Scottish guard
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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Garde Écossaise. (Discuss) |
The Scottish Guard (Garde Écossaise) is a military body of elite created by Charles VII in 1422, and who constituted the personal guard of Kings of France, until the end of the Bourbon Restoration in 1830.
[edit] History
The origin of the Scottish Guard is known to begin in at least year 882, when a contingent of Scottish nobles came to France to form the guard of King Charles III. However, the Scottish Guard was not formally created until the reign of Charles VII. Documents attest of its existence in 1425, but it can be supposed that it was founded at the end of 1410. There is anecdotal mention of Charles III's grandfather, Charlemagne also employing Scottish bodyguards, but this is mostly unsubstantiated.
The guardsmen enjoyed a large salary and grew fond of the king. However, their trade was dangerous because they were also employed as a combat unit. An example of this is when a number of its members were killed in 1465 in the Battle of Montlhéry at the side of the King Louis XI. At this time, it was mainly made up archers considered for their great skill.
[edit] Anecdote
During a tournament, Gabriel, comte de Montgomery, the current captain of the guard, accidentally killed King Henry II while jousting. Before his death, the king absolved de Montgomery and later, the confiscated lands were returned to to his family poshumously by King Henry III
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