chalon Count of Tonnerre

Notable Events/Developments: Armagnac Campaign into Picardy and Artois, Treaty of Arras (1414)

Episode 27: Reform and Revolution Aug 21, 2023

John the Fearless continues to be dominant in Paris, but with the Peace of Auxerre coming into effect, the Armagnacs are attempting to share in the Government of France once more. To ensure his power, John the Fearless courts the radicals of Paris and the Estates General, but soon the radicals develop a mind of their own and a medieval French Revolution might be in the making.

Time Period Covered: 1413

Notable People: John the Fearless, Louis of Guyenne, John Duke of Berry, Waleran of Luxembourg Count of Saint-Pol, Jean de Troyes, Simon Caboche, Pierre Des Essarts, Eustache de Pavilly, Jean Jouvenal

Notable Events/Developments: Peace of Auxerre, The Cabochien Uprising, The Ordonnance Cabochienne, The Estates General of 1413

Episode 26: Armagnacs and Burgundians Aug 07, 2023

After the first showdown with the League of Gien, John the Fearless managed to maintain his grip on power. But the Armagnacs are regrouping and the war is about to escalate as both parties court support from the King of England.

Time Period Covered: 1410 - 1412

Notable People: John the Fearless, John Duke of Berry, Charles Duke of Orleans, John V Duke of Brittany, Charles d'Albret Constable of France, Bernard VII Count of Armagnac, Louis II Duke of Anjou, Charles III King of Navarre, Queen Isabeau, Waleran of Luxembourg Count of Saint-Pol, Henry IV of England, Henry V of England

Notable Events/Developments: Burgundian Armagnac Civil War, First Armagnac Campaign into Picardy, War for Tonnerre, 1412 Siege of Bourges

Episode 25: The League of Gien Jul 24, 2023

When John the Fearless left Paris for Liege in 1408, his position was shaky, but his return as a conquering hero quickly established his dominance over the capital. However, his enemies and rivals are beginning to unify, and the League of Gien poses a significant threat to his continued mastery of France.

Time Period Covered: 1408 - 1410

Notable People: John the Fearless, John Duke of Berry, Queen Isabeau, Valentina Visconti, Charles Duke of Orleans, John V Duke of Brittany, Louis II Duke of Anjou, Jean de Montagu, Charles d'Albret Constable of France, Bernard VII Count of Armagnac, Charles III King of Navarre,

Notable Events/Developments: Formation of the League of Gien, Reconciliation at Chartres, Peace of Bicetre, Burgundian Armagnac Civil War

Episode 24: The Fearless and the Pitiless Jul 10, 2023

John the Fearless controls Paris, but his brother-in-law John of Bavaria is in the process of losing control of his territory, the Prince-Bishopric of Liege. To save John of Bavaria's skin, John the Fearless will team up with his other brother-in-law William of Bavaria and leave France to his domestic enemies in order to secure Burgundian influence over the Low Countries.

Time Period Covered: 1408

Notable People: John the Fearless, Anthony of Burgundy Duke of Brabant, John of Bavaria Prince-Bishop-Elect of Liege, William of Bavaria Count of Hainaut-Holland-Zeeland, William Count of Namur, Henry of Horne Lord of Perwez, Thierry of Perwez

Notable Events/Developments: The Rise of the Haydroits, The Battle of Othee

Check out the Popeular History Podcast!

Check out this episode's page on granddukesofthewest.com for a map of the Low Countries and the Othee Campaign

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Episode 23: Le Morte d'Orleans Jun 26, 2023

The Duke of Orleans is dominant in Paris and he takes every opportunity to exclude his cousin John the Fearless from power. Seeing every opportunity vanish before his eyes, the Duke of Burgundy decides to take drastic steps and arranges for Louis of Orleans to be assassinated. But once the breach has been opened, can it ever be mended?

Time Period Covered: 1406 - 1408

Notable People: John the Fearless, Louis Duke of Orleans, John Duke of Berry, Queen Isabeau, Valentina Visconti, John V Duke of Brittany, Louis II Duke of Anjou, Jean de Montagu, Jean Petit

Notable Events/Developments: The Assassination of the Duke of Orleans, The Justification of the Duke of Burgundy

Check out the Battle Royale Podcast!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Episode 22: A Cousins' Quarrel May 29, 2023

After Philip the Bold's death, Louis of Orleans took no time establishing his dominance in Paris. But Philip's son John wasn't willing to cede the Burgundian position. Shortly after coming into his inheritance he headed to Paris in order to claw back a share of power.

