Who was he?

Reputed to be ‘the third best knight in Europe’, d’Argentan was an experienced and formidable fighter. He was famous on the jousting tournament fields across Europe and had fought against the Scots for many years.

Edward valued him greatly and had gone to some trouble to ensure his release after he had been captured whilst on crusade.

At Bannockburn

In battle, d’Argentan had the task of personally protecting Edward and stayed by his side at the rear. It is not clear if he took part in the action at all, which must have been frustrating for the great warrior. Once it was obvious that all was lost for the English, d’Argentan and Pembroke urged Edward to leave the battlefield. With great difficulty, they escorted the king to safety, fighting their way through the Scots. His duty done, but humiliated by this retreat, d’Argentan turned around and recklessly charged back into the battle. His horse was brought down and killed almost at once, and d’Argentan was hacked to pieces, one of the highest-profile casualties on the English side.