![]() On the opposite bank was a small public park with impressive arches, the remains of a house from the fifteenth century and in the walled town are narrow streets of traditional half-timbered buildings, offering a good impression of what Josselin might have been like in Jasper Tudor’s time. I stayed in a gite by what is now the Nantes-Brest canal, with a view of the château from the window. My orders are to take as many men as I can to him at the Château de l’Hermine.’ ‘As you can see, Sir Jasper, he is moving men to defend the border. ‘Is Duke Francis supporting the English, Captain?’ The captain questioned the parentage of the unfortunate man helping him, telling him not to pull the straps so tightly, as Jasper entered. The pieces looked mismatched and a poor fit, some showing the scars and dents of ancient battles. He sought out the captain of the guard, who was being helped to dress in his armour. Jasper had never seen so many horses crammed into the château stables and guessed they were preparing to defend themselves. The duke was obviously taking the threat from York seriously. Groups of armed soldiers gathered in the usually deserted courtyard, some waiting in line for the kitchens, others sleeping or playing games of dice. Jasper followed the guard down the narrow stone steps. ‘And the Duke of Burgundy has invaded France from the north.’ He scowled at the thought. ‘The King of England has landed at Calais with an army.’ The guard seemed surprised Jasper hadn’t heard. The bolt on his door scraped and the door swung open to reveal one of his friendlier guards. His attention shifted to muffled noises from within the courtyard, of horse’s hooves, shouted commands, the sharp clink of steel and the buzzing of many voices, like bees in a hive. An endless procession of people made their way into the walled town, yet none were leaving. Jasper stood at the window, watching the bridge over the river. ![]() Here's a short excerpt showing how I dealt with all this in my novel: I imagine he tried sending letters to Henry, as well as Lady Margaret Beaufort, although there is no record of any correspondence at that time. ![]() I’m sure Jasper would also have worried about the situation in England, where Edward IV was raising a formidable army to reconquer France in an alliance with Duke Charles of Burgundy. It is likely that Jasper, a fluent Breton speaker, would have become close to the men guarding him and used the last of the money he’d brought to Brittany to pay for information on Henry. Duke Francis might have sent messages reassuring him of Henry’s welfare, but the Tudors lived under the threat of abduction to England by Yorkist agents of King Edward. Duke Francis of Brittany gave his word to protect the Tudors but also promised King Edward’s ambassadors he would treat them more as prisoners than honoured guests.Īs a consequence it seems Jasper began what must have been a frustrating three years in Josselin, with no visitors and no communication with Henry. ![]() When Jasper Tudor arrived in 1473 his main concern would have been for the welfare and safety of his nephew. ![]()
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