Time Period Covered: 1404 - 1406

Notable People: John the Fearless, Louis Duke of Orleans, John Duke of Berry, Queen Isabeau, Dauphin Louis of Guyenne, Anthony of Burgundy Duke of Brabant

Notable Events/Developments: The Kidnapping of the Dauphin, Orleanist Dominance in Paris, Alliance between the Queen and Duke of Orleans

Check out The History of Cologne Podcast!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Episode 21: The Next Generation May 15, 2023

Philip the Bold is dead and now a new generation steps into the spotlight. His sons have taken over the vast Burgundian complex of territories while Louis of Orleans works to expunge the vestiges of Burgundian influence from Paris. Today we'll focus on how John and his brothers consolidated power in the Low Countries and Burgundy.

Time Period Covered: 1404 - 1408

Notable People: John the Fearless, Anthony of Burgundy Duke of Brabant, Philip of Burgundy Count of Nevers, William of Bavaria Count of Hainaut-Holland-Zeeland, Margaret of Flanders, Margaret of Bavaria, Louis de Chalon Count of Tonnerre

Notable Events/Developments: Death of Philip the Bold, Resumption of the Hundred Years War, Anglo-Flemish Neutrality

Check out the History of the Second World War Podcast!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Episode 20: Uncle and Nephew May 01, 2023

Louis of Orleans grows more powerful by the day. The Duke of Burgundy had been out of Paris in mid-1401 dealing with affairs in his own territories, and in that time Orleans had taken control of the capital. In order to reestablish his hold on the French Government, Philip the Bold now has to turn to arms. The rivalry between Uncle and Nephew is consuming not only Paris, but France and its neighbors as well.

Time Period Covered: 1401 - 1404

Notable People: Philip the Bold, Louis Duke of Orleans, King Charles VI, Queen Isabeau of Bavaria, John Duke of Berry, Waleran of Luxembourg Count of Saint-Pol, King Henry IV of England, Jost of Moravia

Notable Events/Developments: 1401 Confrontation between Philip the Bold and Louis of Orleans, Transfer of Luxembourg to Louis of Orleans, Piracy between England and France, Anglo-Flemish Trade Negotiations, French Return to Avignon

Check out the Pontifacts Podcast!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Episode 19: To the Brink Apr 17, 2023

In 1396 Philip the Bold was the most powerful man in France, but his nephew Louis Duke of Orleans was coming for his position. The turn of the 15th century saw a number of political upheavals in Europe and Louis hoped that the new political landscape would favor him over his uncle. While over the past few years Philip's dominance was unchallenged, the Duke of Orleans was maturing and his ambitions were growing to match.

Time Period Covered: 1396 - 1401

Notable People: Philip the Bold, Louis Duke of Orleans, King Charles VI, Queen Isabeau of Bavaria, John Duke of Berry, Joan Duchess of Brabant, William I of Guelders and Julich, John of Bavaria, Waleran of Luxembourg Count of Saint-Pol, King Richard II of England, King Henry IV of England, Wenceslas of Luxembourg, Rupert of the Palatinate

Notable Events/Developments: French Expansion into Genoa, Guelders-Brabant War (1397-1399), French Withdrawal from Avignon, Overthrow of Richard II, Deposition of Wenceslas of Luxembourg

Check out The Siecle!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Supplemental 3: Grand Dukes of the Center Part 1 - The House of Luxembourg Apr 03, 2023

Over the course of the 14th Century the lords of a small county on the border between France and the Holy Roman Empire became the Kings of Bohemia, Hungary, and Germany and the lords of dozens of smaller principalities. The House of Luxembourg began its rise when the Count of Luxembourg was put forward as a compromise candidate for Holy Roman Emperor, and from there they became one of the most important houses in Central Europe. In this miniseries we'll explore three of these powerful and influential houses: The House of Luxembourg, the Wittelsbach House of Bavaria, and the Habsburg House of Austria.

