Late Middle Ages 1328 – 1492
33 battles in this era

Late Middle Ages

1328 – 1492

The Hundred Years' War between France and England, marked by the heroic epic of Joan of Arc and emblematic battles at Agincourt (1415), Orléans (1429), and Castillon (1453).

33
Battles
17
Victories
13
Defeats
30
Major battles

Characteristics of the era

Hundred Years' War
Epic of Joan of Arc
Crisis of feudalism
Emergence of the modern state

Key figures

JoA
Joan of Arc
CV
Charles VII
DG
Du Guesclin

Battles of the era

1328 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Cassel

Cassel, county of Flanders (today Nord, France) · Revolt of Flemish towns against Count Louis de Nevers

On August 23, 1328, Philip VI of Valois, newly crowned king of France after the extinction of the direct Capetian dynasty, won an overwhelming and decisive victory against the rebellious Flemish militias led by Nicolaas Zannekin, a rich farmer who became a popular leader. The battle, which took place at the foot of Cassel Hill, saw Flemish insurgents launch a surprise nighttime attack on the sleeping French camp. Initially disorganized by this unexpected attack, the French troops managed to regroup under the energetic command of Philip VI. The counterattack of the French heavy cavalry, reinforced by the royal infantry, surrounded the communal militias and systematically massacred them. The Flemish losses were catastrophic: more than 9,000 dead, including Zannekin himself, compared to only 1,000 French losses. This bloody victory marks the brutal end of the revolt of the Flemish towns and allows Philip VI to assert his authority from the first months of his reign.

Philip VI of ValoisvsNicolaas Zannekin
1340 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of the Lock

Off the coast of L'Écluse, mouth of the Zwin (present-day Belgium) · Hundred Years' War

On June 24, 1340, the Battle of Sluis (Sluys in Flemish) constituted one of the largest and bloodiest naval battles of the entire European Middle Ages. Edward III of England, claiming the throne of France, won an overwhelming and total victory against the French fleet commanded by Hugues Quiéret and Nicolas Béhuchet. The battle took place in the shallow waters of the Zwin estuary near L'Écluse, where the French had massed around 190 ships (including many armed merchant vessels) in tight defensive formation, the ships linked by chains to form an impassable wall. Facing them, Edward III aligned a motley but effective fleet of around 250 ships, made up of English, Genoese (commanded by Barbavera), and Hanseatic vessels. English tactical superiority, combined with the deadly efficiency of Welsh and English archers armed with longbows, proved decisive. The English archers, posted on the high castles in front of the ships, systematically decimated the French crews even before the collisions. The rigid formation of the French ships, although impressive, becomes a trap: it prevents any evasive maneuver and leaves the ships vulnerable to coordinated attacks. After several hours of intense combat, the French line was pierced in several places. The French ships, deprived of their crews decimated by arrows, were captured or sunk one after the other. French losses were catastrophic: around 16,000 to 18,000 sailors and soldiers killed or captured, while the English only suffered moderate losses. Almost the entire French fleet was destroyed or captured, depriving Philip VI of any offensive naval capability for many years.

Béhuchet and Hugues QuiéretvsEdward III of England
1340 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Saint-Omer

Saint-Omer, French Flanders (today Pas-de-Calais, France) · Hundred Years' War

On July 26, 1340, a month after the disastrous naval defeat at Sluis, the French won an important land victory at Saint-Omer, somewhat restoring the French military image after the maritime disaster. The battle pitted the French army commanded by Eudes IV of Burgundy (around 15,000 men) against a numerically superior Flemish-English coalition force (around 20,000 men) led by Robert III of Artois, claimant to the county of Artois and ally of Edward III of England. Robert III of Artois, who had been banished from France by Philip VI and had taken refuge in England, tried to reconquer his stronghold by relying on the uprising of Flemish towns and English military support. He briefly besieged Saint-Omer, a strategic stronghold controlling the roads to northern France. However, instead of enduring a prolonged siege, the French defenders, reinforced by Burgundian and royal troops, launched an aggressive and coordinated sortie that completely surprised the besiegers. French heavy cavalry, supported by infantry, charged the poorly prepared and disorganized Flemish lines. The Flemish troops, mainly poorly disciplined communal militias poorly equipped for combat in the open countryside, quickly gave way under the shock of the French charge. The rout was total: thousands of Flemings were killed or captured, while the French suffered only light losses. Robert III of Artois himself was mortally wounded in the battle and died shortly afterwards, depriving Edward III of a valuable ally and a claimant to the earldom of Artois.

Eudes IV of BurgundyvsRobert III of Artois
1342 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Champtoceaux

Champtoceaux, Duchy of Brittany (today Maine-et-Loire, France) · War of the British Succession

On October 18, 1342, the Battle of Champtoceaux constituted a major and momentarily decisive victory for Charles of Blois in the War of the Brittany Succession. This battle saw the capture of his rival John of Montfort, an event which seemed likely to end the conflict in favor of the French camp. Champtoceaux, a strategic fortress located on the banks of the Loire, was besieged and stormed by the troops of Charles of Blois, reinforced by French contingents. The forces of Charles of Blois, estimated at around 5,000 men (a mixture of French troops, Breton Lièges, and allies), quickly surrounded the place held by John of Montfort with only 3,000 Montfortist soldiers. The encirclement was followed by a coordinated assault that quickly broke the weakened defenses of the fortress. Losses on the French side were low, while the Montfortists suffered significant losses and saw their leader John of Montfort captured and taken captive to Paris. This capture represented an apparent triumph for Charles of Blois and Philip VI, appearing to end John of Montfort's claim to the Duchy of Brittany. However, the resilience of the Montfortist camp, led by Jeanne de Flanders (wife of John of Montfort, nicknamed 'Jeanne la Flamme' for her indomitable character), with the continued support of the English, transformed this victory into a temporary success rather than a definitive end to the conflict.

