The Last Judicial Combat of the Middle Ages: History of France
May 26 '06
The Bottom Line This interesting tidbit of family history is dedicated to my Francophile friend Barbara Fields on the occasion of her 400th review.
This is my contribution to ifif1938’s celebration of her 400th review, with the emphasis on things French. Congratulations, Barbara!
I’m of French descent, my forbears having arrived in New France in 1632, but I don’t want to mention that except I do have roots trailing back into the old country, and I‘ve visited it, seen the Eiffel Tower, Strassbourg Cathedral, and many other sights. I love drinking brandy, or as the French call it, cognac. I am a user and fan of many French products, most of them bottled. (*snicker*) But today I want to tell you a little snippet from the historical record of France that concerns my family.
I have a famous French ancestor, Guy Chabot, Baron de Jarnac who defeated the most famous swordsman in France, the Count of Chateigneraie, with the celebrated “Coup de Jarnac” in the final judicial combat of the Middle Ages - “God will decide the Right.” Trial by combat was never resorted to again following that duel.
It seems that Guy Chabot, a fairly impoverished noble, was seen around court with some extra spending money, maybe he had a new wardrobe, the history doesn’t specify; what it does say is that the Dauphin Henri, the King-to-be, spread word that Chabot had had incestuous relations with his father’s new bride thereby accounting for his new found wealth.
When word of the calumny came to Chabot’s ears, he appealed to the King, Francis I, to expose the scoundrel and allow a trial by combat to prove the right. The King could hardly unmask his son as the culprit so the matter festered, but upon the death of the King and accession of the Dauphin, the duel was arranged.
Francois de Vivonne, Lord of Chateigneraie, the most formidable swordsman in France served as the King’s Champion, as the King (Henri II) could hardly fight the duel himself and besmirch his royal dignity. Chateigneraie accused Chabot of being the source of the rumor himself. Chabot, who had been friends with Chateigneraie from youth, accepted the terms although he was hardly a match for the renowned sword fighter.
The combat took place in 1547, with preparations on a lavish scale. De Chateigneraie was so confident of his success he laid on a banquet for the King and 150 courtiers to follow the trial. The banquet remained uneaten, at least by Chateigneraie. The weapons were broadsword and buckler with plate armor breastplate, helm, and greaves.
After the opening ceremony where each man swore their innocence and that they had used no charms or magic to enhance their success the combat began. Chateigneraie confidently struck heavy blows that the more nimble Jarnac was able to parry. The combat carried on sometime with doubtful outcome but both fighters began to tire. Chateigneraie aimed blows at Jarnac’s head and he raised his buckler to catch the sword. As the other man lunged forward, Jarnac aimed a blow at the back of his thigh, hamstringing the leg.
Collapsed on the ground, the incapacitated Chateigneraie drew his dagger and tried to come at Chabot but was unable to consummate his attack, with his useless leg (or legs - the record is not clear). Chabot was declared the victor and Chateigneraie, mortified by his loss, refused medical aid and bled to death, which was just as well for him as his immediate future involved a hanging as was usual in these legal proceedings.
Consider: the combat was a legal process conducted in front of God and the King had been proved to be a liar. This was a devastating blow against the prestige of the divine right French kings and Trial by Combat was never invoked again after this famous battle. The Middle Ages were over.
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this little tidbit of French (and family) history!
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