1346: The Battle of Crécy: Epic Battles of History

By Anthony Holland

Introducing "1346: The Battle of Crécy," a gripping historical account that plunges you deep into the heart of one of the most pivotal battles of the Hundred Years' War. Immerse yourself in the tumultuous events of the 14th century as you follow the footsteps of knights, archers, and kings, all locked in a struggle for supremacy on the battlefield.

In this meticulously researched and vividly written narrative, you'll be transported back in time to the year 1346, when the fate of nations hung in the balance. The book meticulously reconstructs the lead-up to the Battle of Crécy, providing a detailed backdrop of political intrigue, alliances, and rivalries that set the stage for this historic clash.

Authoritative and engrossing, "1346: The Battle of Crécy" takes you on a journey through the battle itself, offering a front-row seat to the chaos and carnage that unfolded. You'll witness the thunderous clash of armored knights, the deadly precision of English longbowmen, and the strategic genius of commanders who shaped the outcome of this epic confrontation.

But this book is not just about battles and bloodshed. It delves into the lives of the ordinary soldiers and civilians who were caught up in the whirlwind of history, shedding light on their hopes, fears, and sacrifices during a time of great turmoil.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of warfare, or simply someone who enjoys a well-told tale of heroism and destiny, "1346: The Battle of Crécy" will captivate your imagination. It's a meticulously researched and beautifully narrated journey into the heart of a bygone era, where honor, valor, and the quest for glory defined the lives of those who lived through it.

Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history with "1346: The Battle of Crécy." Order your copy today and experience the drama and intrigue of this defining moment in medieval Europe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anthony Holland
• Release date: Nov 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223988632

Book preview

Introduction

On 26th August 1346, a ten thousand-strong English force stood against a much larger French host outside a small town near Calais. The French were in exuberant spirits, having caught the English far from home, and they anticipated richly deserved vengeance for the despoiling of French lands by the invaders. Yet the story of that day would be one of the great upsets in military history.

Little did the impetuous French knights suspect that their noble traditions faced an evolving threat in the form of innovative infantry warfare. The English deployed an unconventional strategy centered around archery, traps, and concealment to decimate their adversaries. Those slain on the field that day would include King John of Bohemia - a man so brave he charged the English lines despite being blind.

The battle would help forge the legacy of two of England’s most celebrated royal persons - Edward III and his son, the Black Prince. And yet it would not be so long after this battle that the sun would set on their branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, heralding a new era in English monarchy and a new chapter in the Hundred Years’ War.

The Battle of Crécy marked a culmination of a long history of Anglo-French rivalry. A century prior, Edward’s predecessors had faced off against the might of the French Capetian dynasty - a lineage whose inheritance he now sought to claim. This was a time when feudal and familial ties bound both the English and French crowns, leading to a complex and bitter struggle for supremacy..

Chapter 1: Plantagenets and Capetians

The prolonged struggle between the Capetians and Plantagenets, spanning a century from 1159 to 1259, marks a pivotal epoch in medieval European history. This era witnessed the Capetian monarchs of France clashing with the Plantagenet rulers of England, the latter reigning over a vast Angevin Empire that, at its zenith, encompassed nearly half of France. This protracted contest, occasionally dubbed the First Hundred Years' War by scholars, unfurls a narrative of dynastic ambition and territorial rivalry.

This conflict was predominantly French in character, given that both contending houses hailed from France, and even the rank-and-file of the Plantagenet forces were largely French, particularly in campaigns within French borders. Intriguingly, the continental dominions of the English kings were deemed more crucial than their British territories, overshadowing the lands under direct French royal control. Yet, the Capetian claim to overlordship, extending well beyond the modest Île-de-France, was often more symbolic than effective, particularly regarding their sway over vassals like the Plantagenets. The Plantagenet's possession of England further augmented their position, sowing the seeds of this enduring rivalry.

