The first important action led by the Count de Dunois was the siege of Blaye. This town was taken quickly, within only a few weeks. After this success, other towns followed with very little resistance. Libourne, Fronsac, and Dax all surrendered easily.
Because of these rapid victories, the English soon lost control of almost all their lands in the region. They were left with only two important cities: Bordeaux and Bayonne. Even these places were in danger, and there was little hope that the English could keep them for long Local Ephesus Tour Guides.
Trouble in England
At the same time, England was facing serious problems at home. This was the period of Jack Cade’s rebellion, which caused disorder and confusion in the country. Because of these internal troubles, England could not send enough help to defend its lands in France.
This lack of support made the situation even worse for the English in Aquitaine. The people in Bordeaux began to see that they could not rely on England for protection.
The Agreement at Bordeaux
The citizens of Bordeaux showed a willingness to negotiate. The archbishop and several leading citizens met with the Count de Dunois to discuss terms.
They reached an agreement. If the English did not send help by the 23rd of June, Bordeaux and all the fortresses of the duchy of Guienne would be handed over to the King of France The French Advance into Aquitaine.
However, this surrender came with conditions. The people of Bordeaux wanted to protect their rights and way of life. It was agreed that:
The inhabitants would keep all their privileges and freedoms.
Private property would be respected and not taken away.
No new taxes would be introduced.
A high court of justice would be set up in Bordeaux.
A mint would also be established in the city.
All people would be free to stay or leave, depending on their choice.
These conditions helped make the surrender more acceptable to the people.
The Surrender of the City
When the 23rd of June arrived, the Count de Dunois came to the gates of Bordeaux. He was accompanied by many important officers from his army, creating a grand and impressive scene.
A herald from the city called out loudly three times, asking if any English forces had arrived to help. No answer came. There were no English troops to defend the city.
As a result, the leaders of the town and the surrounding region opened the gates. They handed over the keys of the city to the Count de Dunois.
After this, many formal ceremonies took place. These included both religious and civil events, all carried out with great care and display. The nobles of the region then swore loyalty to the King of France.
The Exception of the Captal de Buch
One important noble, however, refused to take this oath. This was the Captal de Buch, a famous figure from earlier wars under the English kings.
He was a Knight of the Order of the Garter. Because of this, he believed that swearing loyalty to the King of France would go against the rules of the order.
Instead of taking the oath, he made another choice. He passed his lands to his sons and moved his personal belongings to England.