Charles of BloisvsJohn of Montfort
1342 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Morlaix

Morlaix, Duchy of Brittany (today Finistère, France) · War of the British Succession

On September 20, 1342, the Battle of Morlaix represented a significant tactical defeat for Charles of Blois and early illustrated the English tactical superiority that would characterize the Hundred Years' War. This battle pitted around 4,000 men of Charles of Blois' French and Breton troops against a significantly numerically inferior (around 1,500 men) but tactically superior English force, commanded by Walter Manny (an experienced English knight) and William Bohun, Earl of Northampton (one of the best English commanders). The English, who had landed in Brittany to support the cause of John of Montfort (then captive but whose cause was defended by his wife Jeanne la Flamme), strategically entrenched themselves in a wood near Morlaix. This advantageous defensive position forces the French to attack in difficult and disadvantaged terrain. The English archers, positioned in the forest cover and on elevations, systematically decimated the French troops who were advancing in the open. The French cavalry's attempted charges were broken by volleys of arrows before even reaching the English positions. An English cavalry counterattack, carried out at the opportune moment when the French were disorganized and weakened, completed the French defeat. French losses were significant, while the English suffered only moderate losses (although both English commanders were wounded). This battle foreshadows the great French defeats to come, notably Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), by demonstrating the formidable effectiveness of the combination of long-range archers and defensive position.

Charles of BloisvsWalter Manny and William Bohun
1342 Late Middle Ages Indecisive

Battle of Vannes

Vannes, Duchy of Brittany (today Morbihan, France) · War of the British Succession

In December 1342, the Battle of Vannes represented a bloody and indecisive episode of the War of the Succession of Brittany, ending with diplomatic mediation imposed by the European powers alarmed by the intensity of the conflict. The fighting pitted the French and Breton troops of Charles of Blois (around 4,000 men) against the English and Montfortist forces (around 3,000 men) commanded by Robert of Artois and Walter Manny. Vannes, an important strategic city in the Duchy of Brittany, was besieged by the English who were trying to seize it to strengthen their positions. Charles of Blois launches a counter-offensive to lift the siege and retake the city. The fighting was exceptionally intense, characterized by repeated frontal assaults by the French against the English entrenched positions. The English resisted with determination, using their archers and infantry to repel the attacks. The engagement degenerated into a prolonged and confused melee, with heavy losses on both sides. A crucial event occurs during the fighting: Robert of Artois, experienced leader of the English forces and a former banished French nobleman, is mortally wounded. His death represents a significant loss for the English camp. The fighting continued until papal mediation, supported by the kings of France and England themselves, imposed a ceasefire and a diplomatic truce. This external intervention reflects the concern of the European powers about the escalation of the conflict and their desire to avoid a generalization of the war.

Charles of BloisvsRobert of Artois and Walter Manny
1345 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Bergerac

Bergerac, Guyenne (today Dordogne, France) · Hundred Years' War

In August 1345, the Battle of Bergerac constituted the first act of a dazzling English campaign in Guyenne which would mark a turning point in the Hundred Years' War. Henry of Lancaster, Earl of Derby and one of the best English commanders of the war, landed in Bordeaux with an elite force of around 1,500 men (English and pro-Plantagenet Gascon troops). He immediately launched a daring offensive campaign aimed at reconquering the territories lost by the English in Aquitaine. Bergerac, an important strategic town in Périgord controlling a crossing point on the Dordogne, is the first target. The English attack was characterized by speed, surprise, and remarkable tactical coordination. The French troops, commanded by Louis de Poitiers and estimated at around 3,000 men, were taken completely by surprise. The English attack before the French can gather and organize an effective defense. The English archers, strategically positioned, decimated the defenders before they could even react. Attempts at French resistance were quickly broken, and the French army retreated in disorder, leaving Bergerac in English hands. This resounding victory, obtained against a numerically superior force, opened the way for a series of English successes in Guyenne and demonstrated English tactical superiority in rapid offensive operations.

Louis of PoitiersvsHenry of Lancaster
1345 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Auberoche

Auberoche, Guyenne (today Dordogne, France) · Hundred Years' War

On October 21, 1345, the Battle of Auberoche constituted one of the most brilliant tactical victories of the entire Hundred Years' War and the military masterpiece of Henry of Lancaster, Earl of Derby. This battle saw an elite English force of around 1,200 men triumph against a French siege army of around 7,000 men, a French numerical superiority of almost 6 to 1. The initial situation seemed hopeless for the English: an English garrison entrenched in the castle of Auberoche was besieged by a powerful French army commanded by Louis of Poitiers. Henry of Lancaster, informed of the critical situation, organized a daring and perfectly coordinated counterattack. The English attack, launched at nightfall to maximize the effect of surprise, combined several tactical elements in a remarkable manner: the English archers, positioned on a height dominating the French camp, systematically bombarded the French positions, creating confusion and inflicting significant losses. Meanwhile, the English infantry attacked from the front, while a cavalry charge, bypassing the French camp by a ford, struck the French from the rear. This coordinated attack on several simultaneous fronts completely disorganized the French army, which, surprised and attacked from all sides, fell into panic. The French rout was total: around 1,000 dead or wounded, many knights captured including Louis de Poitiers himself, while English losses were minimal. This victory, obtained against a vastly superior force, demonstrates the absolute tactical superiority of English methods and marks a major psychological turning point in the war.