The ascendance of the Angevin Empire under Henry II marks a pivotal chapter in the annals of medieval power dynamics. Inheriting the Duchy of Normandy in 1150 from his father, Geoffrey V of Anjou, Henry’s dominion expanded rapidly upon his father’s death in 1151, adding the titles of Count of Anjou and Maine to his portfolio. His marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine in May 1152, a strategic alliance following her annulment from Louis VII of France, further augmented his territories. This union bore multiple offspring, intertwining the future of these burgeoning realms.

Henry's path to the English throne was cemented by the Treaty of Wallingford in November 1153, designating him as successor to King Stephen of England. His coronation on December 19, 1154, at Westminster Abbey initiated a reign was marked by both religious and legislative reforms, notably appointing Thomas Becket as chancellor in 1155. Henry’s expansionist zeal was evident in his annexation of territories like Thouars in 1156 and parts of Quercy and Cahors following the siege of Toulouse in 1159.

By the early 1160s, Henry had substantially increased his influence in Brittany, eventually orchestrating the abdication of Duke Conan IV in favor of his daughter, Constance, who was promptly married to Henry’s son, Geoffrey II. This maneuver effectively brought Brittany under Angevin control.

However, Henry's reign was not without familial discord. His sons, incited by aspirations of inheritance and aided by Louis VII of France, rebelled against him. Henry’s eventual triumph over this insurrection solidified his position in Western Europe. Despite the shadow cast by the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket, Henry II's reign continued to flourish. He maintained a court of European significance, with dignitaries from across the continent seeking his audience.

The latter years of his reign were marked by heightened tensions with Philip Augustus of France, who viewed Henry’s expansive territories as a direct threat to the Capetian monarchy. This rivalry culminated in the Treaty of Azay-le-Rideau in July 1189, which saw a beleaguered Henry II acknowledging his rebellious son Richard as his sole heir, only to die two days later in Chinon. Despite this the political landscape remained largely unchanged, with Richard inheriting his father’s vast territories, continuing the Angevin dominance as a formidable counter to Capetian aspirations.

Richard's coronation as the English king and his immediate departure for the Crusade alongside Philip marked a pivotal moment. Philip's return from the Crusade ahead of Richard in December 1191 offered him an opportune moment to instigate Richard’s brother, John Lackland's rebellion against the King and to strategically negotiate favorable terms for France. John's homage to Philip in 1193 and subsequent concessions of key Norman territories in January 1194 underscored Philip's diplomatic and military acumen.

Meanwhile, Richard, undeterred by Philip's departure, continued his Crusade. His military exploits in the Holy Land, including the retaking of key ports and the restoration of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, were significant, albeit the city of Jerusalem itself remained elusive. His capture by Duke Leopold V of Austria in late 1192 and subsequent imprisonment by Emperor Henry VI marked a dramatic turn in his fortunes.

Richard's release in February 1194, facilitated by a substantial ransom paid largely by his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine, reignited the conflict with Philip. The Battle of Fréteval saw Richard repelling Philip's forces, leading to the relinquishment of most of Philip's recent gains in a treaty signed in January 1196. The resumed hostilities in 1197 again tilted in Richard's favor, culminating in the English victory at the Battle of Gisors. The aftermath saw both kings seeking broader alliances, even as Pope Innocent III urged peace for a new Crusade.

The rivalry's abrupt end came with Richard's fatal injury during the siege of Châlus in 1199. His demise, from a crossbow bolt wound, closed a chapter marked by his military brilliance and the enduring struggle for supremacy between the Angevin and Capetian dynasties.

Upon Richard's demise, John Lackland ascended to the throne, immediately embroiled in contention with his nephew, Arthur of Brittany, the son of his deceased elder brother Geoffrey. Arthur, a mere youth of twelve, found an ally in Philip Augustus, who, having previously sided with John against Richard, now shifted his support to Arthur against John. In 1199, Arthur’s homage to Philip as Duke of Brittany for the counties of Anjou, Maine, and Touraine strategically fortified Philip’s position in his negotiations with John, culminating in the Treaty of Le Goulet in 1200. This treaty, intended to resolve the enduring Anglo-French territorial disputes, was further sealed by the matrimonial alliance of Louis of France and Blanche of Castile, John's niece.

