Charles VI of France

Also known as: Charles / young King Charles of France · Family: France · Role: king · First appears: Book 2, Chapter 1

In 1380, Charles VI was crowned King of France at Rheims. Before the consecration, he made the young squires knights; at his accession, levies that had burdened the people were abolished. In Book 2, Chapter 1, he was served by great barons including Lord de Coucy, Oliver de Clisson and Guy de la Tremouille.

In Book 2, Chapter 14, Charles summoned his realm to Arras for a campaign against the Flemings. There, the Earl of Flanders (Ghent war) performed homage for Artois and was accepted as the king’s vassal. Charles promised, “we will restore you to your inheritance of Flanders,” and vowed to curb the Flemings’ rebellion.

In Chapter 16, Charles and his council adopted a plan to march toward Commines. His battalion was to march between the vanguard and the Earl’s, and the expedition’s leaders resolved not to return to France before engaging Philip von Artaveld. Charles was designated as the only mounted figure alongside eight appointed men. He later marched with the army through Commines and Ypres, then encamped with the main forces near the approaching Flemish army.

At Mont d’Or in 1382, when Charles was fourteen, the French defeated the Flemings. His battalion initially fell back under attack, but the French later surrounded and defeated the enemy, including Philip von Artaveld.