Earl of Flanders (Ghent war)

Family: Flanders · Role: earl · First appears: Book 2, Chapter 6

In the winter of 1382, the Earl and Flanders constrained Ghent by land and water, with Duke Brabant and Duke Albert persuaded to block provisions from their countries. After a procession at Bruges, he announced his intention to besiege and destroy Ghent. As the conflict continued with Philip von Artaveld and the citizens, a council meeting was arranged at Tournay with Duchess of Brabant, Duke Albert and Bishop of Liege to consider peace. At their request, the Earl gave terms of accommodation, though the account says he intended to act contrary. Philip later reported the Earl’s final terms: Ghent’s male inhabitants, apart from priests and monks, were to approach him in shirts, barefoot and with halters around their necks, and ask for mercy.

In Book 2, Chapter 10, the Earl’s forces were defeated, and he fled to Bruges, entering with about forty others and ordering the gates defended. After Ghent’s forces entered the town, Sir Robert Mareschaut reported that it had been taken. The Earl gave his companions leave to save themselves, disguised himself in his servant’s clothes and hid in a poor woman’s house while mobs searched for him. He escaped Bruges on foot on Sunday evening; Robert found him and helped him obtain a horse and travel to Lille, where the Earl arrived the following evening.

In Chapter 12, the Flemings had driven the Earl from Flanders, and Charles VI of France declared his willingness to help him regain his inheritance. At Arras in Chapter 14, the Earl performed homage to the king for Artois, and the king accepted him as his vassal and promised to restore Flanders to him. The Earl also forbade the removal of goods from houses, fortresses or towns in Artois. In Chapter 16, a council unanimously adopted the plan to march toward Commines.