Grand Dukes of the West Podcast
@valoisburgundy.bsky.social
📤 370
📥 134
📝 54
A History Podcast about Valois Burgundy from 1363 to 1477. New episodes every other Monday.
And 116 years later, the Hundred Years War is over…wait I must have lost count somewhere
granddukesofthewest.com/2025/09/15/e...
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Episode 57: The End of the War
The Battle of Formigny saw every available English soldier in Normandy crushed between the French Army of the Count of Clermont and the Breton Army of Arthur de Richemont. After the battle, the Eng…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2025/09/15/episode-57-the-end-of-the-war/
26 days ago
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When the wars been going on for over a century, it’s time to take a breather
granddukesofthewest.com/2025/08/18/e...
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Episode 56: Truce or Dare
The Marriage of Margaret of Anjou and Henry VI of England sealed the Truce of Tours. This marriage would have some ramifications for England which we probably won’t cover in much detail. Beli…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2025/08/18/episode-56-truce-or-dare/
about 2 months ago
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Welcome to Whose Duchy is it anyway, the show where legitimate claims are made up and the points don’t matter. That’s right, the point’s don’t matter, just like the emperor’s opinion on who’s ruling Luxembourg.
granddukesofthewest.com/2025/06/23/e...
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Episode 54: Whose Duchy is it Anyway?
In 1447, Philip the Good wrote to Pope Nicholas V where he explained the strategic significance of the Duchy of Luxembourg. He wrote that it, “threatens the Rhine, touches France, surrounds L…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2025/06/23/episode-54-whose-duchy-is-it-anyway/
4 months ago
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The Habsburgs had a good start, they supplied two solidly competent Kings of Germany and acquired a solid block of land on the Eastern edge of the Holy Roman Empire. Let’s see if they’ll ever do anything noteworthy going forward…
granddukesofthewest.com/2025/05/26/s...
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Supplemental 12: Grand Dukes of the Center Part 4 – The House of Habsburg Part 2: AEIOU
From Left to Right: Albert II of Habsburg and his son Rudolf IV by Anton Boys, and Emperor Frederick III by Hans Burgkmair After the Kingships of Rudolf and Albert, the Habsburg’s fortunes on…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2025/05/26/supplemental-12-grand-dukes-of-the-center-part-4-the-house-of-habsburg-part-2-aeiou/
5 months ago
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Before the Habsburgs ruled a sizeable chunk of the world, they were minor lords from a busy corner of the Holy Roman Empire. In this episode we'll trace the family's rise from Lords of Hawk Castle to Dukes of Austria and Kings of Germany.
granddukesofthewest.com/2025/04/28/s...
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Supplemental 11: Grand Dukes of the Center Part 3 – The House of Habsburg Part 1: From Hawk Castle to Vienna
From Left to Right: Kings of Germany Rudolf I, Albert I, and Frederick the Fair, all from a series of paintings by Anton Boys. When the Electors of the Holy Roman Empire chose Rudolf of Habsburg to…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2025/04/28/supplemental-11-grand-dukes-of-the-center-part-3-the-house-of-habsburg-part-1-from-hawk-castle-to-vienna/
6 months ago
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The Hanseatic League dominated trade in the North and Baltic Seas during much of the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period.
granddukesofthewest.com/2025/03/31/s...
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Supplemental 10: The Hanseatic League
Northern Europe and the Hanseatic League around 1400. The Hanseatic League was a major player in Northern Europe for centuries, it dominated trade in the North and Baltic Seas, fought wars with riv…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2025/03/31/supplemental-10-the-hanseatic-league/
6 months ago
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I don't want you all to think that the Duke of Burgundy was the only one causing headaches for Charles VII.
granddukesofthewest.com/2025/03/03/e...
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Episode 53: Bourbon on the Rocks
A depiction of the Praguerie Revolt, so called as a reference to the Hussite Revolts in Bohemia. Throughout the later 1430s, Charles I Duke of Bourbon found his influence at the court of Charles VI…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2025/03/03/episode-53-bourbon-on-the-rocks/
7 months ago
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After the signing of the Treaty of Arras, Philip the Good hoped that he would be happily accepted back into the fold, boy was he wrong
granddukesofthewest.com/2025/02/03/e...
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Episode 52: Friends and Foes
From left to right: Rene of Anjou, Charles of Orleans, John of Luxembourg, and Louis of Luxembourg. When Philip the Good signed the Treaty of Arras, he hoped that he would be able to put all the ye…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2025/02/03/episode-52-friends-and-foes/
8 months ago
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It's been too long since we've had a good Flemish Rebellion.
granddukesofthewest.com/2025/01/06/e...
