Charles III, Duke of Bourbon (d. 1527)

Charles III (17 February 1490 – 6 May 1527), often recognized in historical texts as the Constable of Bourbon, stands as one of the most compelling and controversial figures in early 16th-century French history. A French military leader of exceptional talent and a prince of the blood, his life was marked by immense power, a dramatic betrayal, and a violent end.

Born Charles de Bourbon, Duke of Bourbon and Count of Montpensier, his early career saw him accumulate an impressive array of titles and vast landholdings. From 1501 to 1523, he held the titles of count of Montpensier, Clermont, and Auvergne, alongside being the dauphin of Auvergne. His influence further expanded between 1505 and 1521, during which he served as the duke of Bourbon and Auvergne, count of Clermont-en-Beauvaisis, Forez, and La Marche, and the influential lord of Beaujeu. These extensive domains, collectively known as the Bourbonnais, rendered him one of the wealthiest and most powerful feudal lords in France, commanding resources almost comparable to the French Crown itself.

His military prowess and political standing were further solidified in 1515 when he was appointed the Constable of France, a position he held until 1521. This was the highest military office in France, second only to the King, granting him command over the royal armies and significant political influence. As Constable, he demonstrated considerable skill, notably at the Battle of Marignano in 1515, where his leadership contributed significantly to Francis I's victory against the Swiss.

However, the Constable of Bourbon's loyalty to the French Crown fractured dramatically. He is famously known as the last of the great feudal lords to openly oppose the King of France, specifically Francis I. This defiance stemmed largely from a bitter and complex inheritance dispute. Upon the death of his wife, Suzanne of Bourbon, in 1521, Charles III found his vast inheritance challenged by Francis I's mother, Louise of Savoy, who sought to claim the Bourbon lands for herself and the Crown. The royal court, under Francis I, largely sided with Louise, leading to the confiscation of Charles III's estates and titles. Feeling unjustly treated and stripped of his patrimony and high office, Charles III made the unprecedented decision to defect from France.

In 1523, he entered into a secret alliance with France's primary rivals: Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and King Henry VIII of England. This defection sent shockwaves across Europe and deeply wounded Francis I. Charles III became a leading general in the Imperial army, fighting against his former countrymen during the tumultuous Italian Wars.

His eventful life culminated tragically on 6 May 1527. As a commander of the Imperial forces, Charles III led the largely unpaid and increasingly mutinous troops of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V against Rome. During the ensuing Sack of Rome, one of the most brutal and destructive events of the Renaissance, Charles III was killed while assaulting the city walls. His death, a direct consequence of his desperate gamble against the French monarchy, marked the end of an era where powerful feudal magnates could openly challenge the authority of the centralized French state.

The Constable of Bourbon's story remains a poignant example of the transition from medieval feudalism to the modern nation-state, where the power of the monarchy ultimately subsumed that of even the most formidable noble houses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Charles III, Constable of Bourbon

Who was Charles III, Constable of Bourbon?
Charles III (1490–1527), also known as the Constable of Bourbon, was a prominent French military leader and one of the most powerful feudal lords in France during the early 16th century. He was a prince of the blood, holding vast lands and the highest military office of Constable of France before his dramatic defection to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.
What was the Constable of France's role?
The Constable of France was the highest military rank in the French army, second only to the King. This powerful position granted its holder command over the royal forces, significant political influence, and considerable prestige. Charles III held this esteemed office from 1515 to 1521.
Why did Charles III oppose the King of France?
Charles III's opposition to King Francis I stemmed primarily from a major inheritance dispute. After his wife's death in 1521, Francis I's mother, Louise of Savoy, laid claim to Charles III's extensive Bourbon lands. The King sided with his mother, leading to the confiscation of Charles III's estates and titles. Feeling betrayed and unjustly treated, Charles III defected and allied with Emperor Charles V against France.
What was Charles III's role in the Sack of Rome?
In 1527, Charles III commanded the Imperial forces of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V that marched on Rome. He was at the forefront of the assault on the city, during which he was killed. His death occurred at the beginning of what became known as the brutal Sack of Rome, a devastating event in Renaissance history.
Why is Charles III considered the "last of the great feudal lords" to oppose the King?
Charles III's defiance represented a final, significant challenge from a powerful, semi-independent feudal magnate against the increasingly centralized power of the French monarchy. His ultimate defeat and death, coupled with the Crown's confiscation of his vast domains, symbolized the definitive triumph of royal authority over the last vestiges of powerful feudal autonomy in France.