Time Period Covered: 1308 - 1396

Notable People: Henry VII of Luxembourg, Baldwin of Luxembourg Archbishop of Trier, John the Blind, Charles IV of Luxembourg, Wenceslas IV of Luxembourg, Sigismund of Luxembourg, Henry of Carinthia, Ludwig IV the Bavarian

Notable Events/Developments: The Great Interregnum of the Holy Roman Empire, The Golden Bull of 1356, Founding of Charles University

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 18: The Nicopolis Crusade Part 3 - The Last Crusade Mar 20, 2023

The Crusaders have reached Nicopolis! But as the Crusaders settle in and prepare for a siege the Ottoman army led by Sultan Bayezid the Thunderbolt is making it's way north.

Time Period Covered: 1396-1398

Notable People: John the Fearless, Sigismund of Luxembourg, Mircea the Elder, Bayezid the Thunderbolt, Engeurrand de Coucy, Philip of Artois Count of Eu, Jean Le Maingre/Boucicaut, Stefan Lazarevic, Philip the Bold, Dino Rapondi

Thank you to Bry from Pontifacts and Ben from Wittenberg to Westphalia for reading the quotes for this episode.

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 17: The Nicopolis Crusade Part 2 - A Holy Mission Mar 06, 2023

In 1396, Count John of Nevers, son of Duke Philip the Bold of Burgundy, led a Crusade against the Ottoman Empire. In this second part of three on the Crusade of Nicopolis we will explore the legacy of the Crusades in Late Medieval Europe and begin our march towards Nicopolis.

Time Period Covered: ~1300 - 1396

Notable People: John the Fearless, Philip the Bold, Philippe de Mezieres, King Charles VI of France, King Richard II of England, John of Gaunt, Louis of Orleans, Sigismund of Luxembourg, Mircea the Elder, Bayezid the Thunderbolt

Notable Events/Developments: Fall of Outremer, The Truce of Leulinghem, Battle of Vidin (1396), Siege of Oryahovo (1396)

Thank you to Gary Girod from the French History Podcast and Emmanuel Dubois from La Fayette, We Are Here! for reading the quotes for this episode.

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 16: The Nicopolis Crusade Part 1 - Hungary and the Ottomans Feb 20, 2023

In 1396, Count John of Nevers, son of Duke Philip the Bold of Burgundy, led a Crusade against the Ottoman Empire. In this first part of three on the Crusade of Nicopolis we will explore the two other major players in this crusade. The Kingdom of Hungary which initiated the call, and the Ottoman Empire, the target of the Crusade.

Time Period Covered: 1299 - 1395

Notable People: Charles Robert of Hungary, Louis the Great of Hungary, Sigismund of Luxembourg, Mircea the Elder, Osman I, Orhan I, Murad I, Bayezid the Thunderbolt, Lazar of Serbia, Stefan Lazarevic

Notable Events/Developments: Angevin Rule in Hungary, Rise of the Ottomans, Battle of Maritsa, Battle of Kosovo

Thank you to Veronica Fortune from the Passed Podcast and Roberto Toro from The History of Saqartvelo Georgia and Tsar Power for reading the quotes for this episode.

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 15: How the Tables Have Turned Feb 06, 2023

In 1392 while travelling to Brittany, King Charles VI fell into delusion. In the aftermath of this episode, Philip the Bold took the opportunity to once again seize power in France. The Duke of Burgundy had been shut out of the inner circle for the past four years, but with the King no longer able to truly rule, Philip asserted his own right by force of personality political savvy.

Time Period Covered: 1392 - 1396

Notable People: Philip the Bold, Louis Duke of Orleans, King Charles VI, Queen Isabeau of Bavaria, John Duke of Berry, Waleran of Luxembourg Count of Saint-Pol, Olivier de Clisson, John of Montfort Duke of Brittany, John of Gaunt, King Richard II of England

Notable Events/Developments: Madness of Charles VI, Fall of the Marmousets, Bal Des Ardents, Truce of Leulinghem, Death of Pope Clement VII

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Supplemental 2: Jeanne VS Jeanne Jan 23, 2023

Last episode we saw Olivier de Clisson and John of Montfort at each other's throats. In this Supplemental Episode we'll explore the conflict that drove the two Breton Nobles apart. What could have been a minor conflict got tangled up with the Hundred Years War and the War of Breton Succession, also known as the War of the Two Jeannes, saw the Duchy of Brittany wracked with violence and chaos for decades.

