1-154-735 - Art Media/Heritage Images

Scene from the life of Bertrand du Guesclin, (19th century). Guesclin offers to lead the leaders of the great companies and their men to Castille. Bertrand du Guesclin (c1320-1380) entered the service of Charles of Blois, duke of Brittany, fighting against the invading English. He was knighted in 1354 and later served King Charles V of France who made him lieutenant of Normandy and count of Longueville. At the Battle of Auray (1364), Du Guesclin was ransomed after being taken prisoner by the English, and led mercenaries into Spain where he fought for Henry of Trastamara against his half-brother, Peter the Cruel of Castile. Du Guesclin won the throne of Castile and León for Henry, who became King Henry II. In 1370 Du Guesclin was made constable of France by Charles V, and until his death worked to drive the English out of France. Colour lithograph produced by the Monastery of Aiguebelle.