Crécy

Crécy

Battle of crecy froissart.jpg Battle of Crécy as depicted in a 15th-century illuminated manuscript

The Battle of Crécy was a major engagement during the Hundred Years' War that took place on 26 August 1346 near Crécy-en-Ponthieu in northern France. The battle was a significant victory for the Kingdom of England and marked the rise of the longbow as a dominant weapon in medieval warfare.

Background

The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts waged between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France from 1337 to 1453. The war was rooted in territorial disputes and claims to the French throne. The Battle of Crécy was part of the first phase of the war, known as the Edwardian War.

Prelude

In July 1346, Edward III launched a major campaign in northern France. His forces landed in Normandy and began a march towards the Seine, conducting a chevauchée (a raiding campaign) to weaken French morale and resources. The English army eventually reached the Somme River, where they faced the pursuing French forces led by Philip VI.

The Battle

The English army took a defensive position on a ridge near the village of Crécy-en-Ponthieu. The English forces were composed of dismounted knights, men-at-arms, and a large contingent of longbowmen. The French army, significantly larger, included a mix of knights, crossbowmen, and infantry. The battle began with a failed assault by the French crossbowmen, who were unable to breach the English lines. The English longbowmen, positioned on the flanks, unleashed a devastating barrage of arrows that decimated the French cavalry and infantry. The French knights, hindered by the muddy terrain and the bodies of fallen soldiers, were unable to mount an effective charge.

Aftermath

The Battle of Crécy was a decisive victory for the English, who suffered relatively few casualties compared to the French. The victory demonstrated the effectiveness of the longbow and marked a shift in medieval warfare tactics. The battle also paved the way for the English to capture the port of Calais, which became a crucial stronghold for the remainder of the war.

Legacy

The Battle of Crécy is remembered as one of the most significant battles of the Hundred Years' War. It showcased the tactical innovations of the English army and highlighted the vulnerabilities of traditional knightly warfare. The battle is often studied for its strategic and tactical lessons.

Related Pages

• Hundred Years' War
• Edward III of England
• Philip VI of France
• Crécy-en-Ponthieu
• Longbow
• Calais