Changes

John was eager for battle; he had by far the greater number in his army. ([[Froissart]] gives figures of about 8000 English facing at least 50,000 on the French side, including 3000 knights, although he is probably exaggerating – especially the French.)

John was eager for battle; he had by far the greater number in his army. ([[Froissart]] gives figures of about 8000 English facing at least 50,000 on the French side, including 3000 knights, although he is probably exaggerating – especially the French.)

The battle began on 19th September 1356 with the French vanguard advancing to be met by the inevitable and unrelenting rain of arrows from the 1000 or so archers firing from ditches and hedges on either side. One of the French divisions reached Edward’s position and there was some hand-to-hand fighting before they were forced back. Meanwhile the arrows kept coming.

The battle began on 19 September 1356 with the French vanguard advancing to be met by the inevitable and unrelenting rain of arrows from the 1000 or so archers firing from ditches and hedges on either side. One of the French divisions reached Edward’s position and there was some hand-to-hand fighting before they were forced back. Meanwhile the arrows kept coming.

King John with his main army advanced from the other side of the valley. Edward showed his greatness as a battle commander – he attacked along the whole line of battle. Everyone on the English side ran or rode at the enemy. The archers put their bows aside and attacked with their swords from the sides. A cavalry unit attaked from the rear. The French found themselves outflanked and in the desperate general fighting that followed were defeated. They were chased back to the walls of Poitiers. King John, one of his sons and over 2000 French barons and knights were captured. Many more died.

King John with his main army advanced from the other side of the valley. Edward showed his greatness as a battle commander – he attacked along the whole line of battle. Everyone on the English side ran or rode at the enemy. The archers put their bows aside and attacked with their swords from the sides. A cavalry unit attaked from the rear. The French found themselves outflanked and in the desperate general fighting that followed were defeated. They were chased back to the walls of Poitiers. King John, one of his sons and over 2000 French barons and knights were captured. Many more died.

[[Category: English History]]

[[Category:English History]]

[[Category: French History]]

[[Category:French History]]

[[Category: Battles]]  

[[Category:Battles]]  

[[Category: Medieval History]]

[[Category:Medieval History]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Poitiers, Battle of}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Poitiers, Battle of}}