Battle of Patay
Hundred Years' War · Patay, Orléanais (France)
Summary
A surprise French attack breaks the English archer formation that had caused heavy losses at Agincourt. French cavalry charges successfully, triggering total rout of the English and capture of several commanders.
Historical context
After the lifting of the siege of Orléans, French troops pursue their offensive against English positions in Burgundy and Normandy. Victory at Patay reinforces Charles VII's legitimacy and opens the way to his coronation at Reims.
Tactics
One hundred eighty knights of the French vanguard led by La Hire, Xaintrailles, and Richemont attacked the English archers on the flanks before they could plant their stakes. Heavy cavalry cut down the elite archers, a mirror image of the French defeat at Agincourt.
Consequences
Charles VII's supporters could escort him to Reims without fighting and had him crowned there on 17 July 1429. The English lost their main field army for a generation; they held only Calais in France by 1453.