Nevertheless, this treaty did not herald an era of peace. Philip, championing Arthur's cause, summoned John, as per the treaty's terms, to answer for his actions in Aquitaine and Tours. John's failure to comply led to the French court’s confiscation of his fiefs. The conflict escalated in 1202 with Philip assaulting Normandy and Arthur attacking Poitou, only for Arthur to be captured by John at the Battle of Mirebeau. Arthur’s subsequent disappearance in 1203, presumably having been murdered by John, intensified the hostilities.

Philip’s renewed offensive in Normandy in 1203, combined with his demand for Eleanor's release, which John refused, set the stage for the fall of the strategically critical Chateau Gaillard in March 1204. John’s decision to depart for England in December 1203 proved fatal for his cause, as Normandy, left leaderless, capitulated to Philip by June 1204. Philip’s rapid success in Normandy was further exemplified by his construction of the imposing Rouen castle, symbolizing Capetian authority in the region.

Philip's conquests continued with the capture of Poitiers, Loches, and Chinon by 1205, and a truce with John was finally brokered in Thouars in October 1206. In a strategic move to consolidate his gains, Philip imposed the use of Norman currency over the Angevin, symbolizing the new order.

From 1206 to 1212, Philip’s focus shifted to fortifying his territorial control. While Capetian dominance was accepted in Champagne, Brittany, and Auvergne, resistance persisted in Boulogne and Flanders. The wavering allegiance of Renaud de Dammartin, Count of Boulogne, became a focal point of Philip's attention. Despite Philip's attempt to secure loyalty through marital alliances, Renaud’s fortification of Mortain signaled his dissent. Philip's decisive campaign in 1211 against Renaud's territories underscored the ruthlessness and efficacy of his expansionist policy.

The consolidation of Philip II's conquests, a pivotal episode in the Anglo-French War of 1213-1214, epitomizes the intricate web of medieval European power politics. Philip Augustus's successes inevitably rallied his adversaries, culminating in a formidable coalition in 1212. This alliance, orchestrated primarily by Renaud de Dammartin and encompassing John of England and his nephew, Holy Roman Emperor Otto IV, represented a significant challenge to Philip. The French monarch’s previous support for Otto's rival, Philip of Swabia, added to the tensions.

Amidst this, the Albigensian Crusade's onset, led by French barons against Raymond VI of Toulouse, presented another front. Philip Augustus, however, prioritized the English threat, rallying his vassals in Soissons in April 1213 and assigning his son Louis to lead the offensive against England. This mobilization saw almost unanimous support, with the notable exception of Ferdinand, Count of Flanders.

The conflict's early phase saw setbacks for Philip, including the thwarting of his plan to invade England when his fleet was ambushed at Damme in May 1213. The northern front, involving Boulogne and Flanders, was devastated in subsequent months.

In February 1214, John’s arrival in La Rochelle initially unsettled Philip’s plans, as John garnered support from Limousin and Poitou barons and captured Angers in May. However, the tide turned when John, despite having a numerical advantage at Roche-au-Moine, was forced to retreat, a phenomenon partly attributed to the era's military culture and chivalric norms.

The climax of this conflict was the Battle of Bouvines in July 1214, a Sunday, a day traditionally reserved for Christian peace. Otto’s decision to attack on this sacred day, hoping to catch Philip’s army off-guard while crossing the Marque River, initially seemed advantageous. However, Philip’s quick reorganization of his forces turned the tide. The battle saw fierce combat, including a moment when Philip himself was unseated. The French right wing clashed with Flemish knights, while the center saw Philip and Otto engage directly. On the left, Philip’s supporters captured key coalition leaders, including Renaud de Dammartin.

The victory at Bouvines was a decisive turning point. The coalition crumbled, leading to the signing of a truce in Chinon on 18 September 1214. This agreement saw John relinquish territories north of the Loire, significantly expanding the French royal domain. John's concessions included acknowledging Alix as Duchess of Brittany and renouncing claims on behalf of Eleanor. The Treaty of Chinon marked not only the end of this phase of conflict but