On this day, during the 100 Years’ War, a struggle for the succession to the duchy of Brittany between Charles of Blois (supported by France) and John of Montfort (supported by England) was settled in the famous “Combat of the Thirty“. A challenge was issued that thirty knights and squires on each side should decide the succession in battle, midway between the castles of the two contenders. The battle was waged with lances, swords, daggers, and maces and the opposing forces even stopped after a while to refresh themselves with wine and food, to bandage their wounds, and to rest before resuming the combat. In the end, the English were forced to surrender. The impact of the fight on the issue of succession was limited, as the house of Montfort eventually won, but the battle is remembered as one of the most chivalrous battles in history.