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Episode 51: A Terrible Wednesday
The Duchess of Burgundy Arrested at the Gates of Bruges by Sophie Rude. As Philip the Good retreated from Calais, he found himself going out of the frying pan and into the fire. The militias of Fla…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2025/01/06/episode-51-a-terrible-wednesday/
9 months ago
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As we reach episode 50, Philip the Good finds himself blazing a new course for Burgundy. The Treaty of Arras established peace between Burgundy and France, but it paved the way for war to erupt with England.
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/12/09/e...
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Episode 50: Reorientation
A Depiction of the Siege of Calais from the Life of Charles VII. As soon as the ink was dry on the Treaty of Arras, the military situation in France was turned on it’s head. The English posit…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/12/09/episode-50-reorientation/
10 months ago
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It's time to make peace
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/11/25/e...
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Episode 49: The Congress of Arras
A Depiction of the Congress of Arras from the Life of Charles VII. In mid-1435 delegates from England, France, and Burgundy converged on Arras to discuss ending the Hundred Years War. Time Period C…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/11/25/episode-49-the-congress-of-arras/
11 months ago
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#OTD
in 1407 Duke Louis of Orleans was riding through Paris at night when he was approached by a group of men. When one of them grabbed at him, he exclaimed 'I am the Duke of Orleans' thinking his status would protect him, but he was met with the ominous response 'you are the one we are looking for'
11 months ago
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The Duke of Burgundy is reaching his breaking point with his allies. The Hundred Years War is going poorly, his lands are being ravaged, and he's hemorrhaging money. The doomsday clock of the Anglo-Burgundian alliance is ticking ever closer to midnight.
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/11/11/e...
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Episode 48: The Road to Arras
Philip the Good is tired of the Hundred Years War. He’s tired of the destruction, he’s tired of the death, and he’s tired of his ally’s inability to defend his lands. But th…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/11/11/episode-48-the-road-to-arras/
11 months ago
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The French coronation of Henry VI of England was a disappointing affair. The food was bad, the usual gifts and grants were absent, and the ceremony was too English. Unfortunately for Lancastrians, disappointing would become the standard in the years to come.
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/10/28/e...
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Episode 47: Allies and Enemies
The coronation of Henry VI of England (as Henry II of France) was a disappointing affair. The food was bad, the usual gifts and grants were not handed out, and the ceremony was too English. And unf…
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/10/28/episode-47-allies-and-enemies/
12 months ago
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The Burgundian Order of the Golden Fleece was and is still one of the most prestigious orders of chivalry. Philip the Good founded the Order in 1430 while celebrating his marriage to Isabella of Portugal.
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/09/16/e...
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Episode 44: All That Glitters
Philip the Good (Right) married Isabella of Portugal (Left) in 1430. This marriage was the Duke of Burgundy's third and represented a break with his earlier policy of marrying French ladies, Isabella ...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/09/16/episode-44-all-that-glitters/
about 1 year ago
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Between 1425 and 1433, the Duke of Burgundy inherited, purchased, and fought his way into controlling the lions share of the Low Countries. Here's how he did it
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/09/02/e...
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Episode 43: The Burgundian Union
Jacqueline of Bavaria (left) and her fourth husband Frank van Borselen (right). The couple might have gotten married secretly in 1432, but were officially wed in 1434. Prior to their official marriage...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/09/02/episode-43-the-burgundian-union/
about 1 year ago
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The fortunes of the Dauphinists are at a low ebb, but seemingly out of nowhere, a peasant girl named Joan is here to rally their soldiers, their morale, and their fortunes.
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/06/24/e...
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Episode 40: Joan of Arc Part 1 – The Maid
French Soldiers take the Tourelles to lift the Siege of Orleans. The Siege had been going on for over six months, but it was lifted within 10 days of Joan's arrival in the city. https://anchor.fm/s/9b...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/06/24/episode-40-joan-of-arc-part-1-the-maid/
over 1 year ago
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While Philip the Good was focused on the Low Countries the Hundred Years War raged on; the English advanced while the French, consumed by division, attempted to hold them off.
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/06/10/e...
