The Battle of Bouvines according to other chronicles

Several other contemporary historians wrote shorter accounts of the battle.  These include German and English writers who had little to say about their side's defeat.

Annals of Tiel

In the year 1241, at this same time, the Count of Flanders was taken by the King of France.

First Continuation of the Royal Chronicle of Cologne

Then, on the day of Saint-Peter-of-the-Bounds, the Emperor Otto, Pharamound, Count of Flanders, along with a large army, engaged a battle near Tournai against the son of the King of France.  There was harsh fighting on both sides.  The Count of Flanders, the Count of Tecklemburg were taken along with many others.  Many others were killed.  The emperor himself came back dishonored.

Short Rhymed Chronicle

In the year one thousand and two hundred and ten and four
Off went Ferrand to fight the King
In the month when oats are sown
And on Magdalen day
At Bouvines there was a battle
Where many a mail armor was broken.
The Count Ferrand was bound and taken
And was brought to Paris
And many others were taken
Who their countries never again did see.

Chronicle of Bury St Edmunds

King John left for Poitou before Candlemas.  There was a battle in Flanders near Bouvines, on a Sunday, between the King of France and the great men of the King of England, in the course of which were taken the Counts of Flanders and of Boulogne, and William, Count of Salisbury, from the King of England's party.  Emperor Otto who was nearby took flight upon seeing the development of the battle.

These translations were all originally published in The Legend of Bouvines: War, Religion and Culture in the Middle Ages, by Georges Duby, translated by Catherine Tihanyi (University of California Press, 1990).  We thank Catherine Tihanyi for allowing to republish this material.