Louis of PoitiersvsHenry of Lancaster
1346 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Crécy

Crecy-en-Ponthieu, France · Hundred Years' War

On August 26, 1346, the Battle of Crécy constituted one of the greatest defeats in French military history and a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years' War. This battle saw the army of Edward III of England (approximately 16,000 men: 4,000 cavalry, 7,000 archers, 5,000 infantrymen) inflict a crushing defeat on the French army of Philip VI of Valois (approximately 20,000 men: knights, infantrymen, French archers, and Genoese mercenaries). The battle took place on a hill near Crécy-en-Ponthieu, where Edward III carefully chose an advantageous defensive position. The English deployed in three defensive divisions, with the longbow-wielding archers forming 'wedges' between the divisions of men-at-arms, creating a deadly chessboard formation. The French, confident in their numerical superiority and in the tradition of the heavy cavalry charge, launched a series of disorganized and hasty assaults. The Genoese crossbowmen, exhausted by a forced march, were sent first but were quickly decimated by the English archers whose range and rate of fire were greater. Then the French knights charged in a disorderly manner, without coordination, and were massacred by volleys of arrows from English longbows before even reaching the English lines. The successive charges all failed, transforming the battlefield into a mass grave where thousands of French knights lay. French losses were catastrophic: several thousand dead, including many high-ranking nobles (the King of Bohemia, the Count of Alençon, the Count of Flanders, and many other great lords). English losses are minimal. This crushing defeat marks the end of the superiority of heavy chivalry and the advent of English tactical superiority based on archery and defense.

Philip VI of ValoisvsEdward III of England
1349 Late Middle Ages Indecisive

Battle of Lunalonge

Lunalonge, Poitou (France) · Hundred Years' War

In the summer of 1349, in Poitou, Jean de Lille intercepted with about 1,500 men the column of Thomas Coke, some 500 Anglo-Gascon horsemen strong. The fighting went to the tactical advantage of the Anglo-Gascons, who withdrew with their prisoners; but they had to do so on foot, the French having captured most of their mounts. The outcome remained indecisive, and the location of the fight, traditionally placed near Limalonges, is still uncertain.

Jean de LillevsThomas Coke
1349 Late Middle Ages Victory

Capture of Calais

Calais, France · Hundred Years' War

In late December 1349, Geoffroi de Charny gathered around 500 lances to retake Calais through a plot with English governor Amery de Pavie. Forewarned, Edward III set a trap: the French were surprised and captured in the castle tower.

Geoffrey of CharnyvsAmery of Pavia
1351 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Saintes

Saintes, Saintonge (France) · Hundred Years' War

A pitched engagement near Saintes between French forces led by Jean de Clermont and English troops occupying the region. The battle turns in favor of the French after a decisive cavalry charge.

Jean de ClermontvsEnglish under Thomas Dagworth
1352 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Mauron

Mauron, Brittany (France) · War of the Breton Succession (Hundred Years' War)

On 14 August 1352, near Mauron in Brittany, Marshal Guy II de Nesle's Franco-Breton army was defeated by Gautier de Bentley's Anglo-Bretons positioned on a dominant hill; the marshal was killed and the Montfortist victory suspended major offensives by Charles de Blois's party for eleven years.

Guy II de NeslevsAnglo-Breton troops commanded by Gauthier de Bentley
1356 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Poitiers

Nouaillé-Maupertuis, near Poitiers (France) · Hundred Years' War

On 19 September 1356 at Nouaillé-Maupertuis near Poitiers, John II the Good attempted to intercept the chevauchée of Edward, the Black Prince. Despite clear numerical superiority, the French army attacked a strong Anglo-Gascon defensive position and suffered catastrophic defeat: the king was captured with his son Philip and many great lords.

John II of FrancevsEdward
1362 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Brignais

Brignais, near Lyon (France) · Free Companies / Hundred Years' War (post-Poitiers context)

The royal army attempts to surprise the Free Companies established near Lyon. But the latter, well informed, lay an ambush. The French army is crushed. The Count of La Marche and many nobles are killed.

Jacques de BourbonvsFree Companies
1364 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Cocherel

Cocherel, near Évreux (Normandy, France) · Hundred Years' War (support for Charles V against Charles the Bad)

On 16 May 1364 at Cocherel in the Eure, Bertrand du Guesclin won a decisive victory over troops of King Charles II the Bad of Navarre, allied with the English. Fought during the Hundred Years' War and War of the Breton Succession, the battle consolidated authority of the Dauphin Charles (future Charles V) and made Du Guesclin France's chief military leader.

Bertrand du GuesclinvsArmy of Charles II of Navarre
1364 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Auray

Auray, Brittany (France) · War of the Breton Succession

The battle pits partisans of Charles de Blois, supported by France, against those of John de Montfort, backed by England. Despite a solid engagement by Du Guesclin, French forces are defeated. Charles de Blois is killed, Du Guesclin taken prisoner.

