François de Surienne
François de Surienne (c. 1398 – 8 April 1462) was a Spanish mercenary and engineer, a specialist in fortification and artillery, who was active in Normandy and Burgundy in the 15th century. He was lord of Pisy and of Châtel-Gérard as well as bailli of Chartres and of Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier. His name is generally given in Spanish as Francisco de Soriano, Sarriera, Sariñera, Siurana, and Sureda. Since he was born in Aragon, he was also known in France by his demonym, the Aragonese (French: l'Arragonais).
François de Surienne | |
|---|---|
Coat of arms of François de Surienne, KG | |
| Born | c. 1398 |
| Died | 8 April 1462 |
| Occupation(s) | Mercenary, gunner, engineer |
| Title | Lord of Loigny, Pisy, and Châteaugirard |
| Relatives | Perrinet Gressart (fr) (uncle) Rodrigo Borgia (nephew) |
| Awards | Order of the Garter (1447-11-27) |
A mercenary and adventurer, Surienne fought in the Hundred Years' War on the side of the English, becoming a trusted captain and agent. His services and familial connections earned him a number of titles, lands, and important offices in France.
Surienne is noted for launching an attack on Fougères, Brittany, in 1449, a move which precipitated the formal breaking of an ongoing truce between the English and the French. The failure of the English to support him prompted Surienne to sever ties with England, and he served Charles VII of France for the remainder of his life.