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Episode 39: Meanwhile Back in France
The Earl of Salisbury is killed outside the walls of Orleans. Salisbury has just taken the Tourelles, a fortified bridge across the Loire River from Orleans, when he was hit by shrapnel caused by cann...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/06/10/episode-39-meanwhile-back-in-france/
over 1 year ago
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The conflict between Philip the Good and Jacqueline of Bavaria has reached a new fever pitch as the cousins find themselves embroiled in the civil war between the Hooks and Cods
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/05/27/e...
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Episode 38: The Battle for Holland
Jacqueline of Bavaria flees to Holland and takes charge of the Hook Faction. Her flight to Holland reignited the conflict between the Hook and Cod factions and a few months later her cousin Philip the...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/05/27/episode-38-the-battle-for-holland/
over 1 year ago
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So who's the King of France now?
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/04/15/e...
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Episode 36: Bedford, Bourges, and Beyond
This map shows the division of France at the deaths of King Henry V of England and King Charles VI of France. The Loire river acted as a border between The Kingdom of Bourges which recognized Charles ...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/04/15/episode-36-bedford-bourges-and-beyond/
over 1 year ago
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The Treaty of Troyes ushered in an era of peace and stability. The disinherited Dauphin was defeated quickly, and the Anglo-Burgundian alliance was the beginning of firm and steady partnership...April Fools!!!
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/04/01/e...
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Episode 35: Disinherited
This map shows the Somme Valley in 1421 and 1422. Major Dauphinist strongholds are shown in light blue. Western Picardy, specifically the regions of Ponthieu and Vimeu, was especially full of Dauphini...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/04/01/episode-35-disinherited/
over 1 year ago
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Once again, a new generation of Burgundians take charge in the Low Countries in Grand Dukes of the West Episode 33: The Next Generation Season 2
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/03/04/e...
over 1 year ago
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The conflict between the Hooks and Cods dominated the politics of late medieval Holland. The two factions originated in a power struggle between Margaret of Avesnes and her son William of Bavaria, but the rivalry between the parties outlived both.
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/02/19/s...
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Supplemental 8: Hooks and Cods
The Power Struggle between William I of Bavaria (Left) and his mother Margaret (Center) unleashed factionalism in Holland and Zeeland which had been building for decades. The Hook Faction supported Ma...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/02/19/supplemental-8-hooks-and-cods/
over 1 year ago
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In the later Middle Ages, the House of Wittelsbach was one of the most important of the Holy Roman Empire.
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/02/05/s...
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Supplemental 7: Grand Dukes of the Center Part 2 – The House of Wittelsbach
The two Wittelsbach medieval Kings of Germany, Ludwig IV the Bavarian (Left) and Rupert of the Palatinate (Right). Both Kings had tumultuous reigns, in large part due to their conflicts with the House...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/02/05/supplemental-7-grand-dukes-of-the-center-part-2-the-house-of-wittelsbach/
over 1 year ago
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As the Armagnac-Burgundian civil war raged many of the regular people of France despaired at the fortunes of their kingdom. One such person was Christine de Pizan, one of the most popular writers of the era.
granddukesofthewest.com/2024/01/08/s...
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Supplemental 5: Christine de Pizan and the Body Politic
https://anchor.fm/s/9b4907c8/podcast/rss Christine de Pizan was the favorite court writer of many of the most important Lords and Ladies of France in the early 1400s. She started her career writing Lo...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2024/01/08/supplemental-5-christine-de-pizan-and-the-body-politic/
almost 2 years ago
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Want to learn about medieval propaganda? Check out Grand Dukes of the West Supplemental Episode 4: The Civil War of Words.
granddukesofthewest.com/2023/12/11/s...
almost 2 years ago
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Dauphin Charles of France and John the Fearless Duke of Burgundy met on the Bridge of Montereau on September 10, 1419, and only one of them left that meeting alive. Check out Grand Dukes of the West Episode 32: The Bridge of Montereau for more!
granddukesofthewest.com/2023/11/13/e...
almost 2 years ago
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The Armagnac-Burgundian Civil War is heating up to a new fever pitch while simultaneously King Henry V of England launches another invasion into Normandy. Not a great time for France.
granddukesofthewest.com/2023/10/30/e...
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Episode 31: The Manifesto
Many of the Armagnacs of Paris are massacred after a failed attempt to retake the capital. These massacres were sparked by rumors of Armagnac atrocities and a desire for revenge after years of repress...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2023/10/30/episode-31-the-manifesto/
almost 2 years ago
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#OTD
in 1415 and English and French armies met near the towns of Azincourt and Tramecourt. This battle, which has gone down in history as the Battle of Agincourt was a disaster for the French and for the Armagnac Party which currently controlled the Royal Council of France.
almost 2 years ago
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reposted by
Grand Dukes of the West Podcast
Battle Royale: French Monarchs
almost 2 years ago
Josh from
@valoisburgundy.bsky.social
joins us yet again, this time to pit the John the Fearless and Tough-Guy Armagnac together in an all-out civil war, because we needed more distractions from the English invasion.
