In this episode, we introduce a new character into our narrative, my favourite - Bertrand du Guesclin. We look at is childhood (maybe...), his debut in the jousting lists, then as a guerilla fighter, and finally as a professional soldier.

In this episode, the 1354 peace conference goes well and a way to end the war is negotiated at Guines. King Edward III manages to actually keep a hold on the Anglo-Gascon lords, not so much in Brittany. King Jean learns the truth of Charles the Bad, and rethinks the Treaty of Guines.

Charles of Navarre is planning something big. He has Charles of Spain, the King of France's best friend, assassinated, then takes the initiative by telling everyone about it, and enticing the English in to committing troops on the continent.

A young and ambitious Cardinal attempts to bring peace to England and France, but the war in the south of France and his lack of diplomatic acumen make it very difficult.

Pope Clement is dead, and his successor, Pope Innocent VI, is not so close to the French crown.

The young King of Navarre returns to France from his coronation, and we explore his past. There is discontent in the realm, and he might just be the figure to galvanize an opposition.

In this special episode, we're geeking out with the host of The Medieval Podcast, the Five-Minute Medievalist herself, Danièle Cybulkie. We discuss the Middle-Ages, her books, her podcast, Robin Hood, historical fiction, and a bunch of other topics which popped into my mind.

Follow her on Twitter (@5MinMedievalist), at Medievalist.net, at buy her book Life in Medieval Europe: Fact and Fiction (Amazon US / Can, Chapters-Indigo).

The French campaigns of the summer of 1352 are going poorly. So poorly in fact, that King Jean is beginning to panic, and Charles de Blois switches sides.

Neither King Jean nor King Edward can control their subordinates, and fighting continues around Gascony. Charles de Blois returns to look for money to pay his ransom. We delve a little deeper into the story of the English ninjas that seized the fortress at Guines, and the reactions of both kings, as the truce collapses once again.

The French Government analyzes the situation, and determines that, one of the reasons for its defeats, is that knighthood and chivalry were on the decline. The solution: return to the past, when chivalry ruled the battle field by creating the Order of the Star. We explore the life of Geoffroi de Charny, and some of his philosophy and ideas.

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Hi everyone,

This not-episode is to explain why there will be no episode this week. I also take the time to talk about the Deed of Alms.

Please donate here: www.boarstooth.net/new-events/2020/deed-of-alms