| François Kersauzon | |
| Fictional Character | |
| Atlantis POD: c 85,000,000 BCE; Relevant POD: 1452 | |
| Appearance(s): | "New Hastings" |
| Type of Appearance: | Direct |
| Nationality: | Breton settler of Atlantis |
| Religion: | Catholicism |
| Date of Birth: | Unknown |
| Date of Death: | Unknown |
| Occupation: | Fishing boat captain |
| Relatives: | Roland Kersauzon, Michel du Guesclin (descendants in the 18th century) |
| Professional Affiliations: | Captain of the Morzen |
François Kersauzon was a fisherman from Brittany. He and his crew of the Morzen probably discovered Atlantis in 1452 (even Kersauzon admitted that others could have arrived first). Against the advice of his crew, Kersauzon shared the secret of the continent with English fisherman Edward Radcliffe, who became the first person to colonise Atlantis. Kersauzon followed suit a few months later, founding the city of Cosquer.
Kersauzon met Radcliffe and his son Richard in the Breton town of Le Croisic in 1452. Kersauzon and his Bretons were in an argument with some Basque fishermen over the year.[1] The Basques insisted incorrectly that it was 1451. The Radcliffes entered, and were unwillingly dragged into the argument by the Basques. Edward Radcliffe informed the Basques that it was indeed 1452.[2] In gratitude, Kersauzon and his men shared food and drink with the Radcliffes.[3] As part of their meal, Kersauzon gave the Radcliffes roasted honker.[4] Despite the efforts of his second, Jacques, Kersauzon decided to share their discovery with Radcliffe in exchange for a third of Radcliffe's catch.[5]
Upon their arrival on the new continent, Radcliffe agreed with Kersauzon's assessment of the majesty of the place. Like Radcliffe, Kersauzon's mind turned to the possibility of settling Atlantis (a name given to the continent by Radcliffe; Kersauzon adopted it).[6] However, Kersauzon established Cosquer[7] in 1458, six years after Radcliffe settled New Hastings[8] and a few months after another English colony, Freetown, was also established.[9]
Kersauzon's relationship with Radcliffe was peculiar. Radcliffe saw Kersauzon as a friend, insofar as Radcliffe felt indebted to Kersauzon for sharing Atlantis with him. To this end, Radcliffe warned the citizens of Freetown that they should not make war on Kersauzon's Cosquer, or they would be at war with New Hastings.[10] However, Radcliffe warned Kersauzon that if Cosquer attacked Freetown, New Hastings would stand with their countrymen.[11]
While Kersauzon was instrumental in the settling of Atlantis, his legacy was never as extensive as Radcliffe's,[12] although in later years, several prominent people in the United States of Atlantis proudly claimed Kersauzon as an ancestor. Kersauzon's descendant Roland fought a losing war against Victor Radcliff, a descendant of Edward Radcliff's, in the 18th century which cost France its Atlantean holdings.[13]
Another relative, Michel du Guesclin (who may not have been a direct descendant), was a founding father of the Atlantean Assembly during the Atlantean War of Independence.[14]
References[]
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