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Regency of Madness: Episode 3/5
Josh Zucker from the Grand Dukes of the West podcast joins us to talk about yet another Duke of Burgundy, John the Fearless. And while John may not match his father for statecraft or shrewdness, he ...
https://battleroyalepodcast.wordpress.com/2023/10/24/regency-of-madness-3-5/
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The death of Dauphin Louis of Guyenne and the Battle of Agincourt at the end of 1415 overturned any stability that the late Dauphin had managed to establish. Now the Armagnacs and Burgundians are sharpening their long knives once again.
granddukesofthewest.com/2023/10/16/e...
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Episode 30: Picking Up the Pieces
Sigismund of Luxembourg arrives at the Council of Constance. The Council of Constance was a gathering of Latin Clergy with the goal of ending the Schism. The Council deposed the three rival popes (Rom...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2023/10/16/episode-30-picking-up-the-pieces/
almost 2 years ago
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In 1415, King Henry V of England launched an invasion of France in order to unify his kingdom after his father's shaky reign. Luckily for him, France was even more divided than England was at this point as the Armagnac-Burgundian Civil War had been raging for the past few years.
about 2 years ago
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The French and English are facing off in the Hundred Years War yet again. Check out Grand Dukes of the West Episode 29: Agincourt!
granddukesofthewest.com/2023/10/02/e...
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Episode 29: Agincourt
Above is an illustration of the Battle of Agincourt from a Manuscript of the Life of Charles VII. The battle of Agincourt has gone down in history as one of France's worst defeats and opened a new pha...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2023/10/02/episode-29-agincourt/
about 2 years ago
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The Estates General are meeting, Parisians attempt to storm the Bastille, the French Government is getting reformed. Is this 1789? No, it's 1413! Learn about the Cabochien Revolt, or if you prefer, Revolution in Grand Dukes of the West Episode 27: Reform and Revolution!
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Episode 27: Reform and Revolution
This illustration of the Cabochien Uprising comes from a Manuscript of The Life of Charles VII. As the source tends to be Armagnac-aligned, the violence of the uprising is played up. In all only a han...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2023/08/21/episode-27-reform-and-revolution/
about 2 years ago
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John the Fearless managed to come out on top after his first showdown with the League of Gien, but that doesn't mean that they have accepted peace. The League is regrouping and the civil war is far from over.
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2023/08/07/episode-26-armagnacs-and-burgundians/
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Episode 26: Armagnacs and Burgundians
The Southern Theater of the Civil War. While John the Fearless was campaigning into Picardy, his forces in the Duchy of Burgundy were facing off against the Count of Tonnerre. https://anchor.fm/s/9b49...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2023/08/07/episode-26-armagnacs-and-burgundians/
about 2 years ago
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John the Fearless returns to Paris as his enemies begin to unite into the League of Gien. Civil war is on the horizon as factions solidify and enmity grows. Check out Grand Dukes of the West Episode 25: The League of Gien.
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2023/07/24/episode-25-the-league-of-gien/
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Episode 25: The League of Gien
The ruins of Chateau Bicetre. The castle was owned by the Duke of Berry and was the site of a peace deal between the Duke of Burgundy and the League of Gien. The Peace of Bicetre would go down in hist...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2023/07/24/episode-25-the-league-of-gien/
about 2 years ago
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In 1408 Duke John the Fearless of Burgundy faced off against an army of rebels in the Prince-Bishopric of Liege. The battle of Othee secured Burgundian dominance over Liege and John's reputation as a commander.
https://granddukesofthewest.com/2023/07/10/episode-24-the-fearless-and-the-pitiless/
about 2 years ago
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Grand Dukes of the West is a Podcast all about the story of Valois Burgundy. Throughout the 13th and 14th Centuries the Dukes of of Burgundy were some of the richest and most powerful lords in Europe. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts or at
granddukesofthewest.com
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Grand Dukes of the West
Welcome to Grand Dukes of the West The story of Valois Burgundy is one of the most exciting of the Late Middle Ages. The four Valois Dukes of Burgundy used political intrigue, calculated splendor, eco...
https://granddukesofthewest.com/
about 2 years ago
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