Aumale

Aumale lies on the River Bresle in the hills between Normandy and Picardy. A castle and walled town grew at this crossing, controlling a route through a region contested by princes and kings. In 1472 Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, sacked and burned Aumale during his conflict with Louis XI of France. The county later passed to the house of Lorraine, and its title was held by members of the powerful Guise family. The town's history reflects its position between the Norman and Picard lands and the ambitions of their rulers.