Bertrand du GuesclinvsJohn de Montfort
1372 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of La Rochelle

Roadstead of La Rochelle, Atlantic coast (France) · Hundred Years' War

On 22 June 1372 off La Rochelle, Admiral Ambrosio Boccanegra's Castilian fleet destroyed the English naval army commanded by John Hastings, Earl of Pembroke. Of 120 English ships, 63 to 80 were sunk or captured; Pembroke was taken prisoner. The battle ended English naval superiority in the Channel and allowed Charles V to regain the land initiative in the Hundred Years' War.

Ambrosio BoccanegravsEnglish fleet commanded by the Earl of Pembroke
1373 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Chizé

Chizé, Poitou (France) · Hundred Years' War

As John of Gaunt leads a massive chevauchée from north to south across France, the French manage to harass his rearguard near Chizé. A coordinated attack by royal forces surprises the English and inflicts severe losses.

Bertrand du Guesclin and Louis de SancerrevsEnglish rearguard of John of Gaunt
1382 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Roosebeke

Roosebeke, Flanders (present-day Belgium) · Flemish urban revolt / Hundred Years' War (broader context)

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.

Charles VI of FrancevsRebel Flemish militias commanded by Philip van Artevelde
1383 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Dunkirk

Dunkirk, County of Flanders (present-day France) · Flemish revolts and crusade of Urban VI

Franco-Burgundian forces intercept Flemish and English troops near Dunkirk during an expedition launched by the Bishop of Norwich as part of a crusade against partisans of the Avignon pope. The battle turns in favor of the French after a decisive charge of heavy cavalry.

Louis II of Flanders and Jean de ViennevsFlemish militias and English troops led by Henry Despenser
1407 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Genoa

Port of Genoa, Ligurian Sea (Italy) · Franco-Genoese conflicts (Mediterranean dominance)

In a context of commercial and political rivalry, the French fleet led by Louis II of Anjou engages the Genoese fleet in the port of Genoa. Through skillful use of naval artillery and a surprise landing in the arsenal, the French inflict a heavy defeat on the Republic of Genoa.

Louis II of AnjouvsRepublic of Genoa
1415 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Agincourt

Agincourt, Artois (France) · Hundred Years' War

On 25 October 1415 (Saint Crispin's Day), near Azincourt in Artois, Henry V's army, weakened by disease and the Siege of Harfleur, inflicted a crushing defeat on numerically superior French forces. Charles VI, suffering from mental illness, did not command: the French host was led by Charles d'Albret, John of Bourbon, and Charles of Orléans. On muddy ground between two woods, French knightly charges disintegrated under volleys from English archers protected by stakes.

Charles d'AlbretvsHenry V of England
1421 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Baugé

Baugé, Anjou (France) · Hundred Years' War

Taking advantage of an imprudent separation between the English vanguard and its infantry, Scottish troops commanded by John Stewart of Darnley attack the English led by the Duke of Clarence from the flank. The latter dies in combat, triggering panic and English retreat.

John Stewart of DarnleyvsThomas of Lancaster
1423 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Cravant

Cravant, Yonne (France) · Hundred Years' War

The Franco-Scottish army attempts to cross the Yonne at Cravant to regain the initiative in the north. Anglo-Burgundian forces attack while the enemy army is divided by the river. The Scots fight valiantly but are overwhelmed by English archery and combined charges. Complete rout of the Dauphin's troops.

Sir John Stewart of AubignyvsThomas Montagu
1424 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Verneuil

Verneuil-sur-Avre, Normandy (France) · Hundred Years' War

On 17 August 1424 at Verneuil-sur-Avre in Normandy, the Franco-Scottish army of Duke John V of Brittany and Constable Buchan was crushed by the Anglo-Burgundian forces of John, Duke of Bedford. The Scots, considered invincible since Baugé (1421), suffered a bloody defeat: about 6,000 dead out of 6,500 engaged. The battle consolidated English dominance in France and opened the way to the conquest of Maine.

John Stewart of DarnleyvsHenry V of England
1429 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Orléans

Orléans, Loire Valley (France) · Hundred Years' War

From 12 October 1428 to 8 May 1429, the English besieged Orléans, the last major Loire valley city held by the 'King of Bourges.' Joan of Arc's arrival in April 1429 revived defenders' morale; a series of coordinated assaults on English bastions led to the lifting of the siege, the first major French success in decades.

Joan of ArcvsEnglish army commanded by William de la Pole
1429 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Patay

Patay, Orléanais (France) · Hundred Years' War

On 18 June 1429 at Patay near Orléans, the French vanguard under La Hire and Xaintrailles crushed an English foraging detachment. French cavalry inflicted heavy losses on English archers whose cavalry fled; nearly all senior English commanders were captured. A turning point in the Hundred Years' War, the victory opened the road to Reims.

Jean de Dunois and La HirevsEnglish army commanded by John Talbot and Richard Beauchamp
1450 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Formigny

Formigny, Normandy (France) · Hundred Years' War

On 15 April 1450 near Formigny in Normandy, Charles VII's French, initially outnumbered, won a decisive victory thanks to the arrival of Arthur de Richemont's Breton cavalry. The English field army in Normandy was destroyed; reconquest of the duchy accelerated.

Jean de BourbonvsJohn Talbot
1453 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Castillon

Castillon-la-Bataille, Gironde (France) · Hundred Years' War

On 17 July 1453 at Castillon in Guyenne, Charles VII's army destroyed John Talbot's English forces using concentrated field artillery deployed by the Bureau brothers. The last major battle of the Hundred Years' War, it ended English presence in Aquitaine except Calais.

