French Nobility. Duke of Brabant. One of the highest-ranking casualties at the Battle of Agincourt (October 25, 1415). Known facts of his life are sketchy. He was the son of Philip the Bold, founder of the Burgundian branch of the House of Valois, and Margaret III of Flanders; his brothers were John the Fearless and Philip II, Count of Nevers. He succeeded to the Dukedoms of Brabant, Lothier and Limburg in 1406. When Henry V invaded France in August 1415 John spoke of bringing troops against the English, but in the end Antoine and the younger Philip went in his place. The day the French intercepted Henry's forces at Agincourt, the duke was off celebrating at a christening party. He arrived late for the fighting, borrowed a suit of armor and rode into the fray, where he was soon captured. Outnumbered and fearing another attack, Henry ordered the killing of all French prisoners except for the highest nobles; Antoine was mistakenly put to death because he wasn't wearing his identifying heraldry. The tale of his sad fate came to symbolize the overconfidence and lack of discipline that contributed to the French Army's defeat. Philip also died in the battle and the two brothers were buried together in a monastery church at the nearby town of Hesdin. Carlos I of Spain completely destroyed Hesdin in 1553.
French Nobility. Duke of Brabant. One of the highest-ranking casualties at the Battle of Agincourt (October 25, 1415). Known facts of his life are sketchy. He was the son of Philip the Bold, founder of the Burgundian branch of the House of Valois, and Margaret III of Flanders; his brothers were John the Fearless and Philip II, Count of Nevers. He succeeded to the Dukedoms of Brabant, Lothier and Limburg in 1406. When Henry V invaded France in August 1415 John spoke of bringing troops against the English, but in the end Antoine and the younger Philip went in his place. The day the French intercepted Henry's forces at Agincourt, the duke was off celebrating at a christening party. He arrived late for the fighting, borrowed a suit of armor and rode into the fray, where he was soon captured. Outnumbered and fearing another attack, Henry ordered the killing of all French prisoners except for the highest nobles; Antoine was mistakenly put to death because he wasn't wearing his identifying heraldry. The tale of his sad fate came to symbolize the overconfidence and lack of discipline that contributed to the French Army's defeat. Philip also died in the battle and the two brothers were buried together in a monastery church at the nearby town of Hesdin. Carlos I of Spain completely destroyed Hesdin in 1553.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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