Time Period Covered: 1341 - 1388

Notable People: John of Montfort, Jeanne of Penthievre, Jeanne of Flanders, Charles of Blois, Jeanne de Clisson, Olivier de Clisson, Philip VI of France

Notable Events/Developments: The War of Breton Succession, Outbreak of the Hundred Years War, English Control of Brest

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 14: Monkeying About Jan 09, 2023

In 1388 King Charles VI dismissed his uncles and assumed control of the French Royal Government. The next four years saw Philip the Bold no longer controlling the realm, but rather dealing with issues in his own territories and looking to expand. With the Uncles on the outs a new circle came to dominate the French Crown known as the Marmousets.

Time Period Covered: 1388 - 1392

Notable People: Philip the Bold, Olivier de Clisson, John of Montfort Duke of Brittany, Louis Duke of Touraine (later Duke of Orleans), Joan Duchess of Brabant, King Charles VI, John Duke of Berry, Bureau de la Riviere, Dino Rapondi, Jean de Chalon Prince of Orange

Notable Events/Developments: Truce of Leulinghem, Rise of the Marmousets, War of Breton Succession, Burgundian acquisition of Limbourg and Overmaas

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 13: Courtly Love and Courtly Life Dec 12, 2022

The Court of Philip the Good was known as one of the foremost centers of art patronage in the late middle ages. But Philip the Good did not start from scratch. The Burgundian Court of Dukes Philip the Bold and John the Fearless were centers of art and culture and set the stage for the opulence and grandeur of the later dukes.

Artists/Art Featured: Tres Riches Heurs of John of Berry (The Limbourg Brothers), The Romance of the Rose, The Song of Roland, Jean Gerson, Christine de Pisan (The Book of the City of Ladies, The Treasure of the City of Ladies, The Tale of the Rose), Cour d'Amour, Order of the Golden Tree, The Castle of Hesdin, Melchior Broederlam, Jan Maelwael, Claus Sluter, Claus de Werve, The Charterhouse of Champmol

Check out granddukesofthewest.com for images of many of the works of art featured in today's episode!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 12: Tour de Bourgogne Nov 28, 2022

Now that Philip the Bold is firmly in control of the Counties that he inherited from his father-in-law let's take a look at these lands. In this episode we'll explore the Two Burgundies (The Duchy and County of Burgundy), The County of Nevers, the Champagne Lands, and Philip's 'Lands Down There' (Flanders, Artois, and Rethel). We'll also take a look at Brabant and Limburg where the Burgundian influence is steadily growing.

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 11: Foundations of a State Oct 31, 2022

In 1386 Philip the Bold Duke of Burgundy, Count of Flanders, Count of Artois, Count of Burgundy, Count of Nevers, and Count of Rethel began the process of reorganizing the administration of his territories and building a Burgundian State. In this episode we will dive into the Burgundian State such that it existed under Philip.

Key Terms: Parlement, Chambre des Comptes, Bailiff, Receiver, Bailiwick, Estates General, Four Members of Flanders, Audience, Avocat, Procureur, Composite Monarchy

Check out the Wittenberg to Westphalia Podcast!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 10: I Cannot Wait Oct 17, 2022

In 1384, Philip the Bold inherited five counties from his father-in-law and became the most powerful man in France. His titles and his control of the regency of King Charles VI meant that Philip now had more wealth and influence at his disposal than ever before, and he would wield them both to further improve his position. The rise of Valois Burgundy had now truly begun. Time Period Covered: 1384 - 1388 Notable People: Philip the Bold, Joan Duchess of Brabant, Albert Count of Hainault-Holland-Zeeland, William Duke of Guelders, King Charles VI, John Duke of Berry, Louis of Male Notable Events/Developments: Double Wedding at Cambrai (1385), End of the Ghent War, 1386 Invasion of England (Aborted), 1388 Campaign to Guelders, War of Brabantian Succession (1356-7) Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn Music by Zakhar Valaha

Supplemental 1: Family Feud Oct 03, 2022

In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, two rival houses dominated the Low Countries. The House of Dampierre ruled Flanders while the House of Avesnes ruled Hainaut and later Holland and Zeeland as well. Unfortunately for all involved these two houses were fierce rivals and entangled in a blood feud. Let's go back to the 13th Century to explore the origins of the Dampierre-Avesnes feud.