Jean BureauvsJohn Talbot
1465 Late Middle Ages Indecisive

Battle of Montlhéry

Montlhéry, Île-de-France (France) · League of the Public Weal (feudal war in France)

An indecisive battle opposing the troops of King Louis XI to Burgundian forces of Charles the Bold. Despite several violent engagements, neither side manages to impose total domination on the battlefield.

Louis XIvsCharles the Bold
1479 Late Middle Ages Defeat

Battle of Guinegatte

Guinegatte, Artois (France) · Franco-Burgundian War

The battle pits French forces against those of Maximilian I, heir to the Burgundian Netherlands, in a struggle for control of former ducal territories. Despite fierce resistance, the French are defeated, consolidating Habsburg presence.

Maximilian I of HabsburgvsFrench army commanded by Louis d'Armagnac
1488 Late Middle Ages Victory

Battle of Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier

Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier, Brittany (France) · Mad War (Breton feudal rebellion)

The battle pits royal French troops against Breton insurgents and their European allies. French victory ends the Mad War and durably weakens Breton resistance to integration into the kingdom.

Anne de BeaujeuvsBreton coalition

Era timeline

1328

Battle of Cassel

1328-08-23

On August 23, 1328, Philip VI of Valois, newly crowned king of France after the extinction of the direct Capetian dynasty, won an overwhelming and decisive victory against the rebellious Flemish militias led by Nicolaas Zannekin, a rich farmer who became a popular leader. The battle, which took place at the foot of Cassel Hill, saw Flemish insurgents launch a surprise nighttime attack on the sleeping French camp. Initially disorganized by this unexpected attack, the French troops managed to regroup under the energetic command of Philip VI. The counterattack of the French heavy cavalry, reinforced by the royal infantry, surrounded the communal militias and systematically massacred them. The Flemish losses were catastrophic: more than 9,000 dead, including Zannekin himself, compared to only 1,000 French losses. This bloody victory marks the brutal end of the revolt of the Flemish towns and allows Philip VI to assert his authority from the first months of his reign.

Cassel, county of Flanders (today Nord, France)
Victory
1340

Battle of the Lock

1340-06-24

On June 24, 1340, the Battle of Sluis (Sluys in Flemish) constituted one of the largest and bloodiest naval battles of the entire European Middle Ages. Edward III of England, claiming the throne of France, won an overwhelming and total victory against the French fleet commanded by Hugues Quiéret and Nicolas Béhuchet. The battle took place in the shallow waters of the Zwin estuary near L'Écluse, where the French had massed around 190 ships (including many armed merchant vessels) in tight defensive formation, the ships linked by chains to form an impassable wall. Facing them, Edward III aligned a motley but effective fleet of around 250 ships, made up of English, Genoese (commanded by Barbavera), and Hanseatic vessels. English tactical superiority, combined with the deadly efficiency of Welsh and English archers armed with longbows, proved decisive. The English archers, posted on the high castles in front of the ships, systematically decimated the French crews even before the collisions. The rigid formation of the French ships, although impressive, becomes a trap: it prevents any evasive maneuver and leaves the ships vulnerable to coordinated attacks. After several hours of intense combat, the French line was pierced in several places. The French ships, deprived of their crews decimated by arrows, were captured or sunk one after the other. French losses were catastrophic: around 16,000 to 18,000 sailors and soldiers killed or captured, while the English only suffered moderate losses. Almost the entire French fleet was destroyed or captured, depriving Philip VI of any offensive naval capability for many years.

Off the coast of L'Écluse, mouth of the Zwin (present-day Belgium)
Defeat
1340

Battle of Saint-Omer

1340-07-26

On July 26, 1340, a month after the disastrous naval defeat at Sluis, the French won an important land victory at Saint-Omer, somewhat restoring the French military image after the maritime disaster. The battle pitted the French army commanded by Eudes IV of Burgundy (around 15,000 men) against a numerically superior Flemish-English coalition force (around 20,000 men) led by Robert III of Artois, claimant to the county of Artois and ally of Edward III of England. Robert III of Artois, who had been banished from France by Philip VI and had taken refuge in England, tried to reconquer his stronghold by relying on the uprising of Flemish towns and English military support. He briefly besieged Saint-Omer, a strategic stronghold controlling the roads to northern France. However, instead of enduring a prolonged siege, the French defenders, reinforced by Burgundian and royal troops, launched an aggressive and coordinated sortie that completely surprised the besiegers. French heavy cavalry, supported by infantry, charged the poorly prepared and disorganized Flemish lines. The Flemish troops, mainly poorly disciplined communal militias poorly equipped for combat in the open countryside, quickly gave way under the shock of the French charge. The rout was total: thousands of Flemings were killed or captured, while the French suffered only light losses. Robert III of Artois himself was mortally wounded in the battle and died shortly afterwards, depriving Edward III of a valuable ally and a claimant to the earldom of Artois.

