Battle of Chiset facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Chiset |
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| Part of the Hundred Years' War | |||||||
 Battle of Chiset, miniature from Louis of Gruuthuse's manuscript of Froissart's Chronicles |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Kingdom of France | Kingdom of England | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Bertrand du Guesclin | John Devereux (POW) | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 1,500 | 700 | ||||||
The Battle of Chiset (also known as the Battle of Chizai or Battle of Chizé) was an important fight during the Hundred Years' War. It happened on March 21, 1373, near the town of Chizé in France. This battle was fought between the armies of England and France. The French won, which was a big step in getting back land they had lost.
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The Battle of Chiset
The Battle of Chiset was a key event in the long conflict known as the Hundred Years' War. It showed how the French were starting to win back control of their lands. This battle was especially important for the region of Poitou.
What Was the Hundred Years' War?
The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France. It lasted for more than 100 years, from 1337 to 1453. The main reason for the war was who should rule the French throne. English kings believed they had a right to it.
The war also involved control over important lands in France. These lands were valuable for trade and power. Many battles were fought over these territories.
Why Did This Battle Happen?
Before the Battle of Chiset, a peace agreement called the Treaty of Brétigny was signed in 1360. This treaty gave a large area of France, including Poitou, to England. However, the French king, Charles V, wanted these lands back.
He started a new part of the war, sometimes called the Caroline War. His goal was to reclaim all the territories England had taken. The Battle of Chiset was part of this big effort to get Poitou back.
Who Fought in the Battle?
The French army was led by a famous knight named Bertrand du Guesclin. He was known for his clever battle plans. Du Guesclin was the Constable of France, which meant he was the highest-ranking military leader.
The English forces were led by John Devereux. He was an English commander trying to protect the lands England held. The French had about 1,500 soldiers, while the English had around 700.
The Battle Unfolds
The French army had surrounded the town of Chizé. They were trying to capture it from the English. This is called a siege. The English sent a group of soldiers to help the people inside Chizé. This group was called a relief force.
Bertrand du Guesclin and his French army met this English relief force. The battle was fought outside the town. The French were well-prepared and used their numbers and tactics effectively.
What Happened After?
The French won a clear victory at the Battle of Chiset. The English relief force was defeated. Their commander, John Devereux, was captured by the French. This was a big blow to English power in the region.
This battle was the last major fight in the French campaign to take back Poitou. The French victory meant that English control over this area ended. It helped France regain much of the land they had lost earlier in the war.
