DU GUESCLIN, BERTRAND, 1314-80; constable of France, and the most famous French soldier of the age. He was so remarkable for ugliness, when a child, as to be an object of aversion to his parents. He gained his first reputation as a soldier in 1338 at a tournament to celebrate the marriage of Charles of Blois with Jeanne de Penthievre, at which he unseated all the famous competitors. Becoming a soldier of fortune under Charles, he gained great distinction at the siege of Vannes in 1342. He was knighted, and in 1351 went, with the lords of Brittany, to England to secure the release of his captive master. He gallantly relieved Rennes, besieged by the duke of Lancaster in 1356, and by his help the city held out till the truce of Bordeaux in June, 1357. lie soon took service under the French king, and, after several brilliant actions, was made marshal of Normandy and count of Longueville. At the battle of Auray, in 1364, he
was taken prisoner, but he was ransomed for 100,000 crowns; and becoming commander of the grand companies, led them into Spain, where he placed Henry of Trastama•e on the throne of Castile in 1366. In the next year he was taken prisoner by the Black Prince, then in alliance with Pedro the cruel. Being again ransomed, he again restored Henry to the throne in 1369. In 1370, he was made constable of France, and for ten years was active and successful in driving the English from the s. and w. of France. In 1373, he seized and held the duchy of Brittany. He died while besieging the fortress of Chittettuneuf-Randon. The garrison had already.agt•eed to capilafte, and their coni mander led them out, and placed the keyS of the castle upon the coffin of the constable.