Battle of Bonchurch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Bonchurch |
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| Part of the French invasion of the Isle of Wight during the Italian War of 1542–1546. | |||||||
 Monks Bay in 2008. French troops advanced from the bay before they reached St. Boniface Down, the location where the fighting took place. |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 England |
 France |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Robert Fyssher |
Le Seigneur de Tais |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 300-2800 militiamen | Approx 500 soldiers | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
The Battle of Bonchurch happened in July 1545 at Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight. We don't know the exact date, but it was likely around July 21. This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the Italian War of 1542–1546. It also happened during the French invasion of the Isle of Wight.
French soldiers landed in several places, including Bonchurch. Most reports say that England won this battle. This victory stopped the French from moving further across the island. The battle was fought between French regular soldiers and local English militiamen. About 500 French soldiers fought against an unknown number of English militiamen. Some sources say there were 300 English fighters, while others suggest 2,800. Captain Robert Fyssher led the English forces. The French were led by Le Seigneur de Tais.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
The Big War: Italian War of 1542-1546
The Battle of Bonchurch was a small part of a much larger war. This war was called the Italian War of 1542-1546. It started because of a disagreement between Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, and Francis I of France, the King of France.
England, led by King Henry VIII, joined forces with Charles V. France teamed up with the Ottoman Empire. After two years of fighting, Henry VIII and Charles V invaded France. In September 1544, English forces captured a French city called Boulogne. France tried to get it back but failed.
France Invades England
Peace talks between England and France didn't work. King Henry VIII refused to give Boulogne back. So, King Francis I of France decided to invade England. He hoped this would make Henry VIII return Boulogne. France gathered a huge army of 30,000 soldiers and about 400 ships. They sailed from Le Havre on July 16, 1545.
On July 18, French and English ships fought near the English coast. This was the start of the Battle of the Solent. The English ships were outnumbered and pulled back. They hoped to trick the French into shallow waters. But the French wanted to fight in open waters where they could surround the English.
To make the English ships leave their safe spot, the French decided to invade the Isle of Wight. They planned to burn buildings and crops. France also hoped that people on the island would join them and fight against England. This way, the island could become a French base. French troops landed on July 21.
Preparing for Battle
During this time, many men in England were trained to fight. They were expected to defend their country if needed. Sir Richard Worsley, the Captain of the Isle of Wight, was a skilled leader. He had help from Sir Edward Bellingham, a regular army officer.
The French plan at Bonchurch was likely to burn nearby towns like Wroxall and Appuldurcombe. They also wanted to capture St. Boniface Down, a high area. From there, they could connect with other French troops landing near Sandown. The area around Bonchurch was important. It had a safe place for ships to anchor and a source of fresh water.
The Fight Begins
About 2,000 French troops landed in three different spots on the coast. Around 500 of them landed at Bonchurch. There was no resistance when they landed. The French soldiers then started moving inland. They went up the steep, wooded hills.
The local Isle of Wight militia quickly learned about the French invasion. Three hundred of them, led by Captain Robert Fyssher, were already waiting. They were at St. Boniface Down, ready for the French to come from Monks Bay.
The Battle of Bonchurch
We don't have a full story of exactly what happened during the battle. It might have started at dawn and lasted until midday. Some stories even say that local women helped by shooting arrows at the French soldiers.
Who Won?
Most sources agree that the English won the battle at Bonchurch. The English forces took a strong defensive spot. They were protected by cliffs on the sides and hidden by woods.
One unofficial story claims the French won. It says the first French attack was pushed back. But the French commander, Le Seigneur de Tais, encouraged his troops. They attacked again in a special fighting formation. This story says that after many people were hurt on both sides, the English line broke. The militia ran away. It even claims Captain Robert Fyssher offered money for a horse to escape because he was too heavy to run. But no horse could be found. This story suggests the captain was either killed or captured and thrown into the sea. However, almost all other reliable sources say it was a clear English victory.
What Happened After
Many soldiers were hurt or killed on both sides. A few days later, another small fight happened. English soldiers fought Frenchmen who had left their ships to find fresh water. A high-ranking French commander, Chevalier D'Aux, was killed.
The English victory at Bonchurch did not change the whole war much. It only involved a small part of the armies fighting. Even if the French had captured the island, it probably wouldn't have changed the war's outcome. Bigger areas were being fought over.
However, the Isle of Wight could have been useful for France. Claude d'Annebault, the French armada commander, wrote that if they controlled the island, they could control Portsmouth. This would force England to spend a lot of money keeping a large army and navy to stop them. Some sources say the English victory at Bonchurch made the French leave the island. But the story that claims a French victory says fighting at Bembridge was what finally made the French leave.
Images for kids
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Monks Bay in 2008. French troops advanced from the bay before they reached St. Boniface Down, the location where the fighting took place.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Bonchurch para niños
