Ivry-la-Bataille or Ivry is a village located along the Eure river of French Normandy. The landscape of Ivry is picturesque; the river of Eure meanders slowly through a beautiful wide valley with hillsides dominated by vines. As peaceful as Ivry appears, it has suffered much turbulence and violence in its past. This village is remembered in the history books as the victorious setting of Henri IV’s “white plume”.[1] In the Battle of Ivry fought in 1590 during the French Wars of Religion, Henri IV led Huguenot forces against the Catholic Leaguers led by the Duke of Mayenne. Henri IV emerged victorious and then went on to besiege Paris. In the aftermath, Henri IV consolidated his power and would become King of France a few years later in 1593.[2]
A few miles away from Ivry is an obelisk serving as a reminder of Henri IV’s victory over the Catholic Leaguers.[3] This group of citizens, priests, and nobles[4] were led by commander-in-chief Duke of Mayenne.[5]
References:
“Battle of Ivry.” < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ivry>
Gaudez, René, Hervé Champollion, and Angela Moyon. Tour of Normandy. Rennes: Éditions Ouest-France, 1996. ISBN: 2737317185.
[1] Gaudez, 80
[2] Battle
[3] Gaudez, 80
[4] Battle
[5] Gaudez, 80
| 
