The Battle of Calais (1346-1347): A Pivotal Event in the Hundred Years’ War
The Battle of Calais, fought between the forces of England and France from 1346 to 1347, is one of the defining episodes of the Hundred Years’ War. This conflict, a series of battles, skirmishes, and sieges, was fought between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, spanning over 116 years (1337–1453). The siege of Calais stands out not only because of its military significance but also due to its socio-political ramifications, which deeply affected the course of the war.
Background to the Battle: The Hundred Years’ War
The Hundred Years’ War was primarily driven by territorial disputes and claims to the French throne. The conflict began in 1337, when Edward III of England asserted his right to the French throne through his mother, Isabella of France, who was the daughter of the French king Philip IV. The French crown, however, passed to Philip VI, and the war began as a result of the rivalry between these two monarchs and their respective kingdoms.
While the war’s main theaters were fought on French soil, the English managed several significant victories that shifted the balance of power in their favor. The Battle of Calais, which became one of these pivotal moments, was not just about territorial conquest but also about the control of vital ports and resources along the English Channel.
The Siege of Calais: Context and Strategic Importance
The port city of Calais, located on the northern coast of France near the English Channel, was a critical asset for both the English and French. For the English, Calais served as a strategic gateway for trade and military operations across the Channel. It was vital for maintaining a foothold in France, facilitating military raids, and providing a launching point for future campaigns. For the French, controlling Calais was essential for safeguarding their coastline from English invasion.
In 1346, Edward III of England launched an invasion of France, advancing through Normandy and heading toward the strategically crucial port city of Calais. The English army, though significantly smaller than the French forces, had been emboldened by their previous victories, including the renowned Battle of Crécy in August 1346, where the English decisively defeated a larger French army.
After the Battle of Crécy, Edward turned his attention to the fortified city of Calais, which had withstood previous English attempts at capture. The siege began in September 1346 and lasted for nearly a year, as the English sought to force the city into submission through both military pressure and starvation tactics.
The Military Campaign
The siege of Calais was a grueling and methodical process. The English forces, led by King Edward III and his trusted commanders, surrounded the city and cut off its access to supplies, effectively starving the inhabitants into submission. The defenders of Calais, commanded by the French, made several attempts to break the siege but were unable to dislodge the English. With dwindling supplies and morale plummeting, the French defenders, who included both local militias and professional soldiers, found themselves trapped.
The English siege techniques included constructing siege works, such as earthworks and wooden structures, to move closer to the city walls while minimizing their own exposure to French attacks. Longbowmen, whose effectiveness had been demonstrated at Crécy, played a crucial role in the siege by providing continuous harassing fire against the French defenders.
By early 1347, it became clear that Calais could not withstand the siege much longer. The French sent multiple attempts to relieve the city, but they failed to break the English blockade. With no reinforcements and supplies running out, the situation became dire for the French defenders.
The Surrender of Calais
In the face of mounting pressure, the French commander in Calais, Jean de Vienne, was left with no choice but to negotiate with Edward III. On 3 August 1347, the city of Calais finally surrendered to the English, bringing an end to the long and arduous siege. The terms of the surrender were harsh but allowed for the safety of the city’s remaining inhabitants.
Edward demanded that six prominent citizens of Calais—identified as wealthy and influential members of the community—be sent out to him in a gesture of submission. These men, known as the “burghers of Calais,” were to offer their lives to the English king in exchange for the mercy of their fellow citizens. The dramatic story of their self-sacrifice has been immortalized in various artistic works, most famously in the monument by French sculptor Auguste Rodin.
The six burghers—Eustache de Saint Pierre, Jean de Fiennes, Pierre de Wissant, Jacques de Wissant, Jean de Dammartin, and André de Chenille—willingly gave themselves up to Edward III, who, moved by their bravery, spared their lives. This act of mercy marked a significant moment in the siege and has been interpreted in various historical and literary contexts as a reflection of both the brutality and the chivalric ideals of the time.
The Aftermath: English Control of Calais
The capture of Calais had significant long-term consequences. With the port city now firmly in English hands, Edward III was able to establish a permanent English presence in France. Calais became a vital stronghold, serving as the center for English military operations in France for over two centuries.
For the French, the loss of Calais was a bitter blow. The city had been an essential point for controlling access to the Channel, and its fall marked a dramatic shift in the strategic landscape. The French monarchy, under King Philip VI, was humiliated by the defeat, and Calais would remain under English control until 1558, long after the Hundred Years’ War had ended.
The fall of Calais also had political ramifications within France, leading to a breakdown in morale among the French nobility and populace. In addition to the military defeat, the psychological impact of losing such an important city weighed heavily on the French.
Conclusion: The Significance of the Battle of Calais
The Battle of Calais (1346-1347) is often remembered as a crucial turning point in the Hundred Years’ War. While it was not a battle in the conventional sense, the siege and its aftermath were instrumental in shifting the momentum of the war in favor of England. Calais became a symbol of English determination and strategic acumen, cementing its importance in the English campaign to dominate France.
Beyond its immediate military and political effects, the siege of Calais revealed the complex nature of medieval warfare, combining siegecraft, diplomacy, and personal sacrifice in ways that would leave a lasting impact on both French and English societies. It also underscored the enduring power of symbols, as the surrender of the burghers and Edward’s merciful decision would resonate through history as an act of both ruthless war and chivalric honor.
For centuries, Calais remained an English possession, and its capture marked the beginning of a new phase in the Hundred Years’ War, with the English expanding their influence on the continent. In the broader narrative of the conflict, the Battle of Calais remains a key moment of both military strategy and cultural legacy, a reminder of the toll that warfare takes on both victors and the vanquished.