Battle of Roosebeke
Flemish urban revolt / Hundred Years' War (broader context) · Roosebeke, Flanders (present-day Belgium)
Summary
On 27 November 1382 at Roosebeke in Flanders, Charles VI and Olivier de Clisson crushed the Flemish army of Philip van Artevelde. Flemings, victorious at the Battle of the Lys in 1381, were surprised by a French cavalry charge; van Artevelde was killed and about 20,000 Flemings perished. Victory restored the King of France's authority over rebel Flanders.
Historical context
After the 1382 Flemish revolt and urban militia victory at the Lys, Flemish cities threatened Count Louis de Male and the King of France. Charles VI, aged 14 but surrounded by Clisson and Constable of Sancerre, marched into Flanders to subdue rebellion by artisans and burghers of Ghent and Bruges.
Tactics
Flemings, fighting on foot in close order, held a strong defensive position. Clisson and Sancerre launched heavy cavalry charges on Flemish flanks before they could form pike hedgehogs. Reinforcing French infantry completed the rout; van Artevelde was killed in the melee.
Consequences
On 27 November 1382, the French victory at Roosebeke cost the Flemish militias around 26,000 dead; Philippe van Artevelde was found dead in a ditch. Flanders fell back under French influence, Charles VI's power was strengthened, and the Flemish urban revolt ended, despite the brutality of the repression.