As I've been doing more research for this show I've been running into more topics that I want to cover but which are slightly outside the scope of the show. I hope to use these Supplemental Episodes to help fill in the world of the Grand Dukes of the West and to provide context for some of the events to come. Let me know what you think of the format.

Time Period Covered: 1204 - 1280

Notable People: Margaret of Constantinople Countess of Flanders, Bouchard of Avesnes, William of Dampierre, William II of Dampierre, Guy of Dampierre, John of Avesnes, King Philip II Augustus, King Louis IX, Joan of Constantinople Countess of Flanders, Ferrand of Portugal

Notable Events/Developments: The Fourth Crusade, The Battle of Bouvines, War of the Flemish Succession

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 9: The Ghent War Sep 19, 2022

In 1380 the death of King Charles V of France opened up all sort of doors for his younger brothers. Philip the Bold took charge and assumed control of the regency council of the new, young king, Charles VI. Philip's time at the helm of the ship of state would not be all smooth sailing. Revolts popped up all over the kingdom in response to taxes being raised, and Flanders was still being consumed by the conflict between Count Louis of Male and the townsfolk of Ghent. Throughout this period, Philip continued to strengthen his position using the resources of the French government.

Time Period Covered: 1380 - 1384

Notable People: Philip the Bold, Charles VI, Louis of Male, Philip Van Artevelde, Henry Despenser, John Duke of Berry, Louis Duke of Anjou, Francis Ackerman

Notable Events/Developments: The Ghent War, The Maillotin Uprising, The Battle of Roosebeke, Despenser's Crusade

Check out the Tsar Power Podcast!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 8: Advancing French and Angry Flemings Sep 05, 2022

The 1370s were a time of recovery for France. The sons of John the Good set to work rebuilding their country and driving out the English. Philip the Bold found himself tasked with retaking a number of castles and harassing English raids. But Philip did not spent those years solely as a soldier. These years see Philip beginning to flex his diplomatic muscles and learning the secrets of state building that will serve him well in the future.

Time Period Covered: 1364-1380

Notable People: Philip the Bold, Charles V, Louis of Male, Bertrand Du Guesclin, John of Gaunt, Charles the Bad, Louis of Anjou

Notable Events/Developments: Hundred Years War Caroline Phase, Castilian Civil War, The Western Schism, The Ghent War

Check out the Nobelesse Oblige Podcast!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 7: The Burgundian Bachelor Aug 22, 2022

Philip the Bold has finally been installed as Duke of Burgundy, but what's next? This episode we're going to catch up with Flanders and see how Philip spent the first few years of his reign. The 1360s saw Philip active both in the French Royal Court and in Burgundy. The past decade had been rough for Philip's new Duchy and when he came to power, it was facing many issues that required his attention. But that's not all, Philip will also have to learn how to deal with the rich and easily perturbed citizens of the towns of Flanders.

Time Period Covered: 1340s-1369

Notable People: Philip the Bold, Charles V, Jacob Van Artevelde, Louis of Male, Margaret of Male, Margaret of Artois

Notable Events/Developments: Fall of Jacob Van Artevelde, Marriage of Philip the Bold and Margaret of Male, The Free Companies, History of the County of Burgundy

Check out the La Fayette, We Are Here! Podcast

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 6: Two Philips, Two Charles, and Many Jacques Aug 08, 2022

1356 was a year of disaster for the French Crown. The Battle of Poitiers saw King John captured and taken to England, the French army significantly weakened, and central authority collapse. Back in France, John's oldest son the Dauphin Charles was struggling to hold it all together. English raids, peasant revolt, and Norman rebellion all caused headache after headache for the Dauphin while John and his youngest son Philip, now called the Bold for his exploits at Poitiers, had a comfortable English imprisonment. When John and Philip finally made it back to France, the King was determined to give Philip the Bold a proper token to show his gratitude, the wealthy and powerful Duchy of Burgundy.

