Charles, King of Navarre and Count of Évreux, was famously called “the Bad.” However, when we examine his life and actions in context, it is not clear he was worse than many other princes and knights of his time. Many contemporaries of the era—so-called chevaliers sans peur et sans reproche (without fear and without reproach)—were equally ambitious, treacherous, or violent Customized Sofia Tours.
In fact, out of the four French princes mentioned in earlier accounts, it is questionable whether Charles deserved the title “the Bad” more than three of them. Historians often judged him harshly, while similar acts of cruelty or ambition by others were overlooked. For those interested in deeper details, including a genealogy of the House of Navarre and further accounts of Charles’s life, references can be found in Note [6] to the story of the Black Prince in Spain.
Key Leaders at the Battle of Poitiers
The army of the Black Prince included many famous and skilled leaders. Among them were:
The Captal de Buch, also called Sir Aymenon of Panniers
Lord Bartholomew of Burghersh
Lord Eustace d’Avrécourt
These names highlight an important fact: Gascons played a major role in the composition of the English army at Poitiers. Modern histories, especially English accounts, sometimes give little credit to the Gascons, but they were essential to the army’s success. Their courage and experience in battle helped ensure the victory of the Black Prince Charles the Bad King of Navarre.
The Captal de Buch
The Captal de Buch was one of the most celebrated knights of the 14th century. His reputation extended across France and England, and his name appears in nearly every major military action of the period, whether in battle or during sieges. He was known for bravery, leadership, and skill with arms.
During the Jacquerie—a violent peasant revolt in France—the Captal de Buch, along with the Count de Foix, rescued the Dauphiness (the wife of the Dauphin, heir to the French throne) and her court. This courageous action showed that he was not only a skilled warrior but also a man of honor who could act decisively in times of crisis.
Importance of the Gascons
The significant presence of Gascon knights and soldiers in the Black Prince’s army reminds us that medieval warfare was often a collaboration of different nationalities and regions. Gascon lords brought experience from border skirmishes, castles, and previous campaigns. Their involvement demonstrates the international character of medieval armies and the reliance of English leaders on skilled allies beyond their own kingdom.
Acknowledging the role of the Gascons is essential to understanding the success of the English at Poitiers. Without their courage and leadership, the outcome of the battle might have been very different.