Saint-Omer, French Flanders (today Pas-de-Calais, France)
Victory
1342

Battle of Champtoceaux

1342-10-18

On October 18, 1342, the Battle of Champtoceaux constituted a major and momentarily decisive victory for Charles of Blois in the War of the Brittany Succession. This battle saw the capture of his rival John of Montfort, an event which seemed likely to end the conflict in favor of the French camp. Champtoceaux, a strategic fortress located on the banks of the Loire, was besieged and stormed by the troops of Charles of Blois, reinforced by French contingents. The forces of Charles of Blois, estimated at around 5,000 men (a mixture of French troops, Breton Lièges, and allies), quickly surrounded the place held by John of Montfort with only 3,000 Montfortist soldiers. The encirclement was followed by a coordinated assault that quickly broke the weakened defenses of the fortress. Losses on the French side were low, while the Montfortists suffered significant losses and saw their leader John of Montfort captured and taken captive to Paris. This capture represented an apparent triumph for Charles of Blois and Philip VI, appearing to end John of Montfort's claim to the Duchy of Brittany. However, the resilience of the Montfortist camp, led by Jeanne de Flanders (wife of John of Montfort, nicknamed 'Jeanne la Flamme' for her indomitable character), with the continued support of the English, transformed this victory into a temporary success rather than a definitive end to the conflict.

Champtoceaux, Duchy of Brittany (today Maine-et-Loire, France)
Victory
1342

Battle of Morlaix

September 20, 1342

On September 20, 1342, the Battle of Morlaix represented a significant tactical defeat for Charles of Blois and early illustrated the English tactical superiority that would characterize the Hundred Years' War. This battle pitted around 4,000 men of Charles of Blois' French and Breton troops against a significantly numerically inferior (around 1,500 men) but tactically superior English force, commanded by Walter Manny (an experienced English knight) and William Bohun, Earl of Northampton (one of the best English commanders). The English, who had landed in Brittany to support the cause of John of Montfort (then captive but whose cause was defended by his wife Jeanne la Flamme), strategically entrenched themselves in a wood near Morlaix. This advantageous defensive position forces the French to attack in difficult and disadvantaged terrain. The English archers, positioned in the forest cover and on elevations, systematically decimated the French troops who were advancing in the open. The French cavalry's attempted charges were broken by volleys of arrows before even reaching the English positions. An English cavalry counterattack, carried out at the opportune moment when the French were disorganized and weakened, completed the French defeat. French losses were significant, while the English suffered only moderate losses (although both English commanders were wounded). This battle foreshadows the great French defeats to come, notably Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), by demonstrating the formidable effectiveness of the combination of long-range archers and defensive position.

Morlaix, Duchy of Brittany (today Finistère, France)
Defeat
1342

Battle of Vannes

December 1342

In December 1342, the Battle of Vannes represented a bloody and indecisive episode of the War of the Succession of Brittany, ending with diplomatic mediation imposed by the European powers alarmed by the intensity of the conflict. The fighting pitted the French and Breton troops of Charles of Blois (around 4,000 men) against the English and Montfortist forces (around 3,000 men) commanded by Robert of Artois and Walter Manny. Vannes, an important strategic city in the Duchy of Brittany, was besieged by the English who were trying to seize it to strengthen their positions. Charles of Blois launches a counter-offensive to lift the siege and retake the city. The fighting was exceptionally intense, characterized by repeated frontal assaults by the French against the English entrenched positions. The English resisted with determination, using their archers and infantry to repel the attacks. The engagement degenerated into a prolonged and confused melee, with heavy losses on both sides. A crucial event occurs during the fighting: Robert of Artois, experienced leader of the English forces and a former banished French nobleman, is mortally wounded. His death represents a significant loss for the English camp. The fighting continued until papal mediation, supported by the kings of France and England themselves, imposed a ceasefire and a diplomatic truce. This external intervention reflects the concern of the European powers about the escalation of the conflict and their desire to avoid a generalization of the war.

Vannes, Duchy of Brittany (today Morbihan, France)
Indecisive
1345

Battle of Bergerac

August 1345

In August 1345, the Battle of Bergerac constituted the first act of a dazzling English campaign in Guyenne which would mark a turning point in the Hundred Years' War. Henry of Lancaster, Earl of Derby and one of the best English commanders of the war, landed in Bordeaux with an elite force of around 1,500 men (English and pro-Plantagenet Gascon troops). He immediately launched a daring offensive campaign aimed at reconquering the territories lost by the English in Aquitaine. Bergerac, an important strategic town in Périgord controlling a crossing point on the Dordogne, is the first target. The English attack was characterized by speed, surprise, and remarkable tactical coordination. The French troops, commanded by Louis de Poitiers and estimated at around 3,000 men, were taken completely by surprise. The English attack before the French can gather and organize an effective defense. The English archers, strategically positioned, decimated the defenders before they could even react. Attempts at French resistance were quickly broken, and the French army retreated in disorder, leaving Bergerac in English hands. This resounding victory, obtained against a numerically superior force, opened the way for a series of English successes in Guyenne and demonstrated English tactical superiority in rapid offensive operations.

