Olivier de Clisson Appointed Constable of France …

Years: 1380 - 1380

Olivier de Clisson Appointed Constable of France (1380–1392)

On November 28, 1380, King Charles VI of France, newly crowned at the age of twelve, appointed Olivier de Clisson as Constable of France, following the death of Bernard du Guesclin. Despite strong opposition from the King’s uncles—the Dukes of Berry and Burgundy—Clisson was supported by Louis I, Duke of Anjou, and ultimately secured the office.


The Appointment and Opposition

  • Two other candidates declined the position, acknowledging that Clisson’s military experience made him the most qualified.
  • As Constable of France, Clisson became the highest-ranking military officer, second only to the king in matters of war and defense.
  • His appointment was opposed by the Dukes of Berry and Burgundy, who distrusted Clisson’s power and close ties to Anjou.

Powers and Privileges of the Constable

  • The Constable of France had the right to:
    • Lead royal armies and command military campaigns.
    • Keep war loot, except for gold, silver, and prisoners, which belonged to the crown.
    • Influence state military strategy and noble alliances.
  • Clisson’s tenure lasted from 1380 to 1392, during which he played a key role in French military efforts against the English and internal noble conflicts.

Impact and Legacy

  • Clisson’s appointment reinforced the influence of the pro-Valois faction, as he continued Charles V’s strategy of harassing English forces in France.
  • His leadership and experience in the Breton Wars and the Hundred Years' War made him a formidable military figure, feared by both English and rival French nobles.
  • His later years as Constable of France would see him embroiled in political conflicts, eventually leading to his downfall in 1392.

The appointment of Olivier de Clisson as Constable of France in 1380 marked a continuation of the Valois military leadership, ensuring French forces remained in the hands of experienced commanders while deepening rivalries within the French nobility.

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