20 Facts About Pierre Landais

The rise and fall of Pierre Landais undermined Francis' position and prepared the way for the annexation of Brittany by France.

Pierre Landais is important for the key role he played during attempts by the Yorkist kings of England to extradite the leading Lancastrian contender for the English throne, Henry Tudor, who was living in Brittany with his principal supporters.

Pierre Landais entered the service of Duke as a valet de garde-robe.

Pierre Landais promoted the interests of the bourgeoisie, and encouraged trade and enterprise.

Pierre Landais soon came into conflict with Guillaume Chauvin, who was chancellor of Brittany, and who resented Pierre Landais' influence over the duke.

Pierre Landais managed to ensure Chauvin's arrest and dismissal on corruption charges, securing his own position as de facto prime minister under Francis.

Pierre Landais negotiated trade agreements with Spain, Portugal, England and the Hanseatic cities.

Pierre Landais had Guillaume Chauvin moved from prison to prison, resisting pressure to release him.

The duke ordered that the property of the conspirators against Pierre Landais should be confiscated.

Still enjoying the support of the duke, Pierre Landais engaged in negotiations with supporters of Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, Lancastrian claimant to the throne of England, who was living in exile in Brittany, occupying the Chateau de Suscinio, Sarzeau, as guests of Duke Francis.

Pierre Landais initially attempted to appease Richard, but later switched his support to Henry in the hope that he would overthrow Richard, thus producing an alliance between England and Brittany.

In return, Pierre Landais was to arrange the capture and extradition of Henry, his uncle Jasper Tudor, and the other exiled Lancastrians.

Duke Francis had pledged to support Henry, but he was seriously ill at this time and Pierre Landais had complete control of the government.

When Duke Francis recovered, he was furious with Pierre Landais, and allowed Henry's followers to leave Brittany and to join him.

The duke was forced to deliver Pierre Landais to be tried for various alleged crimes.

Pierre Landais was accused of extortion and causing the death of Chauvin.

Pierre Landais' only child with his wife Jeanne was a daughter, Francoise.

Pierre Landais is inaccurately included among Henry Tudor's loyal allies before the Battle of Bosworth.

Pierre Landais's position made him so arrogant and haughty that he misused princes, lords and gentry alike.

De la Borderie argues that the hostility is partly aristocratic distaste for parvenus and partly because Pierre Landais sought an alliance with England against France.