For those unfamiliar, especially in North America, Burgundy was an interesting concept. Although ruled by a Duke its income and affluence was greater than many kingdoms but its loyalties were divided.
The dukes of Burgundy were vassals – at least in theory – of both the French kings and the Holy Roman emperor, while in practice they could display a considerable amount of independence.
In truth they could be described as 'palatine' dukes who were at least on a par with a prince and probably much higher.
Modern Europeans are familiar with Burgundy as a wine-growing area of France but old Burgundy stretched from the English Channel (modern Netherlands) down to Northern Italy where the dukes held lands. The duchy's downfall was due to Charles the Bold (also known as Charles the Rash) who, like a player of Monopoly who wanted to collect the colour set and build hotels, decided that he needed Switzerland to make his dukedom one entity.
The Swiss had other ideas about the subject. Grandson, Morat, Nancy.
Clicking around today I found this Wiki page which you are probably all familiar with. If you are not then give it a good read.
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Burgundy derived much of its wealth from the trade with England for wool which was then turned into fine woollen cloth and re-exported. It was with a nod in this direction that the Order of the Golden Fleece was established in imitation of the English Order of the Garter.
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Although the order faded after the death of Charles the Bold I was a little surprised to find that the order still exists as an honorific.
Barry
receives a gift from his wife…
