Battle of Brignais

The Battle of Brignais was fought on 6 April 1362, between forces of the Kingdom of France under Count Jacques de Bourbon, from whom the later royal Bourbons descend, and the Tard-Venus Free Company, led by Petit Meschin and Seguin de Badefol.

Battle of Brignais
Battle of Brignais
Date 6 April 1362 Location Brignais 45°40′N 4°45′E Result Free company victory
Belligerents
France	Tard-Venus
Commanders and leaders
Jacques de Bourbon	Seguin de Badefol Petit Meschin
Strength
12,000	15,000

The French forces were besieging the town of Brignais, which had been seized in March by the Companies as an operating base, when they were attacked by Free Company forces which had been operating in the County of Forez and had marched to the relief of their comrades. The French army was destroyed. Jacques de Bourbon, Count de La Marche and Constable of France, was mortally wounded, as was his eldest son Peter II, Count of La Marche. Louis d'Albon, Count of Forez, was also killed. A number of members of the French army were captured, including many lords and Arnaud de Cervole, a famous mercenary captain serving in the French ranks.[1]

References

1. Fowler, Kenneth (2001). Medieval Mercenaries: Vol. I The Great Companies. Oxford: Blackwell. pp. 46–52. ISBN 0-631-15886-3.