Arthur de Bretagne, Earl of Richmond

Also known as: Arthur de Britaine / Arthur de Richemont / Arthur de Richemont, Constable of France / Arthur de Richemont, Duke of Brittany / Arthur earle of Richmont / Arthur of Britaine / Arthur, Earl of Richmond · Family: Brittany · Role: nobleman · First appears: Henry V 31

Around c. 1421, Arthur paid homage to Henry V for the county of Yurie: “Arthur of Britaine likewise for the countie of Yurie.” By c. 1425, Henry V had created him Earl of Yury, granted him a pension, and given him the profits of Yurie, but Arthur then revolted from English obedience and offered his service to the Dolphin at Poictiers. He was the brother of John, Duke of Brittany.

Around c. 1424, Arthur and Yurie, with whom he was allied, raised a large force against Thomas Rampston, Philip Branch, and Nicholas Burdet, whose men had fortified S. Iames de Beuuron; after the French siege was withdrawn, Arthur left behind artillery, victuals, and other provisions. As Constable of France, he later campaigned with Étienne de Vignolles and Poton de Xaintrailles, opposing John de la Pole and Henry Bisset. He served Charles VII, who appointed him Duke of Brittany and Constable for the campaign against Paris in 1436, where Arthur also opposed Thomas Beaumont; he was allied with John II, Duke of Alençon in the siege of Auranches and faced John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury.

In 1450 at Formignie, Arthur brought men of arms and archers against the English and defeated them, killing many and taking numerous prisoners, including Thomas Kyriell, Henry Norberie, Thomas Drew, Thomas Kirklie, Christopher Auberton, Arpell, Helice, Alengour, Iennequin, Vacquier, Gobart, and Caleuille. Robert Vere and Matthew Gough escaped, while Arthur’s victory placed him in opposition to these English commanders.