Ghillebert de Lannoy: Burgundian Traveller
Margaret Wade Labarge profiles the fifteenth-century Flemish Ambassador and pilgrim.
Ghillebert de Lannoy usually appears as a mere background figure, incidental to the life of Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy or Henry V of England, and is best known for the voyage of reconnaissance for a possible crusade which he undertook at their direction in 1421. In fact, he had a long and distinguished career, with close links to the Dukes of Burgundy whom he served, and to the leaders of England in his day.
He and his brothers belonged to a noble family of Flanders, and all were prominent and respected councillors of Duke John the Fearless and Duke Philip the Good. They served as fighting men, ambassadors and officials wherever needed, and all were among the original members of the famous Burgundian order of chivalry, the Golden Fleece. Their relatives and descendants maintained this tradition of Burgundian service, and continued to attain positions of power and influence in the Low Countries.
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