Battles & Campaigns · 1476
Battle of Grandson
Grandson, Vaud, Switzerland
What happened
Charles captured the castle of Grandson in February 1476. A Swiss army came to relieve it, and the two armies met near Concise. Charles ordered a withdrawal when he saw the Swiss vanguard, but when the main Swiss force appeared his army panicked and fled.
Why it matters
The Swiss beat one of Europe's most feared armies at little cost. They also captured a huge treasure from Charles's camp.
What came next
Months later, at Morat in June 1476, the Swiss destroyed Charles's army.
Did you know?
Charles carried priceless jewels into battle, including the 55-carat Sancy diamond, and the Swiss took them from his tent.
Timeline
- 28 Feb 1476Charles takes Grandson Castle.
- 2 Mar 1476Battle of Grandson.
- 22 Jun 1476Battle of Morat.
- 5 Jan 1477Battle of Nancy.