A Night of Celebration Turns Deadly
On January 28, 1393, a masquerade ball at the Hôtel Saint-Pol in Paris spiraled into a catastrophe that shook the French court. Queen Isabeau of Bavaria organized the celebration to honor the remarriage of her lady-in-waiting. To entertain the guests, King Charles VI and five nobles disguised themselves as “wild men,” wearing flammable costumes made of linen, resin, and flax. Strict orders banned torches inside the hall, but the evening’s chaos began when Louis I, Duke of Orléans, arrived carrying a lit torch.
Flames Engulf the Dancers
During the dance, a spark ignited a costume. The fire spread rapidly among the dancers, who were chained together. The hall erupted in panic as the dancers screamed and struggled. Charles VI survived only because his aunt, Joan, Duchess of Berry, shielded him with her skirts. Another dancer saved himself by jumping into a vat of wine.
Paris Reacts with Fury
Four nobles died either immediately or shortly after. The citizens of Paris, already uneasy about Charles VI’s mental instability, blamed the court’s excesses. Fear of rebellion forced the king and his court to perform public penance at Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Lasting Consequences
The Bal des Ardents intensified public distrust in the monarchy. It severely damaged the reputation of Louis of Orléans, who would later be assassinated. Chroniclers like Jean Froissart and the Monk of St Denis documented the tragedy, ensuring its place in history.
On January 28, 1393, a grand masquerade at the Hôtel Saint-Pol in Paris ended in terror.
King Charles VI, disguised as a wild man in a flammable costume, joined five nobles for a lively dance. A single torch sparked a catastrophe that stunned the entire French court…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/meuwHn2e9f
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