The Bastard of Vertain – A Forgotten Fourteenth Century Warrior

Dr John Alban

Wauthier de Bousies (d. 1411), known during his lifetime as the Bastard of Vertain and by his martial nickname, ‘Fierabras’, was the illegitimate son of Eustache II de Bousies, Seigneur de Vertain, in Hainaut. Largely forgotten today, he features prominently in several fourteenth-century chronicles, especially that of Jean Froissart, who himself came from Hainaut. Carving out for himself a huge reputation as a soldier, jouster and diplomat, both on the Continent and in England, he enjoyed major status in the service of the Counts of Holland, Hainaut and Ostrevant. In 1396, he was directly involved in the recruitment of soldiers from Norfolk for service with the Count of Holland in the invasion of Friesland (which was the subject of a previous ‘True’s Talk’).

This talk examines the many facets of his extraordinary career, not least, the alleged miracle, when, in 1404, the Blessed Virgin Mary and Christ Child appeared at his castle and, by their intervention, prevented him from slaying a group of petitioners who had angered him. The talk will also consider the status of bastardy within noble families in the late middle ages.

To attend in person, please book by popping into the museum, call 01553 770479 or email outreach@truesyard.co.uk