Time Period Covered: 1356-1364

Notable People: Philip of Rouvres, Philip the Bold, King Charles V, Charles the Bad, Etienne Marcel, King John the Good, Edward the Black Prince, Margaret of Flanders

Notable Events/Developments: Battle of Poitiers, The Jacquerie, Treaty of Bretigny

Check out the Passed Podcast!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 5: The Hundred Years War Jul 25, 2022

The Hundred Years war did not arise from a vacuum. The 12th and 13th centuries had seen near constant conflict between the English and French Crowns. As both kingdoms began to grow stronger and richer the wars between the two would also grow in intensity. In 1337 tensions boiled over yet again and war was declared. Brutal raids devastated the French countryside, disastrous battles loomed destroyed armies, and the Plague brought death even to regions untouched by violence. The 14th Century saw France hit by catastrophe and calamity, but as France was on the decline, Valois Burgundy was about to get started.

Time Period Covered: 1152-1356

Notable People: King Philip II, Henry Plantagenet, Eleanor of Aquitaine, King Philip VI, King John the Good, King Edward III, Charles the Bad, The Black Prince

Notable Events/Developments: Angevin Empire, Battle of Bouvines, The Hundred Years War, Battle of Sluis, Battle of Crecy, The Black Death

Check out the History of Persia Podcast!

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 4: Flanders and the Rise of Towns Jul 11, 2022

If there was one good that dominated medieval commerce it was cloth, and if there was one region that dominated the production and trade of cloth it was Flanders. Flanders, tucked right between France, The Holy Roman Empire, and England, was the commercial center of medieval Northern Europe. It's cities were rich and powerful and at times brought the flower of French Chivalry to their knees.

Time Period Covered: 1100s-1346

Notable People: King Philip IV, King Philip VI, Guy of Dampierre, Robert of Bethune, Louis of Nevers

Notable Events/Developments: Cloth Trade in Flanders, Urbanization in Medieval Europe, City Rights, Rise of Guilds, Battle of the Golden Spurs

Check out The History of Saqartvelo Georgia! Apple Podcasts Spotify Twitter

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 3: The House of Burgundy Jun 27, 2022

Before there were Valois, there were Capetians, both in France and in Burgundy. The Capetian House of Burgundy ruled the Duchy for over three centuries and transformed it from a collection of territories to a single political unit. These dukes set the stage for their Valois successors to rise to great heights.

Time Period Covered: 1016-1350

Notable People: Hugh Capet, King Robert II, Duke Odo IV

Notable Developments: Monastic Reform (Cluny and Cistercian Orders), Peace of God Movement, Ducal Bailiffs, The Hundred Years War

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 2: From Kingdom to Duchy Jun 13, 2022

In this episode we're covering the centuries between King Clothair's conquest of the Kingdom of Burgundy and King Robert II's conquest of the Duchy of Burgundy. A lot changed in that period and we're going to look at the decline of the Merovingians, the rise and fall of the Carolingians, the rise of Feudalism, some of the big events of Frankish History, and how Burgundy became a Duchy. I hope you'll join me!

Time Period Covered: 561 - 1016

Notable People: Pepin de Herstal, Charles Martell, Lothar I, Richard the Justiciar, Hugh the Great, King Robert II

Notable Events: Battle of Tertry, Battle of Tours, Treaty of Verdun, Capitularies of Charles the Bald, Viking Raids in France

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha

Episode 1: The Burgundians and Their Kingdoms May 30, 2022

Welcome to Grand Dukes of the West! This episode begins with an introduction to the show and continues with a history of the Late Antique kingdoms of the Burgundians. The Burgundians were not the most famous of the Germanic Tribes that menaced the Roman Empire in its twilight days, but they did leave a lasting legacy.

Time Period Covered: 406-534

Notable People: Gundahar, Aetius, Gundabad, Clovis

Notable Events: The Crossing of the Rhine, Fall of the Roman Empire, Battle of Vouille, Frankish Conquest of Burgundia

Cover Art by Brandon Wilburn

Music by Zakhar Valaha