Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy

Also known as: Charles duke of Burgognie / Charles, Duke of Burgundy / duke Charles of Burgognie / duke of Burgognies / earle of Charolois · Family: Burgundy · Role: duke · First appears: Edward IV 4

Charles the Bold was the son and heir apparent of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy and brother of Anthony, Bastard of Burgundy. In 1467, Anthony, Bastard of Burgundy contracted Margaret of York to him in Edward IV’s great chamber: “for, and in the name of his brother the said earle of Charolois.” Around 1468, Charles married Margaret of York at Bruges with great triumphs and princely feasting, and their marriage later provided Edward IV refuge and relief in his extremity.

In 1471, Charles secretly supported Edward IV’s return to England, lending him fifty thousand florens and arranging four ships. He was counted among Edward’s friends and allies, while Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick regarded him as an enemy; Gronture served as governor of a country for the duke. Charles also succoured John (brother of the Duke of Somerset), who was related to him through the house of Lancaster, with a small pension.

Around 1474, Charles persuaded Edward IV to advance with his army, then suddenly left him at Artois, claiming he had to see his army in Lutzenburgh and promising to return with all his power. He later departed angrily for Lutzenburgh and, after the English army had left his country, agreed to a truce with Louis XI. Charles was described as kin to Edward III, and was the father of Mary of Burgundy, daughter and heir to her husband.