Bergerac, Guyenne (today Dordogne, France)
Defeat
1345

Battle of Auberoche

October 21, 1345

On October 21, 1345, the Battle of Auberoche constituted one of the most brilliant tactical victories of the entire Hundred Years' War and the military masterpiece of Henry of Lancaster, Earl of Derby. This battle saw an elite English force of around 1,200 men triumph against a French siege army of around 7,000 men, a French numerical superiority of almost 6 to 1. The initial situation seemed hopeless for the English: an English garrison entrenched in the castle of Auberoche was besieged by a powerful French army commanded by Louis of Poitiers. Henry of Lancaster, informed of the critical situation, organized a daring and perfectly coordinated counterattack. The English attack, launched at nightfall to maximize the effect of surprise, combined several tactical elements in a remarkable manner: the English archers, positioned on a height dominating the French camp, systematically bombarded the French positions, creating confusion and inflicting significant losses. Meanwhile, the English infantry attacked from the front, while a cavalry charge, bypassing the French camp by a ford, struck the French from the rear. This coordinated attack on several simultaneous fronts completely disorganized the French army, which, surprised and attacked from all sides, fell into panic. The French rout was total: around 1,000 dead or wounded, many knights captured including Louis de Poitiers himself, while English losses were minimal. This victory, obtained against a vastly superior force, demonstrates the absolute tactical superiority of English methods and marks a major psychological turning point in the war.

Auberoche, Guyenne (today Dordogne, France)
Defeat
1346

Battle of Crécy

August 26, 1346

On August 26, 1346, the Battle of Crécy constituted one of the greatest defeats in French military history and a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years' War. This battle saw the army of Edward III of England (approximately 16,000 men: 4,000 cavalry, 7,000 archers, 5,000 infantrymen) inflict a crushing defeat on the French army of Philip VI of Valois (approximately 20,000 men: knights, infantrymen, French archers, and Genoese mercenaries). The battle took place on a hill near Crécy-en-Ponthieu, where Edward III carefully chose an advantageous defensive position. The English deployed in three defensive divisions, with the longbow-wielding archers forming 'wedges' between the divisions of men-at-arms, creating a deadly chessboard formation. The French, confident in their numerical superiority and in the tradition of the heavy cavalry charge, launched a series of disorganized and hasty assaults. The Genoese crossbowmen, exhausted by a forced march, were sent first but were quickly decimated by the English archers whose range and rate of fire were greater. Then the French knights charged in a disorderly manner, without coordination, and were massacred by volleys of arrows from English longbows before even reaching the English lines. The successive charges all failed, transforming the battlefield into a mass grave where thousands of French knights lay. French losses were catastrophic: several thousand dead, including many high-ranking nobles (the King of Bohemia, the Count of Alençon, the Count of Flanders, and many other great lords). English losses are minimal. This crushing defeat marks the end of the superiority of heavy chivalry and the advent of English tactical superiority based on archery and defense.

Crecy-en-Ponthieu, France
Defeat
1349

Battle of Lunalonge

1349

In the summer of 1349, in Poitou, Jean de Lille intercepted with about 1,500 men the column of Thomas Coke, some 500 Anglo-Gascon horsemen strong. The fighting went to the tactical advantage of the Anglo-Gascons, who withdrew with their prisoners; but they had to do so on foot, the French having captured most of their mounts. The outcome remained indecisive, and the location of the fight, traditionally placed near Limalonges, is still uncertain.

Lunalonge, Poitou (France)
Indecisive
1349

Capture of Calais

December 31, 1349

In late December 1349, Geoffroi de Charny gathered around 500 lances to retake Calais through a plot with English governor Amery de Pavie. Forewarned, Edward III set a trap: the French were surprised and captured in the castle tower.

Calais, France
Victory
1351

Battle of Saintes

1 April 1351

A pitched engagement near Saintes between French forces led by Jean de Clermont and English troops occupying the region. The battle turns in favor of the French after a decisive cavalry charge.

Saintes, Saintonge (France)
Victory
1352

Battle of Mauron

14 August 1352

On 14 August 1352, near Mauron in Brittany, Marshal Guy II de Nesle's Franco-Breton army was defeated by Gautier de Bentley's Anglo-Bretons positioned on a dominant hill; the marshal was killed and the Montfortist victory suspended major offensives by Charles de Blois's party for eleven years.

Mauron, Brittany (France)
Defeat
1356

Battle of Poitiers

19 September 1356

On 19 September 1356 at Nouaillé-Maupertuis near Poitiers, John II the Good attempted to intercept the chevauchée of Edward, the Black Prince. Despite clear numerical superiority, the French army attacked a strong Anglo-Gascon defensive position and suffered catastrophic defeat: the king was captured with his son Philip and many great lords.

Nouaillé-Maupertuis, near Poitiers (France)
Defeat
1362

Battle of Brignais

6 April 1362

The royal army attempts to surprise the Free Companies established near Lyon. But the latter, well informed, lay an ambush. The French army is crushed. The Count of La Marche and many nobles are killed.

Brignais, near Lyon (France)
Defeat
1364

Battle of Cocherel

16 May 1364

On 16 May 1364 at Cocherel in the Eure, Bertrand du Guesclin won a decisive victory over troops of King Charles II the Bad of Navarre, allied with the English. Fought during the Hundred Years' War and War of the Breton Succession, the battle consolidated authority of the Dauphin Charles (future Charles V) and made Du Guesclin France's chief military leader.

Cocherel, near Évreux (Normandy, France)
Victory
1364

Battle of Auray

29 September 1364

The battle pits partisans of Charles de Blois, supported by France, against those of John de Montfort, backed by England. Despite a solid engagement by Du Guesclin, French forces are defeated. Charles de Blois is killed, Du Guesclin taken prisoner.

Auray, Brittany (France)
Defeat
1372

Battle of La Rochelle

22 June 1372

On 22 June 1372 off La Rochelle, Admiral Ambrosio Boccanegra's Castilian fleet destroyed the English naval army commanded by John Hastings, Earl of Pembroke. Of 120 English ships, 63 to 80 were sunk or captured; Pembroke was taken prisoner. The battle ended English naval superiority in the Channel and allowed Charles V to regain the land initiative in the Hundred Years' War.

