Jacques de Lalaing
Jacques de Lalaing (1421–1453), perhaps the most renowned knight of
Burgundy in the 15th century, was reportedly one of the best medieval tournament fighters of all time. A
Walloon knight, he began his military career in the service of
Adolph I, Duke of Cleves, but was quickly noticed by
Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy by whom he was knighted and whom he went on to serve. Jacques, known as the ''"Bon Chevalier"'' due to his military prowess in
tournaments and battles, became the most famous Burgundian knight of his time, and was well known throughout Europe as one of the best medieval tournament fighters. Jacques was inducted into the prestigious Burgundian chivalric order, the
Order of the Golden Fleece, in 1451. Jacques' deeds in tournaments and battles were recorded in the ''Livre des Faits de Jacques Lalaing (The Book of the Deeds of Jacques de Lalaing)'' attributed mainly to the Burgundian chroniclers
Jean Le Fevre de Saint-Remy,
Georges Chastellain, and the herald Charolais. Throughout his life, Jacques was entrusted by the
Duke of Burgundy to serve in delegations to the
King of France and the
Pope, as well as with the suppression of the
Revolt of Ghent in 1453.
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