Anthony, Duke of Brabant

Who was Anthony, Duke of Brabant?

Anthony, Duke of Brabant, also known as Antoine de Brabant, Antoine de Bourgogne and Anthony of Burgundy, was Duke of Brabant, Lothier and Limburg.

Anthony was the son of Philip II, Duke of Burgundy and Margaret III of Flanders, and brother of John the Fearless. When his aunt Joanna, Duchess of Brabant died in 1406 without children, Anthony inherited the Duchy of Brabant, Lothier, and Limburg, thus becoming the first Brabantian ruler of the House of Valois.

The Duke of Brabant arrived late to the Battle of Agincourt, and in his eagerness to reach the field, he dressed in improvised armour and wore a surcoat made from a trumpeter's flag. He fought valiantly but was captured by some English archers. He was executed along with the rest of the prisoners ordered by Henry V of England, the English being unaware of his high status and ransom value.

The execution was carried out as the much smaller English force found itself stretched to its limits, guarding prisoners with the battle still not won.