Battle of Crécy

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Crécy?

Subject:

Battle of Crécy

Known for:

A decisive 1346 English victory in the Hundred Years' War at Crécy-en-Ponthieu.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Crécy took place on 26 August 1346 in northern France between a French army commanded by King Philip VI and an English army led by King Edward III. The French attacked the English while they were traversing northern France during the Hundred Years' War, resulting in an English victory and heavy loss of life among the French. The English army had landed in the Cotentin Peninsula on 12 July. It had burnt a path of destruction through some of the richest lands in France to within 2 miles (3 km) of Paris, sacking many towns on the way. The English then marched north, hoping to link up with an allied Flemish army which had invaded from Flanders.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Hearing that the Flemish had turned back, and having temporarily outdistanced the pursuing French, Edward had his army prepare a defensive position on a hillside near Crécy-en-Ponthieu. Late on 26 August the French army, which greatly outnumbered the English, attacked. During a brief archery duel a large force of French mercenary crossbowmen was routed by Welsh and English longbowmen. The French then launched a series of cavalry charges by their mounted knights. These were disordered by their impromptu nature, by having to force their way through the fleeing crossbowmen, by the muddy ground, by having to charge uphill, and by the pits dug by the English.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The attacks were further broken up by effective shooting by the English archers, which caused heavy casualties. By the time the French charges reached the English men-at-arms, who had dismounted for the battle, they had lost much of their impetus. The ensuing hand-to-hand combat was described as "murderous, without pity, cruel, and very horrible." The French charges continued late into the night, all with the same result: fierce fighting followed by a French retreat. The English then laid siege to the port of Calais. The battle crippled the French army's ability to relieve the siege; the town fell to the English the following year and remained under English rule for more than two centuries, until 1558.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1346: 1346 Milestone — The Battle of Crécy took place on 26 August 1346 in northern France between a French army commanded by King Philip VI and an English army led by King Edward III.
2. 1558: 1558 Milestone — The battle crippled the French army's ability to relieve the siege; the town fell to the English the following year and remained under English rule for more than two centuries, until 1558.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Crécy

True or False: “The Battle of Crécy was fought primarily using disciplined pike formations against English archers.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The battle is historically noted for the effectiveness of the English longbowmen against French forces.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Battle of Crécy