9. The checkered career of Jean de Carrouges
Jean de Carrouges fought in judicial combat, which he demanded, and which is often called the last such encounter in French history. It was not, the last sanctioned judicial combat in France occurred over a century after Carrouges’ battle in 1386. Yet it remains one of the most famous, in part because it presented so many compelling elements of medieval France. His wife, considered by law to be his property, made an accusation which compelled him to seek the duel. In fact, though, it was additional property, a false claim made by an erstwhile friend, and a perceived betrayal by a former patron, which led Carrouges to demand his right. Carrouges was a noted soldier and a man who spent much of his life engaging in lawsuits over property and debts. An admired soldier, he was also considered impetuous and rash.
Carrouges expanded his family’s lands and estates through his first marriage, in the 1370s, to Jeanne de Tilly. When a son was born a close friend and fellow soldier Jacques Le Gris stood as his godfather. Carrouges and Le Gris had both served the family of Count Pierre d’Alencon during conflicts of the Hundred Years war. Together they appeared as members of Count Pierre’s court near Argentan, in northwestern France. In 1377 Carrouges’ son and wife died of an unknown illness, and he sought to assuage his grief by joining a campaign against the English. During his absence, Count Pierre began to favor Le Gris over Carrouges, then fought with the forces of Charles V of France. Carrouges returned to Argentan after an absence of about six months. His reputation as a warrior was enhanced, but his standing at court deteriorated.