Olivier de Clisson and the Battle of …

Years: 1367 - 1367

Olivier de Clisson and the Battle of Nájera (1367)

Olivier de Clisson, a Breton noble and military leader, fought alongside the English under the Black Prince at the Battle of Nájera in 1367, a key engagement in the Castilian Civil War. His forces, under Robert Knolles, faced the French army led by Constable Bertrand du Guesclin, who was captured for the second time after the battle.

The Context: The Castilian Civil War (1366–1369)

  • The war was fought between King Peter of Castile ("Peter the Cruel") and his half-brother Henry of Trastámara, who challenged him for the throne.
  • Peter of Castile was allied with England under Edward, the Black Prince, while Henry was supported by France and du Guesclin’s forces.
  • In April 1367, at Nájera, the Black Prince and his Anglo-Gascon army, supported by Breton and Portuguese contingents, won a decisive victory, briefly restoring Peter to power.

Olivier de Clisson’s Role in Breton Diplomacy (1366)

  • Prior to the battle, Olivier de Clisson was sent as an ambassador to Paris in 1366 to ensure that King Charles V of France honored Brittany’s independence.
  • Upon his arrival in Paris on May 22, 1366, he was received with great fanfare, reflecting his prominent status in both Brittany and France.
  • Despite his diplomatic role, he remained a loyal ally to England in the conflict.

Aftermath and Legacy

  • Though victorious at Nájera, the English failed to maintain their influence in Castile, and Peter was ultimately defeated and killed in 1369.
  • Olivier de Clisson later changed allegiances, becoming a staunch supporter of France, and was eventually appointed Constable of France in 1380, succeeding his former adversary, du Guesclin.

His dual role as a diplomat and warrior made Olivier de Clisson one of the most influential figures in the Hundred Years’ War, navigating the complex Anglo-French-Breton alliances of the 14th century.

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