Four bombards and one cannon were burst when firing against the walls,—and many gallant deeds were done on sea and land, but more to the loss than profit of the English. This caused the governor, Thomas Gouvel[104], esquire, who had under him one thousand combatants, to demand a capitulation from the constable, which he obtained. The terms were, that Gouvel should surrender the town and castle to the king of France, on condition that his son should be set at liberty, who was an hostage, on his part, for the payment of the sums of money due to the king of France and to the inhabitants of Rouen. On his son being restored, he delivered up the place to the king's commissioners on the 12th of August, and marched away with his son and soldiers, with their arms and baggage, in safety to England. The king appointed the lord de Bueil governor of Cherbourg, with four score lances and archers for its defence.
Thus was conquered the whole duchy of Normandy; and its towns and castles were reduced to the obedience of the king of France in the space of one year and six days, which was a marvellous event,—for never was so large an extent of country conquered in so little time, and with less shedding of blood, or damage done to the inhabitants. This was very honourable to the king of France, and to the nobles and others who had accompanied him on this expedition,—and they ought to render thanks to God, to whom alone the praise and glory are due.
The time of this expedition was also very favourable, and part of the success might be owing to it,—for it was the year of a general pardon of sins at Rome, called the Jubilee year.
The duchy of Normandy[105], is in length six days journey, and four wide, containing six bishopricks and one archbishopric, and one hundred towns and castles, not including those which have been destroyed by the fortune of war.
The king ordered six hundred lances, with a proper proportion of archers, to remain in the duchy for its defence, and sent the remainder into Guienne. He then set out for Tours, where he arrived in the month of September, and there resolved in council that a general thanksgiving, with processions, should take place in all the churches throughout the realm on the 14th day of the ensuing October, and every year afterwards on the 12th day of August, for the happy success of his arms, and the expulsion of his ancient enemies the English from his duchy of Normandy.
FOOTNOTES:
[103] Rais. Q. Retz?
[104] Thomas Gouvel. Q.
[105] Normandy,—is bounded on the east by Picardy and the Isle of France,—on the south, by Maine and Perche,—on the west, by the ocean,—on the north, by the Channel, which separates it from England.
It contains seven dioceses, or bishopricks,—Rouen, Bayeux, Avranches, Evreux, Sées, Lisieux, and Coutances,—in which are computed 4189 parishes, and 80 abbies, &c.—Gazetteer.