Roadstead of La Rochelle, Atlantic coast (France)
Victory
1373

Battle of Chizé

21 October 1373

As John of Gaunt leads a massive chevauchée from north to south across France, the French manage to harass his rearguard near Chizé. A coordinated attack by royal forces surprises the English and inflicts severe losses.

Chizé, Poitou (France)
Victory
1382

Battle of Roosebeke

27 November 1382

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.

Roosebeke, Flanders (present-day Belgium)
Victory
1383

Battle of Dunkirk

25 May 1383

Franco-Burgundian forces intercept Flemish and English troops near Dunkirk during an expedition launched by the Bishop of Norwich as part of a crusade against partisans of the Avignon pope. The battle turns in favor of the French after a decisive charge of heavy cavalry.

Dunkirk, County of Flanders (present-day France)
Victory
1407

Battle of Genoa

27 June 1407

In a context of commercial and political rivalry, the French fleet led by Louis II of Anjou engages the Genoese fleet in the port of Genoa. Through skillful use of naval artillery and a surprise landing in the arsenal, the French inflict a heavy defeat on the Republic of Genoa.

Port of Genoa, Ligurian Sea (Italy)
Victory
1415

Battle of Agincourt

25 October 1415

On 25 October 1415 (Saint Crispin's Day), near Azincourt in Artois, Henry V's army, weakened by disease and the Siege of Harfleur, inflicted a crushing defeat on numerically superior French forces. Charles VI, suffering from mental illness, did not command: the French host was led by Charles d'Albret, John of Bourbon, and Charles of Orléans. On muddy ground between two woods, French knightly charges disintegrated under volleys from English archers protected by stakes.

Agincourt, Artois (France)
Defeat
1421

Battle of Baugé

22 March 1421

Taking advantage of an imprudent separation between the English vanguard and its infantry, Scottish troops commanded by John Stewart of Darnley attack the English led by the Duke of Clarence from the flank. The latter dies in combat, triggering panic and English retreat.

Baugé, Anjou (France)
Victory
1423

Battle of Cravant

31 July 1423

The Franco-Scottish army attempts to cross the Yonne at Cravant to regain the initiative in the north. Anglo-Burgundian forces attack while the enemy army is divided by the river. The Scots fight valiantly but are overwhelmed by English archery and combined charges. Complete rout of the Dauphin's troops.

Cravant, Yonne (France)
Defeat
1424

Battle of Verneuil

17 August 1424

On 17 August 1424 at Verneuil-sur-Avre in Normandy, the Franco-Scottish army of Duke John V of Brittany and Constable Buchan was crushed by the Anglo-Burgundian forces of John, Duke of Bedford. The Scots, considered invincible since Baugé (1421), suffered a bloody defeat: about 6,000 dead out of 6,500 engaged. The battle consolidated English dominance in France and opened the way to the conquest of Maine.

Verneuil-sur-Avre, Normandy (France)
Defeat
1429

Battle of Orléans

8 May – 8 September 1429

From 12 October 1428 to 8 May 1429, the English besieged Orléans, the last major Loire valley city held by the 'King of Bourges.' Joan of Arc's arrival in April 1429 revived defenders' morale; a series of coordinated assaults on English bastions led to the lifting of the siege, the first major French success in decades.

Orléans, Loire Valley (France)
Victory
1429

Battle of Patay

18 June 1429

On 18 June 1429 at Patay near Orléans, the French vanguard under La Hire and Xaintrailles crushed an English foraging detachment. French cavalry inflicted heavy losses on English archers whose cavalry fled; nearly all senior English commanders were captured. A turning point in the Hundred Years' War, the victory opened the road to Reims.

Patay, Orléanais (France)
Victory
1450

Battle of Formigny

15 April 1450

On 15 April 1450 near Formigny in Normandy, Charles VII's French, initially outnumbered, won a decisive victory thanks to the arrival of Arthur de Richemont's Breton cavalry. The English field army in Normandy was destroyed; reconquest of the duchy accelerated.

Formigny, Normandy (France)
Victory
1453

Battle of Castillon

17 July 1453

On 17 July 1453 at Castillon in Guyenne, Charles VII's army destroyed John Talbot's English forces using concentrated field artillery deployed by the Bureau brothers. The last major battle of the Hundred Years' War, it ended English presence in Aquitaine except Calais.

Castillon-la-Bataille, Gironde (France)
Victory
1465

Battle of Montlhéry

16 July 1465

An indecisive battle opposing the troops of King Louis XI to Burgundian forces of Charles the Bold. Despite several violent engagements, neither side manages to impose total domination on the battlefield.

Montlhéry, Île-de-France (France)
Indecisive
1479

Battle of Guinegatte

7 August 1479

The battle pits French forces against those of Maximilian I, heir to the Burgundian Netherlands, in a struggle for control of former ducal territories. Despite fierce resistance, the French are defeated, consolidating Habsburg presence.

Guinegatte, Artois (France)
Defeat
1488

Battle of Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier

28 July 1488

The battle pits royal French troops against Breton insurgents and their European allies. French victory ends the Mad War and durably weakens Breton resistance to integration into the kingdom.

Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier, Brittany (France)
Victory

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